| abstract
| - New Iacon Main Commissary This massive, domed structure is a huge room, where Autobots can reside in their cubicles and socialize in their off-time. Window ports and a giant skylight create an arena-sized, airy environment. The view of New Iacon, from all directions, is hopeful. There is still much construction going on, but it looks as if it will be completed soon. People: Hot Rod * Whiz * Krystal * Silverbolt * Dixie * Thunder * Seaspray * Photon * Firestone * Optimus Prime * Perceptor * Firestone Optimus Prime looks around at the collected Autobots. "I am also unaware if my presence is even wanted at this gathering." Thunder looks to Optimus and smiles. Photon mutters "It had better be." Krystal glances at Optimus, relaxing slightly when she sees Hot Rod. Firestone says, "Okay, I can deal with that." Whiz hrms and blushes and wonders how easy it would be to sneak back into her lab. Firestone says, "It is wanted. Even if you are not who you appear to be, sir, you are still someone, still a living being." Firestone says, "And still an Autobot." Silverbolt frowns at that. "It is wanted Optimus." Seaspray gurgles, "That IS what counts, isn't it?" Photon glares at Firestone a little longer this time. Seaspray gurgles, "Regardless of who leads us..." Firestone says, "Regardless of who leads, yes." Perceptor nods to Seaspray, "We are Autobots." Optimus Prime shakes his head at Firestone, his face firm. "I am exactly who I think I am. I am Optimus Prime." Krystal tenses involuntarily, her eyes darting quickly to the source. Firestone says, "Yes, you are." Hot Rod shoots a sharp look at Firestone as he walks in. "Shut up, he knows how to organize an assault." Firestone says, "But we get into one of those logic things." Firestone says, "Is A equal to A or not." Firestone says, "That is, are you, Optimus Prime, the same as Optimus Prime who was on Earth those many vorn." Optimus Prime looks to Hot Rod and asks in a simple voice. "Who is in charge here?" Silverbolt ignores the conversation, directing his question directly at Optimus. "So, what is our plan, that is, if there is a plan right now?" Firestone says, "Course, then you have to define same." Firestone shrugs. Krystal looks at Hot Rod. Perceptor takes a step back, observing. Hot Rod blinks. "Uh.. you are." Thunder looks around the room at the evergrowing gathering Photon says "It doesn't matter. Beings change. For the better." to Firestone. Whiz says, "I thought Kup was." Whiz rises on tiptoes to see if she can find Kup in the crowd. Hot Rod shrugs. "I don't know. Kup's not here, is he?" Krystal says, "No." Optimus Prime nods decisively at Hot Rod's statement then turns to Silverbolt."Our plan is to start the movement under Polyhex so that we are in a strategic position to take down Darkmount. And to see if we can get Omega Supreme back." Optimus Prime says, "Does anyone know where Omega is?" Perceptor leans towards the group with the mention of Omega Supreme, "The device I have constructed will analyze his neural receptors and attempt to clear them." Kup arrives on the people-mover from the Iacon Base. Photon says, "No clue." Thunder shakes his head no. Firestar arrives on the people-mover from the Iacon Base. Optimus Prime looks at Perceptor. "What do you require to be able to activate it?" You say, "Question. Can we get BY the assault force they've got sitting on our front doorstep to DO that?" Photon says, "What assault force?"" Photon is suddenly very nervous. Firestar limps in and takes a seat in one of the chairs, still self healing. Optimus Prime looks sharply at Hot Rod. Perceptor frowns, "The first action will be to place it upon his head. There is no other way to fully penetrate the armor surrounding his neural center." Krystal hmms quietly. Perceptor continues, "Once it is on him, I have the activator code that can be radioed to it remotely." Silverbolt looks at Perceptor. "And how do we get it on his head?" Photon says, "Very, very carefully..." Optimus Prime says, "Explain, Hot Rod."" Perceptor smirks towards Silverbolt, "It will be no easy task." Krystal glances at Perceptor. Perceptor stops and turns his attention to Hot Rod. Photon walks around the crowd to stand by Thunder and Optimus. Kup stands sort of in a power position, but holding back in the presence of Optimus... is he really in charge? Silverbolt grins at Perceptor. "Tell me about it..." *Bolt also turns to Rod* You say, "Uhh.. you know. The guys who jump us every time we try to leave base? Okay, so maybe it's not an assault force, but it's not exactly an archeological research team, either." Firestar says, "I almost had Omega fixed....til he decided to make me part of the trench... Remeber, I've worked on his net before..." Krystal moves over to Firestar to say something quietly. Firestone pokes her sister, gently. Silverbolt shrugs at Rodimus. "Send a scout out, or perhaps a small group to Recon first. Then...we move?" Firestar winces a bit. Photon mutters to Thunder, "... feeling I'm... trashed..." Krystal mutters to Firestar, "... anyone... help...."" Optimus Prime says, "We take them down. Fast, hard, and now. Then a small group can get through to work on the tunnels" Kup says, "We can get past them. We will get past them" Krystal swallows, glancing at Optimus. Sunstreaker arrives on the people-mover from the Iacon Base. Photon says quietly "What about the tunnels? Did I miss something?" Thunder looks at Photon and whispers something Firestar mutters to Krystal. Firestone mutters to Firestar. Anna-Mecha arrives on the people-mover from the Iacon Base. Optimus Prime turns to Perceptor. "Get your device and pick the people we need to put it on Omega." Firestar mutters to Firestone, "Bout?" You say, "Well, we COULD sneak out the other way around, I just dunno about leaving with them so close to Iacon." Sunstreaker stands at attention like a good soldier Firestone mutters to Firestar, "Your..." Sunstreaker says, "Sorry I'm late, just gathering some last bit of info on the Warrens." Perceptor glances to Kup hesitatingly. Silverbolt turns to Perceptor now. "How big is this...device, Perceptor?" Anna-Mecha woahs. "Hey, guys, this tank is jus' sittin' outside by itself. Ah think that guy likes ta sit in it, the one that shot at Ed-Grimmy. Will he continue to pester the Autobots? Stay tuned." Optimus Prime looks at Anna-Mecha. "Do not worry, it will be taken care of." Photon says, "Tanks?" He's nervous. "Tanks outside?"" Krystal looks at Perceptor. Anna-Mecha says, "Jus' one tank." Seaspray nods to Anna, having seen her earlier today. Firestar shrugs at Firestone, and speaks aloud, not really caring, "If Optimus *demoted* me, he has his reasons." Anna-Mecha says, "Can you spell One? O-N-E..." Firestone says, "Anyone seen those arty shells? Airdropped mines?" Optimus Prime turns to Hot Rod, "Gather a group to help with the tunnels, if you would. Those not going with Perceptor or Hot Rod come with me to "discuss" this situation with the Decetpicons." Perceptor says, "It is quite large...it covers his head, provided his head-laser is removed." Firestone says, "Drop two or three of them, and no problem." Optimus Prime ignores Firestar Anna-Mecha giggles. "Won't you please, won't you please...please wocha beeeee, mah neighbor." You say, "Yeah, where you been Photon? They've been bugging us with that thing for days now." He grimaces slightly. "Haven't been able to gang up enough on em to take it out." Firestone says, "He doesn't seem to remember it, Star." Optimus Prime turns and walks out of the room, having given his assignments. Perceptor says, "I may need some help carrying the Modifier..." Optimus Prime steps on the people-mover, and heads south into Iacon Base. Silverbolt nods. "More to the point, how many will it take to carry it, and still maintain some agility?" Photon says, "I've been on . . . sabatical. Thinking over my life. I've been gone for a while, and it takes some getting used to being back. With others." Firestar gets up weakly, "Perceptor, need help?" Kup steps on the people-mover, and heads south into Iacon Base. Anna-Mecha says, "Can Ah 'elp?" Hot Rod exhales heavily. "Okay then. Who's with me for the sneak attack?" Krystal says, "Hot Rod...?" Thunder looks to Hot Rod "You can count me in..." Silverbolt looks at Anna. "I'm sure Rodi..er Hot Rod, can find something, Anna." Sunstreaker says, "Count me in." Tripwire arrives on the people-mover from the Iacon Base. Seaspray stands, with his arms folded across his chest. Thunder grins as Sunny volunteers Photon says, "Uh, I'd be better for if we need a scout somewhere..." Whiz urrrks. Hot Rod glances sharply at Silverbolt but lets it pass. "Yeah, Krystal?" Anna-Mecha snickers. "Help me, Hot Rod...Help help me, Hot Rod," she sings. Dixie shakes his head. "I'll stay here for anything that happens here Tripwire comes in. Perceptor nods towards Silverbolt as he enters Kup's Office. Perceptor has left. Whiz says, "Great. So much for the united opposition front." Tripwire says gruffly, "Hey, everyone...what's up?" Thunder transmits a message via radio. Anna-Mecha quotes, "Get Met, it pays." Photon says, "Where'd Perceptor go?" Thunder says, "When do we leave, Rod??" Krystal clears her throat, and asks quietly, "Where....?" Silverbolt follows Perceptor. Thunder receives a radio transmission. Silverbolt has left. Sunstreaker shoots Thunder a what's so funny look. Seaspray gurgles, "And who is officially going? This is the initial omega mission, right?" Tripwire listens in, "Mission?" Dixie will be leaving now Photon says, "Whoa...when'd Optimus leave? You think he'd be easy to spot leaving..." Firestone says, "Awaiting orders, Hot Rod." Hot Rod counts off ticks on his fingers. "Omega, Trypticon, Darkmount, that slagging tank, you name it. We hit em hard. Tripwire says gruffly, "Any way I can be of assistance?" Seaspray gurgles, "then we all should be going..." Anna-Mecha pouts, her ears lowering. "Ah don't like the tank, sugah." Photon says, "Uh, is there any mission not requiring actuall hitting?" HE grins sheepishly. "It's not my strong suit." Dixie struggles to make his way out Thunder says, "Hot Rod...I think you should just pick the team...and I think you should do it now." Tripwire says gruffly, "I'll volunteer." Anna-Mecha says, "Ooh, we're playin' Basketball?" You say, "Krystal.. wherever you think you'd do the most good. I really don't know." Whiz mimics in a slightly mocking voice, "We're gonna hit em hard, we're gonna hit em hard..." Sunstreaker says, "Well Rod, lead the way, we're behind you...until the cannons come into picture." You say, "Okay, so I have Tripwire, Sunstreaker and Thunder." He looks sharply at Whiz. "Are you volunteering?" Whiz snorts. "You need *someone* there to try to keep you all from dying." Photon sighs. He's being ignored... Anna-Mecha quotes, "72 hours? Man, we're not gunna last 72 f***ing minutes! Game over, maaaahn, game over...." Whiz's face is very dark. You say, "Photon, go talk to Perceptor. He might have something for you with Omega." Sunstreaker grumbles at Whiz's comment "Let's get moving." Photon says, "We won't last a minute without Prime." Seaspray gurgles, "Why ISN'T Prime going?" Thunder says, "Yeah, I think Prime should come too...and he left already..so we should get going." Sunstreaker says, "That's why he's probably in there Photon, he's got some brilliant military strategy, like at the battle of Autobot City" Dixie turns from the door. "I lied. You guys need all the help you need. I'm in, though I dunno how much help I'll be." Whiz says, "I just want you all to take a time out and think about what we're doing. We're walking into the mouth of hell."" Tripwire pulls a box from subspace...looks like a bomb...and makes a few adjustments, sticking it back into subspace, "I'm all set." You say, "Prime's going topside. We're the covert team, get it? Let's go, guys." Whiz says, "If you're going, I'm going too, but we're all going to get trashed together." Tripwire says gruffly, "You got it, Rod." Anna-Mecha claps. "Can Ah be sneaky? Ah luuuuv bein' sneaky!!" Photon says, "Hey, I'd go into hell as long as I had a good leader..." Seaspray gurgles, "Hot Rod, should I go as well? As a distraction more than anything?" Sunstreaker says, "We're soldiers, we follow orders. Case closed" Anna-Mecha says, "Please? Can ah can ah can ah!?!?" Whiz shrugs and calls her railgun from subspace. Thunder grins "Lead the way, Rod..." Tripwire says gruffly, "We're gonna need a diversion. Anyone here do holos?" Sunstreaker charges his weapons systems. Photon checks to make sure his paintbomb is working. Seaspray gurgles, "If it means ending this war, I'd gladly go..." Krystal says, "Diversion, huh?" Anna-Mecha says, "Ah can do a good B. Cambell." Sunstreaker says, "We can discuss this on the way, let's get moving." Tripwire says gruffly, "Yeah...or I could sneak someplace, set a bomb, and send them running that way." Sunstreaker seems a tad bit overeager to trash some cons. Krystal transmits a message via radio. Photon turns on his reaction-sprayer, sending a little purple paint against the far wall. Hot Rod nods to Sunstreaker. "Yeah, let's move." Anna-Mecha says, ""Alright you primitive screwheads, listen up..." She pulls her blaster out. "See this? This...is my BOOMSTICK!!! Double-barreled Remington. S-Mart's top of the line. You can find this in the sportings goods department. That's right, this baby was made in Grand Rapids Michigan...retails for about 189.95... walnut stock, cobalt steel, and a hair trigger. That's right, shop smart. Shop S-Mart....YOU GOT THAT???" Dixie pulls his shotgun fron subspace and promptly does that bolt-clicking-thing. Hot Rod turns and heads for the door. "Everyone on the covert operation, with me. You want in on the main assault, talk to Optimus." Thunder pulls out two of his swords. "Sunny's right, let's go." Firestar starts to get up, "Rod, what can I do to help? Krystal receives a radio transmission from Perceptor. Tripwire follows Rod. Sunstreaker says, "You can come with us, let's go" Photon says, "I'm with you, Rod. I'd rather be with Optimus, but I'm no good in a stand-up fight." Photon mutters "In any fight, really..." Anna-Mecha follows after Rod. "Cool, Ah'll go with lil' Roddy mouse!" Krystal transmits a message via radio. Photon pauses. Roddy mouse? Sunstreaker says, "Nuff chat, time for action" Tripwire says gruffly, "I agree. Let's go!" Thunder says, "If Prime is alone...perhaps I should go with him??" Photon says, "He's with Kup." Krystal receives a radio transmission. Firestar coughs heavily, spitting up a bit of energon. Thunder steps on the people-mover, and heads south into Iacon Base. Sunstreaker says, "And Prime can take care of himself, he can take on 5 cons at once." Hot Rod fixes Photon with an even look, then sweeps the rest of the room. "Look. Go where you want to be. I only want people with me who want to be on this job. It's not gonna be nice." Anna-Mecha glances at Firestar. "ewwww." Photon says, "Or one _big_ 'Con..." Anna-Mecha puts on a pair of shades. "ah'm not nice, see? Ah'm baaaaad." Sunstreaker becomes even more impatient and stamps his foot up and down Firestar says, "Rod...I'm coming, Ive had the most experience, with...Omega..." Seaspray gurgles, "C'mon autobots, lets get this over with!" You say, "Then go find Perceptor. We're going underground." Anna-Mecha should get a larger non-human size pair. Sunstreaker says, "Let's rock!!" Photon looks at Hot Rod. The last time he was on Cybertron, Rodimus Prime was sending him out on his first mission. "I stay with you. What I want doesn't matter, it's where I can help most." Tripwire says gruffly, "Yeah, lets go already!" Whiz says, "I'm not going with *him*, that's for sure." Perceptor has arrived. Silverbolt has arrived. Silverbolt walks into the room. Sunstreaker gets ready to transform as soon as Hot Rod does . Thunder arrives on the people-mover from the Iacon Base. Silverbolt is carrying something with him, that thing Perceptor described. Photon says, "What we do today . . . we do in the name of peace for all Cybertron." Hot Rod nods shortly and ducks (ducks, *again*) through the doorway to the south. Thunder says, "Prime will be okay, let's go." Perceptor stands as tall as he can and says, "I will need a lot of firepower and wits for this mission." You step on the people-mover, and head south through the tube into the Base. Central Hallway - New Iacon Base Firestone lowers into herself, folding into a large black '59 hovercaddy. Sunstreaker quickly and swiftly transforms down into his sleak racecar mode. A yellow countach is now replacing his robot form near you! Anna-Mecha says, "This is a lotta people fer a sneaky thingy." Thunder transmits a message via radio to Photon. Photon receives a radio transmission. Anna-Mecha creepcreepcreeps. Tripwire says gruffly, "We need ta split up into squads." HoverCadillac says, "Rod, gimmie orders." Anna-Mecha creepcreepcreeps after Hot Rod. Seaspray falls backwards into his hovercraft mode. Tripwire says gruffly, "We also need someone ta scout ahead. Anyone here fast, quiet, or can be invis?" Sky Lynx says, "What's going on chaps?" You say, "Orders? What orders? Do you see Decepticons here?" You say, "We're going tunnelling, Sky Lynx." Photon says, "No, that's why he needs orders..." Hovercraft gurgles, "I'm quiet and small..." Firestar arrives on the people-mover from the Main Commissary. HoverCadillac says, "Can I have a different squad?" Sky Lynx hmms, "Not really made for digging I'm afraid." HoverCadillac says, "I'm fast, but loud." Tripwire goes over to Rod, "Look, I got a plan...." Anna-Mecha mutters to Tripwire, "... yer... can't... all..." HoverCadillac HoverCadillac falls in step behind Perceptor. Krystal transmits a message via radio to Perceptor. Perceptor receives a radio transmission. Firestar heads east. Alone. HoverCadillac says, "Perceptor, I'll go with you." Tripwire may be blinking at that, you can't tell behind his visor. You say, "Go wherever you think you'll do the most good. We're leaving now. Take a while to tunnel up to Polyhex." Photon says, "I have a bad feeling about this..." Perceptor says, "Firestone, I will need your assistance." HoverCadillac says, "Sis, behave." Firestar steps on the Grav-Lift, and is whisked down into the tunnel. Whiz mutters darkly, "Of course you have a bad feeling about hthis." Perceptor nods to Firestone, then to Krystal, "Very well, then, your abilities will be of much benefit." Sky Lynx taps his claws, "but I don;t know what's going on ... " Tripwire says gruffly, "Anyway...Rod, I think me and some other people should run a raid somplace to get their attention, then while they're busy, you guys move in..." Photon says, "Where's Mischief? She'd be good on a covert op." Yellow-Countach says, "You'll find out soon enough, we gotta get underway." Tripwire says gruffly, "Yeah, Mischief! Is she better yet?" Thunder says, "Who wants me??" Yellow-Countach roars his engine and beeps his horn Tripwire says gruffly, "She has holos." Perceptor looks up to Sky Lynx, "I may need your aide in the operation upon Omega Supreme." You say, "Prime's coordinating it, trust his tactical experience, huh?" Silverbolt says, "Sky Lynx, we're launching an assualt and..rescue if you want to call it that."" Krystal says, "Rod..." Photon says, "I can't reach her on radio. Where is she?" Sky Lynx narrows his optics at Sunstreak Thunder transmits a message via radio. Perceptor frowns towards the Countach, "These situations are not to be rushed, my friend." Hovercraft sighs. "Mischief is no longer on Cybertron...." And that's all he says.. HoverCadillac says, "Junkion?" Tripwire says gruffly, "You mean she's not back yet?" Sky Lynx looks to Silverbolt, "Please fill me in ." Photon says, "Where is she?" He's concerned about one of his few friends. "She okay?" Silverbolt speaking of Mischief. "I don't think she is coming back" Hovercraft looks grim. "I don't think she plans on coming back..." Yellow-Countach says, "Yeah, well if we don't hurry Decepticon Recon is gonna learn of this little operation" Tripwire says gruffly, "Okay, who's with me?" HoverCadillac says, "She'll be back. Trust me." Photon says, "With the noise we're making? No doubt..." Silverbolt walks over to Sky Lynx. Perceptor nods to Silverbolt. Whiz grumbles, "... dead anyway...." You say, "Settle it amongst yourselves, guys. I'm leaving." Photon remembers something. You head back out through the massive gates. Gates of New Iacon Hot Rod transforms into what can only be called a high-tech, flaming.. car. Tripwire dives low to the ground, transforming into a Hum-vee. Photon takes a small leap and changes into his bike form, engine reving. Thunder jumps into the air and there he stays as the mighty propellers let him take flight in the form of a helicopter. Whiz's body buckles as she folds down into an aerodynamic airskimmer. Dixie throws his shot gun into the air while springing off the ground and instantly his legs fold up onto his back and his arms pull into his body while the cab settles down over his head and the shot gun lands gently in a holder in front of the rear window. Hum-vee says gruffly, "Alright. I'm with covert ops. Who's with me?" Race Bike says, "Ready, Rodim....Hot Rod." Airskimmer hovers above the ground, occasionaly jerking violently as her jets emit sudden bursts. Race Bike says, "Covert ops? WHo do I follow here?" Anna-Mecha transmits a message via radio. Flaming Car says, "You think you're gonna make it there, Whiz?" a slight note of amusement creeping into his voice. Anna-Mecha receives a radio transmission. Anna-Mecha transmits a message via radio. Airskimmer says, "I have as good a chance as anyone, just don't ask me how I plan to brake." Yellow-Countach says, "Let's get this show on the road" Race Bike says, "Can we get any assistance form the Junks or Vilnas?" Anna-Mecha receives a radio transmission. Airskimmer says, "Not without alerting the whole *world*." You say, "If you can raise them, great." Race Bike says, "Oh, yeah..." Yellow-Countach says, "No, the Vilnacronians will probably never condone allying themselves with us, they wanna stay neutral in this war." Thunder says, "If we're gonna strike...let's do it now before the Cons find out" Flaming Car heads out. "Let's get this show on the road." Anna-Mecha receives a radio transmission. Anna-Mecha transmits a message via radio. Hum-vee says gruffly, "I'm with you, Rod" Anna-Mecha receives a radio transmission. Yellow-Countach roars his engine loudly once again. You move south... You head southward toward the tunnel... Race Bike solemnly says "Through the valley of death drove the Autobots, not knowing whence they would survive to. " Airskimmer says, "Nice thought." Transmission from Krystal: Roddy....you know my instincts on this....radio us, PLEASE...if there's trouble. Hum-vee says gruffly, "Hey, what kinda talk is that? We're gonna kick those decepticons back ta charr!" Race Bike says, "Thanks you." Airskimmer says, "Just nobody say I didn't warn you." You transmit a message to Krystal: Absolutely. Well, provided out radios don't get knocked out deeper down.. Race Bike says, "We don't need warning." Yellow-Countach says, "We're gonna kick their afts, nuff said." Race Bike says, "We know what's gonna happen if something goes wrong." Flaming Car turns and heads eastward, avoiding the tank. Thunder grins "Let's go get us some Cons..." Airskimmer says, "True, nobody will be around to say "I told you so" to." Yellow-Countach says, "A hunting we will go, oh a hunting we will go" You say, "Nothing's gonna go wrong. Come on guys, Optimus is coordinating this thing. If nothing else he's one helluva tactician." Yellow-Countach says, "Agreed, let's keep the morale high for this voyage." Thunder transmits a message via radio. Hum-vee says gruffly, "I still think we should split up. We're too easily noticable this way." Thunder receives a radio transmission from Optimus Prime. You move eastward. You move east... Outside Memorial Spaceport Airskimmer suddenly bobs upward and careens to the right before she gets herself back in control. Yellow-Countach says, "No time, they've probably caught up already" You say, "We're just heading to Crystal City. Nothing terribly unusual about that." Race Bike says, "En masse though?" Airskimmer says, "Who would suspect an fighting force with me in it?" Hum-vee says gruffly, "Why, any decepticon flying overhead will see us and say, well what do you know, and blow the whistle, and we'd be toast before we even started." Transmission from Krystal: All right... I'll try and keep a monitor on the underground progress.... Flaming Car chuckles, "Yeah, Whiz is our cover." Transmission from Optimus Prime: What is your progress? You move east to the New Cybertron Highway... New Cybertron Highway Airskimmer drolls, "I dont' suppose anyone could be monitoring our radio signals." Thunder says, "Is Optimus okay??"" You transmit a message to Optimus Prime: Enroute to Crystal City now. You say, "Course he's okay, why wouldn't he be?" Race Bike says, "Oh, no, no one would be listening in on your vital communications...." Yellow-Countach says, "Just worry about the Cons he's probably trashed already" Airskimmer mutters to herself, "... *dead*" You move east... Vestral Overpass Race Bike mutters to Airskimmer, "... and..." Thunder transmits a message via radio. Flaming Car swerves a bit closer to Whiz, recklessly. "Listen. No one's gonna die. Quit talking like that." Airskimmer says, "Actually, for the information of all concerned, I was saying that the reason Optimus couldn't be okay is because he's dead."" Yellow-Countach says, "He doesn't die easy, trust me." Airskimmer bobs slightly, easily avoiding Hot Rod. Flaming Car pulls away from Whiz again, sighing. You move east to the Koriolis Desert... Koriolis Desert Thunder receives a radio transmission. Thunder looks around "Where the heck is Lynx?" Airskimmer hehs. "Well, Rodimus, you asked." Race Bike says, "Uh...flying overhead, cover for if 'Cons fly nearby?" You say, "Why would Sky Lynx be with us, he can't even fit underground." You say, "And quit calling me that, Whiz." You distinctly suspect you hear chuckling under the sound of Whiz's shooshing engines. Race Bike would toss a paintbomb at Sunstreaker, but he's in too grim a mindset right now. You move east to the New Cybertron Highway - Far East... You move south to the The Highroad... You move south to the Gates of Crystal City... Gates of Crystal City Airskimmer says, "2. 4.. 6.. 8.. Who do we appreciate? Autobots, Autobots, goooo, Autobots." Race Bike says, "I don't know but I been told..." Airskimmer says, "Don't say I never did anything for morale." Race Bike says, "Optimus is mighty bold." Flaming Car chuckles despite himself. "Yeah, you just sit in the background and cheerlead for us.." Race Bike says, "I don't know but it's been said..." Yellow-Countach says, "I KNOW" Carefully walking through some debris, you step into the famed and deserted Crystal City. Palace of Diamonds Race Bike says, "Darkmount is as good as dead." Airskimmer says, "Optimus is mighty dead." Race Bike says, "Sound off!" Airskimmer laughs louder this time. Hot Rod shifts into robot mode. Yellow-Countach says, "Optimus is mighty tough, he'll live." The motorcycle lurches into the air and twists to become Photon! Airskimmer says, "One, two!" The airskimmer unfolds into the female Autobot Whiz, who looks around without much interest. The hovercraft elongates and rear's up into Seaspray's robot mode. For no apparent reason Dixie jumps into the air and in the blink of an eye, the cap folds down, his arms pop out and his legs fold out form off his back. Dixie lands on his feet with the grace of a hippo, while still trying to get the knack of transforming. Photon smacks Whiz. "Don't say that, you little piece of scrap metal." As the propellers bend and the cockpit folds, an autobot is beginning to take shape. A propeller which is used as a sword falls into Thunder's hands and he is ready for anything. Yellow-Countach says, "And take a ton of cons with him, I saw him kick aft like you wouldn't believe it at Autobot City." The beautiful yellow countach before you emits a strange noise. In the blink of an eye it changes from a slick sportscar to a tall robot. Dramatically you notice the head arises slowly last, and the Autobot Sunstreaker stands before you! Whiz bats at Photon. "I know better than anybody, okay?" Hot Rod takes a quick glance around. "See? No Cons. Told you." Whiz continues the marching song. "Once again!" Photon shrugs away from Whiz and brings his hands up reflexively. Cybertron slowly revolves around its axis, beginning a new diurnal cycle. Above in the sky, the twinkling beacon of nearby Sol sets over the western hemisphere and becomes visible at the Istoral Trench and the rest of the eastern hemisphere. Hot Rod turns and heads down a side street toward the market district. Thunder says, "Then let's go...and kick some Con aft!!" Photon says, "Let Final Kombat begin!" You enter the bustling market district Market District Obvious exits: West leads to Palace of Diamonds. Hospital Abandoned Building Photon re-checks his laser. Whiz sings, "I wish I was a little bar of soap... bar of soap.. oh I wish I was a little bar of soap... bar of soap..." Sunstreaker says, "We better hurry, the night has come. May Primus favour the foolish." Thunder grips the two swords tightly in his hands. The Hum-vee transforms, standing up, into the Autobot Tripwire. Photon says, "Been living most out lives / living in a 'Con's paradise." Hot Rod taps the side of his head. "Fortunately, I still have those directions FX gave me to Straxus' tomb, so finding Skymount and a way up to Darkmount shouldn't be too hard." Tripwire pulls out his energy bolt gun and cocks it, "Ready, Rod." Whiz stops singing her Girls Scouts songs when nobody else joins. "You guys are no fun." Tripwire chuckles Photon says, "It's not a tie for fun, Whiz." Whiz says, "Well, heck, we might as well spend our last few moments well."" Hot Rod pauses in the doorway of the abandoned building. "Guys.. before we go down. Look, maybe this sounds silly, but it's gonna come off fine. Really. You may not trust Optimus, but if nothing else I trust his battle sense. So don't worry." Photon says, "I trust him. I'd follow him to Quintessa and back." Tripwire says gruffly, "Well put, Rod." Seaspray nods. Tripwire says gruffly, "Now. Let's kick some aft." Photon says, "And even without the Matrix, I trust you as well." Sunstreaker says, "I trust Optimus, sir. This unit is going nowhere but victory. Onward into the night and terror befall those wretched Cons!" Tripwire grins and grips his bolt gun. Whiz salute. "Oh captain my captain." Thunder grins and grips tighter on his swords "We believe Rod.." Hot Rod chuckles. "Let's go." You enter the darkness of the abandoned building... Abandoned Building Obvious exits: Dark Passageway Tripwire raises a battle cry, "Till all are one!" Photon says, "We are the Bots / We are the future . . ." Photon shouts "Till all are one! Seaspray gurgles, "till all are one!" Sunstreaker says, "Til all are one!!" Photon draws his pistol and curls both hands around the handle to steady it. Whiz says, "Till all are upgraded!" Hot Rod pulls aside a pile of junk metal to clear the entrance to the catacombs.. "Till all are one, yeah..." Tripwire may be raising an eyebrow at that, you can't tell behind his visor. Hot Rod ducks into the tunnel. Hidden Passageway Photon says, "I wish I'd had time to train some..." Sunstreaker says, "Til I find some scrap to stuff in yer wretched mouth, shut the hell up!" Thunder looks around at his fellow Autobots and whispers "...till all are one..." Sunstreaker says, "If you think that we're all gonna die Whiz, turn back now and be a coward in the eyes of your fellow Autobots" Whiz ooos. "How much fighting were *you* doing in tunnels while you were vacationing on Terra with *Optimus Prime*?" Hot Rod looks blankly at Whiz, barely visible as a dim outline in the passage. "Huh?" Whiz snaps back at Sunstreaker. Sunstreaker says, "Do we need some light?" You say, "Just follow the right-hand wall, you'll be fine." Thunder transmits a message via radio. Tripwire looks around the area. It's amazing he can even see through that visor. You say, "Right up here..." Photon says, "Well, I'm following you, Rod." You step toward the light. Underground Chamber Seaspray tries to keep his big feet against the wall Tripwire edges along the wall. Whiz lowers an infra-visor over her optics and sets her mouthin in a tight line, her whole attitude changing as she moves deeper into the tunnel. Thunder whispers, "I ain't good at this kind of covert stuff...maybe I should go up top??" Sunstreaker falls behind slightly, trying to stay in the middle of the group. He arms his rocket launcher and looks around alot. He seems to be protecting his friends Whiz crouches and moves her feet in a dragging shuffle instead of a tappig step, holding her railgun cradled defensively in her arms, and basically moving like a tunnel-rat. Photon crouches by the enterance. "Are we going or not? If I'm gonna die, I wanna get it over with. If not, I wanna do some damage. If this goes off right, then we may finally have a good shot at peace. Hot Rod walks decisively over to a grate in the floor and pulls it clear. He glances back at Thunder's muttered comment, "Don't worry about it.. we'll need some firepower on our side, too." Dixie just quietly follows Sunstreaker says, "I got plenty of firepower right here, let the Cons come and get a peice of me" Thunder grins at Rod "Okay...then I'm with you." Hot Rod sits down on the edge of the hole. "Just drop down, it's not that far.." and slides down the black shaft. Photon says, "Actually, I think we want to Cons to stay _away_ until we are inside, rihgt?" You move downward to the Catacombs Within Cybertron... Catacombs Within Cybertron The tunnels of Cybertron's catacombs are an endless maze of twists and turns, swallowing light and your sense of direction simultaneously. Chambers both small and large branch off the tunnels, concealing who knows what artifacts and creatures. Obvious exits: Dark Passage leads to Reservoir. Up leads to Underground Chamber. A small swarm of Turbo-Rats scurry by. Whiz suddenly sees a rat out of the corner of her eye and YELLS! Photon says, "I-I never been here before..." Whiz says, "Kill it!" Hot Rod jumps. "What??" Whiz sends a bolt right through the rat's body. Photon says, "Relax, it's a rat. Don't kill them!" Tripwire says gruffly, "Watch it! Hey, it's only a turbo-rat..." Seaspray gurgles, "was that necessary?" Whiz shudders. "Rats....." Hot Rod looks around wildly, startling at Whiz's shot. "Take it easy. It's just a turborat." Thunder laughs at Whiz "Easy...it's just a rat..." Photon stands up to Whiz (all 7 feet of him). "That was a living being you killed for no reason!" Whiz just repeats, "Rats...." Whiz says, "Anything else.... fine... but rats...." Hot Rod waves a hand at Photon. "We don't need to argue about that now. C'mon guys, this way.." You move east to the Reservoir... Reservoir Obvious exits: Dark Passage Grate Photon says, "They're fine. You shoulda seen the Flar, on the planet I was scouting . . ." he drops off, his optics clouding up. Sunstreaker says, "There's the grate, almost there." Sunstreaker says, "Brace yourselves, I believe this is the wet part?" More Turbo-rats scurry by. Whiz hakes her head, clearing it from the fear that chokes her at the idea of rats. Seaspray grins under his face panel. You say, "Yeah.. someone want to electrify the water first, give those eel-things in there a shock so they won't bother us?" Whiz eeeks and climbs halfway up the wall. Photon whishes he had an energon snack to toss to the rats. Tripwire says gruffly, "Whiz, if ya want, I'll carry ya." Photon says, "So much like the Flar..." Tripwire grumbles a bit. Whiz says, "No...." Sunstreaker reads the expression on Photon's face and tosses him a box marked Cybertronian Energy Goodies, Yum Yum Yum. Whiz decides to hover above them to avoid them all toghether. Photon smiles and takes a chip, tossing it to the rats. "Here ya go, guys." Dixie ignores everyone, lost in thought. Whiz's body buckles as she folds down into an aerodynamic airskimmer. Sunstreaker makes way for Whiz. Airskimmer hits the jets and flies up toward the ceiling, carefully avoiding the rats. Sunstreaker says, "Just watch where you are driving." Thunder stands emotionless in the tunnel "Let's do this..." A turbo-rat crawls out of an orfice in the ceiling and drops down. Seaspray falls backwards into his hovercraft mode. Photon pets the rat while giving it an energon chip. Airskimmer careens forward as the squeaking thing flies by her. Airskimmer says, "Can we just get out of here????" Hot Rod shrugs and kneels by the water's edge, blasting several sharp pulses of electrified energy into the reservoir from his arm cannons, a faint bluish haze spreading out over the surface. A few odd ripples mar the otherwise quiet surface, then all falls still again. Photon hmms. Sunstreaker says, "Seeing things Rod?" Photon says, "I think I am too..." Tripwire jolts briefly as the elecricity hits his foot, which was in the water, "Hey, watch it!" Hovercraft gurgles, "C'mon..." Sunstreaker says, "Don't worry, I got you guys covered. Let me do the seeing" You say, "Nope. I *know* there's somthing in there. Hadda pull one off me last time I was down here. C'mon, let's hurry before they shake that stun off." Airskimmer says, "He *told* you he was doing it for the eels, you guys should listen." Sunstreaker stands still "Oh damn, transorganics." Photon says, "I didn't hear that...I thought .. . never mind." Hot Rod wades into the oily sludge and heads for one of the pipes at the far end of the reservoir. Sunstreaker says, "Everyone, grab your weapons, there are these creatures here that scare the hell out of the mightiest Decepticon!" Photon follows. Dixie wades thru the sludge. Hovercraft is following Rod. Tripwire sets his bolt gun to maximum power and grips it tightly. Hot Rod hauls himself over the lip of the pipe and crawls inside. You sink down to the bottom of the reservoir and find a pipe leading off to the side. Entering it, you find yourself briefly pulled along until the current deposits you into a large glass tube... Glass Tube Obvious exits: South leads to Observation Chamber. Pipe The hovercraft elongates and rear's up into Seaspray's robot mode. Seaspray looks around. Airskimmer gets away from the rats and decides to unfold into robot mode. The airskimmer unfolds into the female Autobot Whiz, who looks around without much interest. Hot Rod shakes some of the residue off his hands resignedly and points along the tunnel. "This way." You move south to the Observation Chamber... Observation Chamber This globular glass-walled chamber is positioned directly in front of some sort of massive structure just outside the walls, ideally placed for observing its functioning. A glass deck bisects the chamber in half vertically, and the lubricant rivulet from the glass tube runs down into the lower half. Looking down, you can see several tubes leading from the outer walls to the structure, feeding lubricant to the cylindrical form. On closer inspection, the structure appears to be some sort of massive piston. A hinged panel on the upper half permits closer inspection of the object, although only on a very precarious ledge. Contents: Dixie, Whiz, Tripwire, Thunder, Photon, Seaspray, Sunstreaker Obvious exits: North leads to Glass Tube. Panel Thunder transmits a message via radio. Hovercraft gurgles, "Let's go!" Whiz says, "Let's keep moving." Tripwire looks this way and that, keeping an eye out for trouble. Thunder receives a radio transmission from Side Kick. Whiz drops into a crouch and starts mocing with that pecuiliar walk again. Photon mutters to Thunder, "... G " Hot Rod pauses by the access hatch to the outside. "Okay, there's a narrow ledge out here. Be careful. You'll have to jump down to get where we're headed, but if you're ready for it, it's not that bad." You push open the hinged panel and step out onto the ledge. Ledge Obvious exits: Panel Thunder transmits a message via radio. Photon says, "Right. Not so bad..." Thunder receives a radio transmission. A flicker of light suddenly catches your eye from further out in the darkness. If you 'lean' out, you might be able to see the source illuminated in the next flash. Hot Rod glances over at Photon, smiling reassuringly. "Really. Don't worry about it. I've done this lots of times." Whiz blinks. "What was that?" Dixie just barely makes the ledge, rocking on the edge Photon says, "Oh, now I feel better. Really." Hot Rod glances down and draws a quick breath. "Some old subsystem out there somewhere, I guess, Whiz. ...Geronimo!" Thunder receives a radio transmission. Dixie flinches at the light Leaning out, you lose your foothold on the ledge and suddenly find yourself falling through the impenetrable blackness... You find yourself hoping the landing isn't too hard when you suddenly hit the ground. Featureless Plain Obvious exits: South Fly North The hovercraft elongates and rears up into Seaspray's robot mode. Photon says, "Where are we?" Tripwire looks around as he hops down. Photon looks around in awe. Dixie looks around Thunder receives a radio transmission. Seaspray gurgles, "Hmmm....." Whiz ooofs! Photon says, "I've spent so much time scouting other worlds, but I've never seen this part of my own . . ." You say, "See? Told ya it wasn't that bad. Where we are is WAY underneath Cybertron. It gets a lot deeper than we're going, though. All the way to the core..." Whiz nods darkly. Photon says, "The core . . ." He trails off. "Oh." Thunder tries to intake his new surroundings as quickly as he can. Dixie stares at Rod. "Eh?" is all he can get out. Seaspray gurgles, "Wow......" Whiz says quietly, "This isn't the nicest place to visit." Thunder says, "How much farther Rod??" Photon says, "It's beautiful..." Tripwire says gruffly, "Eh, it's not all that bad." Hot Rod puts a hand on Photon's shoulder and walks beside him for a bit, heading northward toward the glowing pillar in the distance. "Don't worry, gonna come outta this fine." Thunder starts to feel a little uncomfortable. Photon says, "I hope so . . . sir." Seaspray gurgles, "c'mon... we can't stand in one place forever..." You say, "Just down one more level and through some tunnels, Tripwire. I know the route -- been down in the area before and FX gave me his map." Whiz is looking more and more comfortable down here as she goes deeper. Dixie shakes his head, clearing it. "Well, I must say this is better than med-bay." with some amusement and wonder in his voice You move across the plain towards the north. Molten Waterfall Obvious exits: Hole South Tripwire says gruffly, "This place could give us a big tactical advantage if we could secure it." Thunder mutters something to Hot Rod. Seaspray gurgles, "Down the hole?" Tripwire looks down the hole. Thunder mutters to Hot Rod, "... I... ain't..." Thunder whispers "I know I seem anxious...but I ain't been in many fights before." Tripwire says gruffly, "You sure it's safe, Rod?" Dixie moans Hot Rod releases Photon's shoulder and nods to Seaspray. "Yeah. Warning, guys: There's a lot of slagged and molten metal in the first room -- be careful to avoid it. Stuff's HOT." Whiz says, "There's nothing down here to hurt us until we get to Darkmount, Photon." Hot Rod mutters to Thunder, "... know.... about it,..." You whisper "I know. Don't worry about it, everyone's gotta start somewhere." to Thunder. Photon takes a deep breath. "Yeah. Until Darkmount." Thunder begins to feel a little more assured and follows Hot Rod You manage to climb down the ragged-edged hole, carefully avoiding the magma waterfalling into the room below. Catacomb Room Contents: Small Drone Obvious exits: Hole Sliding Door Sliding Door Seaspray gurgles, "A drone?" Tripwire drops down and looks around, swinging his bolt gun back and forth. Photon says, "If that metal's from the Istoral . . . will there by Preds here or something?" Small Drone creates a duplicate of itself, which begins to work alongside it. Photon says, "Huh?" You say, "Not this deep, I don't think." Small Drone wobbles around looking for building materials. Small Drone pokes around the area with its long extended arms. Seaspray gurgles, "Wha?" Small Drone creates a duplicate of itself, which begins to work alongside it. Tripwire says gruffly, "What the charr?" Thunder thinks to himself "I wonder if they will write this mission in the computer logs, as the brave soldiers that infiltrated Iacon." Dixie says, "Woah." Whiz waves a railgun at it. "Seen those before. They're harmless unless they think you're scrap metal." Small Drone pokes around the area with its long extended arms. Small Drone begins work on a new project, a Flame-Retardant Foam Sprinkler System. Hot Rod shakes his head at the drones and toes one out of the way as he heads for the west door. Seaspray gurgles, "I saw this movie on earth once.. where these creatures multiplied..." Small Drone pokes around the area with its long extended arms. Photon shields Whiz from the drones, then decides to let them have the thing. Tripwire says gruffly, "Yeah, spray? what happened?" Small Drone wobbles around looking for building materials. Seaspray gurgles, "well... when one jumped in a pool.. and the water made them multiply.. and they nearly destroyed a terran city..." Small Drone completes work on its current project and starts rattling along looking for more building work to do. Small Drone wobbles along in search of more building materials. Small Drone manages to avoid the magma flow to climb up through a hole in the ceiling. After pressing the button on the control panel, the door jerkily opens and you move west. Catacomb Room Obvious exits: Central Lift Sliding Door Sliding Door Sliding Door Whiz says, "Gremlins, that Gizmo was sooo cute." Photon says, "What's a Gizmo?" Tripwire chuckles. Thunder looks at all the doors "Which one Rod??" Seaspray gurgles, "It's from an old earth movie..." Whiz says, "The creature from the movie." Photon realizes he's still holding his laser, and holsters it." Photon says, "Oh." Hot Rod gives the place a cursory glance and heads toward the elevator shaft. "Down here. Keep your eyes peeled, guys. Transorganics down here." Tripwire says gruffly, "Aren't Gremlins supposed to be beings that tear apart machinery?" Photon draws his laser again. Seaspray gurgles, "And when the human feeds one of them after midnight, the fuzzy creatures turned into scaley evil creatures.." Thunder twirls one of the swords in his hand. Whiz moves closer to Hot Rod and mutters, She mutters to Hot Rod, "... of the... seen... a..." You sense Whiz moves closer to Hot Rod and mutters, "Yeah, you brought some of the best tunnel fighters I've seen in a *long* time." Sunstreaker says, "We almost there?" You say, "Pretty close now." You pass through the door to the lift and climb down the ladder. Catacomb Room Contents: Drone Containment Unit Obvious exits: Central Lift Sliding Door Sliding Door Photon says, "What's this place used for?" Tripwire says gruffly, "Beats me." Hot Rod points toward the cabinet as he heads directly north. "Secret passage behind that to the core of Cybertron. But we don't need to go all the way down there." Thunder transmits a message via radio. After pressing the button on the control panel, the door jerkily opens and you move north. Catacomb Room Contents: Small Drone, Small Drone Obvious exits: Sliding Door Sliding Door Sliding Door Thunder receives a radio transmission. Small Drone pokes around the area with its long extended arms. Small Drone wobbles along in search of more building materials. Tripwire says gruffly, "This place is a mess." Thunder transmits a message via radio. Photon fiddles with the controls of a retrieval station. Thunder says, "Rod...do we attack even if they do not fire first??" Small Drone wobbles along in search of more building materials. Small Drone presses the button on the control panel, the door jerkily opens and it moves south. Photon says, "What the Charr..." You say, "Yeah, no kidding. Just an old computer storage chamber. This is an assault, Thunder, so... yeah. I guess." Seaspray gurgles, "Hm..?" Small Drone wobbles along in search of more building materials. Sunstreaker looks around. Tripwire fiddles with the controls of a retrieval station. Photon says, "Gee, don't _all_ do what I do..." Transmission from Optimus Prime: How are you holding out? Hot Rod punches the control pad by the west door a few times until it sliding gratingly open. Photon says, "What's the story topside, Rod?" Whiz says, "Quit playing around, do you want to attract the attention of everyone around here?" Sunstreaker says, "Yeah, do what I do if ya don't want to get slagged alive." Seaspray gurgles, "It worked.." Small Drone wobbles around looking for building materials. You transmit a message to Optimus Prime: We're almost to Straxus' tomb. You guys? After pressing the button on the control panel, the door jerkily opens and you move west. Catacomb Room By the dim light coming from above, you see piles and piles of ripped and shredded parts, almost all the metal missing from them. Many of these seem to be Transformer limbs, deformed and apparently melted. The walls are not only warped, but are deeply scored and show signs of corrosion as well. In fact, everything in here shows signs of corrosion. There are puddles of some unpleasant fluid everywhere, strongly reminiscent of Blot. Your olfactory sensors pick up a stinging, acrid odor. Your optics start to sting as well. Something tells you this is not a nice place to be, and things are about to get worse. Did you hear something moving in the shadows? Contents: Small Drone, Small Drone, Small Drone Obvious exits: Sliding Door Sliding Door Hole Sliding Door Tripwire says gruffly, "Well, if ya didn't notice, there's no one else here but us!" Small Drone wobbles along in search of more building materials. Small Drone wobbles around looking for building materials. Transmission from Optimus Prime: We chased Vortex and Gridlock all the way to the Warrens. One less Decepticon to worry about Small Drone wobbles around looking for building materials. Hot Rod checks his internal map. "Straight west, now." Small Drone pokes around the area with its long extended arms. Tripwire watches the drones clatter around. After pressing the button on the control panel, the door jerkily opens and you move west. Catacomb Room Heavy machinery lines the west wall of this large rectangular room. Looking closer, you can see that this was a power station of some kind. The machines are huge turbines, most ruptured or crumpled from what may have been an internal explosion. Oddly enough, one of the turbines still functions, providing the little power this area has. In the ceiling in the center of the room is a large vent. Flashing lights from the status readouts on the last operating turbine provide the only lighting here. Like most of these rooms, the walls are warped from the tremendous weight. Many of the turbines have been partly crushed by the buckling walls, but at least they keep the ceiling up. Obvious exits: Sliding Door Sliding Door On one of the walls, you notice a strangely bright plaque on the wall, bearing a Decepticon symbol upon it. Whiz's optics narrow. Photon says, "I think . . . we're here." Thunder looks around..."What now??" Photon resists the urge to paint-spray the 'Con symbol. Seaspray gurgles, "What was your first clue?" Dixie stares at the plaque. Whiz says, "No... too old. Skymount?" Hot Rod nods solemnly. "Yeah. We're under Darkmount now." Tripwire says gruffly, "Huh. You know." Photon says, "There's only one exit..." Whiz says, "The less noise, the better. Things echo in these tunnels." Hot Rod waves a hand southward. "Rest of Skymount's this way, I think." Tripwire says gruffly, "I wish i had more detailed plans of this area. Might be possible to wire up explosives down here to collapse all of darkmount..." Hot Rod nods. "Keep the chatter down as much as possible." Catacomb Room This was obviously a communications center of some kind. The room is mostly filled with ancient computers, their monitors shattered and their cases blackened by some massive power surge. Delicate and intricate sensor stations, both short and long-range, line the west wall. One station seems like it's still operational... it's receiving readings from a long-range sensor. According to the coordinates, the sensor is broadcasting a nice rockscape from the Midoran Asteroid Field. The east wall has the specialized receivers for picking up the faintest signals from near and far. None of this especially vulnerable equipment survived the power surge; its components have been fused. The walls are holding up fairly well here, only slightly crumpled from the tremendous weight above. Obvious exits: Sliding Door Sliding Door Thunder nods in agreement Photon says, "Right. Rig for silent running." Tripwire quiets down. Hot Rod picks his way through the debris and heads for the south door. After pressing the button on the control panel, the door jerkily opens and you move south. Ruins of Skymount - Command Center This large, circular room was obviously once a technological nerve center of sorts. Banks upon banks of ancient computer terminals ring the room, cracked and broken monitors glaring down on the central dais like blank, staring eyes. The floor is marred by numerous deep scars and gouges; steel plating hangs raggedly from the sagging walls, leaving large gaps in the armor. Altogether not a terribly impressive sight. Giving the scarred floor a second glance, you can barely make out an extremely faded, worn Decepticon symbol. Obvious exits: Blast doors Sliding Door Whiz whispers, "And drag your feet like I do, okay, it makes less noise." Tripwire looks around. Photon whispers "I'm small, so not much noise from walking anyway. Make sure you don't kick something. Seaspray gurgles, "I'm a lot quieter transformed. You think I should, Rod?" Hot Rod shakes his head. "You'll need your hands." Tripwire speaks softly, but it still comes out gruff, "This place is just one big wrecked room after another." Photon says, "Kinda like an omen, huh? Either the 'Cons will be wrecked, or we will." Dixie mutters an agreement. Hot Rod smiles, "There's a reason they're based in Darkmount now and not here." "Let's go." Seaspray whispers. Photon whispers "The decor does leave somethign to be desired... Pressing a button on the access pad by the doors, you step through to the southeast. Ruins of Skymount - Central Hallway Dark, almost pitch blackness consumes you as you step into the hallway. Your footsteps echo hollowly in the long, depressingly empty corridor, and you get the distinct feeling that it's been a long time since the silence of these halls was last violated. If you had a light you'd be able to see a large Decepticon symbol plastered across the huge blast doors to the northwest, and a few smaller access hallways, most of them blocked off by fallen rubble, but without one, it's nothing but cold, resentful silence and suffocating black, like the enclosing walls of a tomb. Obvious exits: Battered doors Blast doors Tripwire says gruffly, "This is Skymount? Wow. Yeah, I can see why they would've moved." He chuckles. Hot Rod hisses, "Light. Someone." Tripwire looks around for a light. Hot Rod reaches a hand out to the wall to get his bearings. Photon turns on his headlight, now on his chest in robot-mode. Thunder can only surmise a nervous smile as they proceed to the impossible Photon says, "This help?" Whiz looks around carefully. Hot Rod nods and moves over to the battered blast doors, running his hands over them. "Doesn't look like these're gonna open without a fight. I think we start tunneling here." Photon says, "What, with all of us we can't force them open?" Thunder gets ancy and feels as if the walls are too close. Whiz heads over to examine the doors. "A charge here... here... and here... And we'd have it." Tripwire says gruffly, "Just a sec. I might be able to put a small explosive and blow the doors open. Plastique." Seaspray sighs a gurgle... Whiz says, "That's where the locking and sliding mechanisms are located." Hot Rod waves a hand at the doorway. "Take a look yourself. They're not just stuck, there's debris back there. It's blocked." Photon says, "And me without explosives. A demolitions guy with no bombs..." Tripwire says gruffly, "I got plenty." Photon says, "Great, toss me a few and I'll help." Tripwire looks to Rod, "What do you think? You say, "Whiz. Tripwire. See what you guys can do..." Tripwire nods. Whiz says, "You guys get started trying to clear the debris and Tripwire and I will get it going."" Whiz waves Tripwire over to take a closer look. Tripwire pulls some small explosive devices from subspace, with magnetic clips. Dixie says, "I'll take him." Tripwire says gruffly, "Here, gimme a hand. *holds out a device*" Photon looks over the door, tring to find a weak point. Tripwire looks along the edge, and feels with his hand, then raises a device and secures it to a spot. Whiz holds her hand out and tries to help Tripwire up on top of the rubble. Tripwire climbs up higher, and feels along the top, "Yeah, one right here too..." You transmit a message to Optimus Prime: We're underneath Polyhex. Digging out the tunnel now.. not too much farther. Photon feels kinda useless... Tripwire secures another explosive, and climbs back down. Transmission from Optimus Prime: Understood. Thunder says, "Who's on the box Rod??" You say, "Optimus. Just updating him." Dixie sees Photon and walks over. Whiz looks in her toolkit for another charge and plants it at a strategic point. Tripwire hands a device to Photon, "Here secure that to the lower corner. Photon says, "Right." Photon sticks the bomb in the corner, looks around. "Anyone got duct tape?" Tripwire finishes securing another one himself near the side. Tripwire says gruffly, "Magnetic clip, it'll stay." Photon puts some debris under the bomb to hold it in place. Thunder walks over to Rod and mutters something. Photon becomes surprised when the clip sticks to the door. "Hmm...I shoulda thought of that." Tripwire pulls a detonator from subspace and inputs the correct frequency. Seaspray doesn't know squat about bombs.. cept that they blow up. Photon gets out of the blast area. Thunder mutters to Hot Rod, "... gonna... it?" Thunder whispers "Do you really think we are gonna make it?" Tripwire says gruffly, "Alright, everyone...we need ta get behind somethin' for cover, in case of shrapnel." Whiz finishes with the placement and then starts to lever some of the debris out of the way. Dixie hides quickly Hot Rod mutters to Thunder, "Of... are." You whisper "Of course we are." to Thunder. Seaspray gets back as far as he can... Thunder grins and hides behind some rubble. Tripwire ducks back as well, from a position where he can see the door clearly before ducking his head back as well. Whiz heads back into the corner and ducks behind the rubble. "You do the honors, Tripwire." Seaspray hides behind Thunder. Tripwire nods, "Thanks." Photon says, "Fire in the hole!" Tripwire says gruffly, "Everyone all set?...Good." Tripwire says gruffly, "Blast in 3...2...1..." Hot Rod backs away quickly. Seaspray covers his face. Tripwire clicks the detonator, and the bombs go off....KABLAMM Photon covers his auditory sensors. Photon says, "Ka-boom, and presto, one entrance." Tripwire pokes his head out and says, "All clear..." Hot Rod jumps into motion swiftly. "All right, let's move before they catch us!" Whiz pokes her head up over the debris. "Okay, now they know we're here. Let's make good time, all." Tripwire says gruffly, "Lets move, lets move, lets move..." Photon says, "I feel a need . . ." Dixie looks around and gets up on the all clear Photon says, "A need for speed . . . oh, great, I'm turning into a Junk." Whiz heads out behind Hot Rod, moving swiftly. Hot Rod forces through the remaining rubble and half-digs his way up the new passage You force the doors open and make your way upwards through the partly-collapsed tunnel. Residential Zone Beta Obvious exits: Fly leads to Sky above Polyhex. Southwest leads to Forum. You transmit a message to Optimus Prime: We're in. Galvatron arrives from the southwest. Maroon Porsche arrives from the southwest. Tripwire swings his bolt gun around, as he scans the area... Seaspray gurgles, "ohhh boy.." Onslaught arrives from the southwest. Tripwire says gruffly, "Aw, Charr..." Whiz erms, "We didn't get as far as we planned, did we?" Photon says, "I think I sneaked in here once before..." Dixie says, "Uh, oh." Maroon Porsche drives in, recklessly, and immediately heads for the nearest Autobot. Photon says, "I tried to get into Darkmount, but the force field kicked me hard." Hot Rod yells, "Look alive, people!" yanking his gun from subspace and firing several wild bursts into the Decepticon ranks as they head in. Transmission from Optimus Prime: Understood. Galvatron soars in at breakneck speed after catching the explosion on the sensor network..he looks utterly shocked that an Autobot strike force managed to burrow under Darkmount like this Photon says, "Gah!" Onslaught flies into the area....looking quite amused....not to mention a bit beat up.. Seaspray holds his hands out, blasting away at the Decepticons. Tripwire says gruffly, "Yaaah! This is where it gets fun!" You transmit a message to Optimus Prime: We've been spotted! Galvatron, Onslaught -- more headed this way! Transmission from Optimus Prime: What is your location? Photon shouts "Contact! You transmit a message to Optimus Prime: Uhhh... one of the residential areas-- Whiz grimly pulls her softball bat from her toolkit and arms the raigun on her arm. Tripwire rushes forward, transforming. Tripwire dives low to the ground, transforming into a Hum-vee. Galvatron snaps off a quick radio message, and shouts for his decepticons to take cover and lay down a supressing fire Transmission from Optimus Prime: Is Omega Supreme there? You transmit a message to Optimus Prime: I don't see him. Galvatron receives a radio transmission. Photon takes aim at Galvatron's optics, figuring if he's gonna die, he might as well go out in style. Whiz looks over to Hot Rod as this starts to get ugly. "Now what?!" Maroon Porsche ignores the order, and races toward Thunder . Hum-vee swings his turret around, locking onto the nearest con. Galvatron transmits a message via radio. Maroon Porsche rumbles, "Die, autobot..." Seaspray shouts, "Rod! we need a plan!!" Onslaught barks off orders to gumbies running in millions of directions, as he brandishes the sonic stun rifle slung on his back.. Hot Rod dives behind the corner of a building and flattens himself against it. He yells across to Whiz, "Now we fight back! What's it look like?" Thunder watches the oncoming Con and prepares for impact... Maroon Porsche bumbs over the debris, and attempt to ram Thunder . Galvatron receives a radio transmission. Photon fires. Hum-vee says gruffly, "Hit 'em hard!"" Photon misses Galvatron with his laser attack. Whiz shouts, "Great plan! Remind me to compliment Optimus' tactical skills!" Photon swears. Galvatron seems doubly shocked the autobots would attack where thousands of civillians live Hum-vee launches rockets toward Galvatron. Maroon Porsche collides with Thunder forcefully. Hot Rod yells, "Shut up and draw this thing away from the residential area, dammit!" Galvatron transmits a message via radio. Maroon Porsche rams Thunder... Thunder falls to the ground from the force of the ram and gets up rubbing his chest Seaspray leaps at the Porche Hum-vee is already driving out of the residential area as he launches his rockets in that direction. Seaspray succeeds in grasping Maroon Porsche, throwing it off-balance. Photon grins. Has he gone insane? Hum-vee misses Galvatron with his rocket attack. Seaspray is holding on.... Hum-vee says gruffly, "Shock!" Ozone arrives from the southwest. Maroon Porsche runs over Thunder, and does a bootleg reverse in impossibly close quarters, spinning 'round for another attack. Galvatron receives a radio transmission. Galvatron receives a radio transmission. Galvatron finishes snapping off a bunch of orders to his soldiers, and prepares to engage these wretched autobot worms in battle "Hot Rod! You pathetic little flea! You dare attack us on our home ground?? You must have a death wish! And what of your lofty morals? Not killing civillains? Bah!" Thunder says, "You'll pay for that Con..." Galvatron transmits a message via radio to Omega Supreme. Thunder uneasily charges the Con with swords in hand... Photon mutters, "We haven't hit a civillian yet, and if they stick around after seeing this, they maybe deserve to get hit... " Whiz does a frantic scan. "There's an uninhabited area to the southwest, looks like it's been evacuated!" Hot Rod grins tightly. "Well, see, you guys finding us here wasn't part of the plan.." Galvatron receives a radio transmission. Galvatron continues barking orders, still holding off an attack, choosing to coordinate the battle first, before firing Thunder hits Dead End, who overall fails to react. Photon tries to take advantage of Galvatron's lull. Thunder slices the car with his blades... Galvatron keeps behind a building, which absorbs the blasts against him..but which terrify and blast several civvies who are running for cover Galvatron receives a radio transmission. Ozone arrives running, joining the existing Decepticons. Hum-vee swerves to one side, instead of driving straight at Galvatron. Onslaught remains hovering overhead, moving troops into holes... Galvatron transmits a message via radio to Gridlock. Galvatron receives a radio transmission. Photon hits the building Galvatron is hiding behind cowardly. Thunder looks back at Rod. "This ain't in our favor..." Photon shouts back to Thunder "No Pred it ain't! Whiz shrugs, and takes a few shots behind her as she yells, "I'm getting into your city, Decepticreeps! Try and follow me!" Hot Rod darts around from behind the cover of the building and throws himself at Galvatron. "So IMPROVISE!" Hot Rod succeeds in grasping Galvatron, throwing him off-balance. Photon looks at Whiz and thinks 'Good thing they aren't Turborats...' Galvatron clicks off his radio, having sent the last necessary order, and prepares to SMASH Hot Rod.....but is tackled before he can really do much of anything. Dixie stays hidded behind a building, shooting glanees out now and then Whiz runs for the southwest. Galvatron OOFS and is bowled over, and struggles with Hot Rod Galvatron receives a radio transmission. Hot Rod smacks directly into Galvatron, fouling up his aim. Seaspray is under dead end... Galvatron receives a radio transmission. Seaspray pushes him up off.. "Ungh.." Photon looks for an opening . . . anywhere. Galvatrons grasp on Hot Rod slacks as he gets a chilling radio message. Onslaught ignites his boosters, and rapidly gains on the arrogant Autobot heading for Darkmount.. The shiny red sportscar suddenly lengthens substantially, and the back half unfolds, forming legs. The sides of the car become arms, and the front of the car folds back, revealing a head. Reluctantly, Dead End climbs to his feet. Whiz leaves to the Forum to the southwest. Galvatron seems momentarily baffled..and his struggling with Hot Rod weakens significantly Photon decides to get Onslaught's attention. Photon strikes Onslaught with laser. Onslaught leaves to the Forum to the southwest. Hum-vee flips back to his feet... The Hum-vee transforms, standing up, into the Autobot Tripwire. Galvatron leaves to the Forum to the southwest. Transmission from Whiz: ACK! Decepticon troops to the southwest! Seaspray attacks Dead End, who makes a halfhearted yet sucessful attempt to get out of the way. Seaspray rushes up and grapples with Dead End. Dead End intones, "Get away from me, pathetic loser." Hot Rod rolls off Galvatron and pops back to his feet quickly. "Troops to the southwest. Move!" Photon says, "Right!" Tripwire arms his bolt gun and trains it on Galvatron, trying to be careful not to hit Rod by accident. You move southwest to the Forum... Forum The Decepticon Forum... the very layout of the area conjures up for you images of a glorious and vaunted past, replete with conquest and glory. Perhaps this was the intention of the designer, for everywhere you look, you are reminded of greatness. Statues of of the heros of the ancient past line moving walkways that convey passengers swiftly to their destinations. Emboldened merchants offer their wares in the streets under the watchful eyes of units of Imperial troops as they march to and from their duties in perfect precision. Many famous architectural landmarks of the Decepticon Empire can be seen here...among them the the famous >Memorial Fountain< and >Victory Arch< Contents: Galvatron, Onslaught, Whiz, Decepticon Advanced Troops #5852, Decepticon Advanced Troops #5844 Galvatron receives a radio transmission. Galvatron receives a radio transmission. Whiz crouches behind a pillar on the wrong side of the two Decepticons. Thunder watches the little bot struggle with Dead End and runs over to help Dead End enters from the Residential Zone Beta to the northeast. Photon hides behind a statue and gets ready to snipe someone. Onslaught gets zapped by a puny blast that he _didn't see coming_ Galvatrons strength returns in a surge, and his grasps his right hand around Hot Rod's neck, and rears back with a fist..preparing to smash it into the impudent child's face...his usual bravado drained as he realizes the peril of the strategic situation...having been just informed of a third force. Galvatron hits you with blow for 18 damage. Endurance Level: 62 System Analysis: Nominal Transmission from Krystal: Rod! Where are you guys? Dead End comes in, drawing a bead on Thunder, ignoring the laughable Seaspray. Whiz starts trying to slink around the room to the other group of Autobots, but the two Cons are between her and them. Ozone enters from the Residential Zone Beta to the northeast. Semi arrives from the Customs Gate to the east, muttering about red-tape. Semi comes SCREECHING in. Photon shouts, "Yee-HAW!!" Galvatron roars at the two platoons of troops "OPEN FIRE YOU FOOLS!!!" Galvatron receives a radio transmission. Tripwire aims, and when the shot is clear, fires a blast at Galvatron... Hot Rod urks and squirms backward in Galvatron's grip, slamming his fist into the small of his back. "Lemme g--ooomph!" Photon takes aim at Onslaught again. Tripwire strikes Galvatron with electricity. Onslaught finally seems to come into range where he can try and shoot at Whiz. Semi transforms to robot mode, shaking off the three or four Decepticon troops that were clinging to his trailer. You strike Galvatron with your punch. Whiz is wide open to the attack. The semi unfolds quickly into a statuesque robot that looks exactly like Optimus Prime. Is this for real? Photon sees Onslaught within range. Ozone arrives, still airborne, and raises his weapon. Galvatron is zapped from behind by Tripwire..and then clocked by Hot Rod..and he is forced of of Hot Rod. Tripwire scores a direct hit, barely missing Hot Rod who comes back up quickly. Seaspray will show Dead End puny... Photon totally squanders an attack against Onslaught...very unfortunate. Dead End sees the semi roll in, and comprehension dawns innhis optics. He is momentarily stunned by the sight, and stands there like an idiot. Hot Rod buries his fist rather ineffectually into Galvatron's back, but it's enough to get free of the headlock. Dixie draws a bead on ozone with his shot gun and fires Galvatron rolls away from Hot Rod, trying to regain a sense of the whole battle, knowing he is being outmaneuvered. Tripwire says gruffly, "Yeah! Eat some o' that, Galvatron!" Hot Rod stumbles backward, trying to clear his vision after that fist in his face. Dixie misses Ozone with his area_ranged attack. Whiz is fully exposed as she ducks between two pillars. Dixie fires wide and dives behind a pillar Onslaught fires a sonic pulse at Whiz, trying to slow her down a bit to allow the gumbies to get into position.. Galvatron rolls to his feet in a blaze of speed, and ducks behind some more cover, and charges his cannon. Optimus Prime summons his laser rifle from subspace, jerks it up in quick aim and starts letting loose a POWERFUL volley of shots. One or two even come close to the Autobots who are in close combat with Decepticons. Ozone dodges Dixie's attack, and aims his nail gun... Onslaught stuns Whiz. Optimus Prime attacks Dead End, who makes a halfhearted yet sucessful attempt to get out of the way. Ozone strikes Dixie with Compressed_air. Whiz staggers back and collapses onto the ground as she is stunned by the blast. The gumbycons open fire with wild abandon, spraying all the autobots with a barrage of laser fire. Photon notices his gun has jammed from so much long-range work. Worried, he drops it back into his holster. Tripwire chuckles, then suddenly ducks as Optimus' blasts sear overhead. El Toronado arrives from the Customs Gate to the east, muttering about red-tape. Hot Rod yells and dives out of the way of Optimus's cover fire, rolling behind another statue. "This is NOT my day..." As the El Toronado revs his engine, he slowly stands, transforming until Tornado stands in front of you Dixie takes a couple nail in the shoulder, sending him to his knees. Onslaught smiles as his aim is true...and moves closer...propelling a shoulder grenade at the stunned Autobot... Tornado rolls to the side as soon as he comes in, trying to find cover. Onslaught strikes Whiz with gauss. Thunder takes advantage of the dazed Dead End and strikes again. Dead End sees he's attacked by the mighty frigging Optimus Prime, and dives for cover. Dixie comes to his feet and tries to avoid the cross fire Whiz's fingers twitch as she is stunned, then her body jerks as the grenade rips inot one of her legs. Photon crouches into a ball behind a statue and hopes no one notices him Seaspray strikes Decepticon Advanced Troops #5852 with laser. Seaspray rolls to the ground. Hot Rod peeks out from around the statue pedestal, curses softly, and fires a volley of strafing rounds into the advancing troops. "Watch your backs, guys!" Galvatron barks orders at the gumbycons to form up and single out some of the less threatening bots..which they do Dead End sees thunder's attack, and shakes off his shock, realizing his shiny armour's at stake. He backs away from Thunder's sword, bringing his pistol up.. Dixie turns to the troops and tries to take a couple out Ozone drops onto the ground with a THUD, and searches for his next target. Decepticon Advanced Troops #5852 evades your special attack. Hot Rod's shots zing a few soldiers without any readily visible effect. Seaspray tackles one of the troops, knocking him down to the ground. Decepticon Advanced Troops #5852 refuses to accept Galvatron's order to attack another faction member. Whiz groans, trying to pull herself forward with her hands but still weakened by the stun and the hit with the Grenade. Photon watches as troops begin to focus on him and begins to tremble nervously. Looks like the adrenaline rush (or whatever) wore off... Dead End brings up his pistol and fires it at Thunder, point-blank range, cooly. Galvatron receives a radio transmission from Omega Supreme. Onslaught descends to the ground...continuing to advance on Whiz....very goal oriented, it seems.. Tornado starts moving from statue to statue, trying to duck shots but still get closer to Whiz...and Onslaught . Photon shouts, "Whiz, need help?!" Galvatron transmits a message via radio to Omega Supreme. Thunder hits Dead End, who overall fails to react. Ozone moves towards Onslaught, following his lead, and watching his back. Thunder slices again and connects with Dead End. Galvatron sets the gumbycons into action, and transforms, preparing to exact retribution. Photon tries to figure out what's going on . . . Galvatron transforms into his fearsome cannon mode Seaspray is being attacked by the troops... he dodges the fire, for the most part. However one of his propellers is blown off... Whiz looks up at the others and gets up to one knee, pulling her other leg behind her as she crawls. "No.... just peachy..." Dead End fires, energon running for multiple sword wounds. The troops start moving around towards Hot Rod's position and anyone else who is hiding under cover. Gumbycons single out Dixie and Thunder and Tripwire and blastblastblast at them with laserfire . Seaspray gurgles, "Argh!" Photon ducks as trooper blasts shatter the statue he was hiding behind. Hot Rod drops and scrambles after Ozone, moving to intercept him, half-crawling under the barrage of laser fire. Dead End hits Thunder, but he better hope the next one is harder. Optimus Prime blasts away at Galvatron from behind the unwary Decepticon leader . "Autobots," he yells, "Take no prisoners! Destroy them to save the future for Autobots and humans alike!" Gigantic Cannon singles out Optimus Prime and BOOMS "OPTIMUS! YOU ARE MORE A FOOL THAN I THOUGHT FOR CHALLENGING ME HERE! WHEN YOU'RE DEAD, I'LL PARADE YOUR BROKEN AND CHARRED REMAINS BEFORE THE WHOLE CITY!!" The crack Decepticon troops combine their shots and lay down a devastating barrage of lasers and missiles. Seaspray transforms and starts zipping around the troops... But one of Seaspray's propellers is missing.. so he's only making right turns.. Photon cowers. Whiz has finally managed to shake off the stun completely, and crawls behind a pillar for cover as she looks at the fragmented armor on her leg. Thunder gets knocked back from the HARD blast, but rights himself and yells "My turn!!" Tornado is shot by several Decepticons while moving from one statue to another . Gigantic Cannon swivels around and trains his sights on Optimus, backing up so as to provide a minimally moving target. Whiz takes her turn trying to get her leg into at least working order. Optimus Prime fires at Galvatron at the same time the Decepticon leader fires at him. Ozone notices the advancing Hot Rod, and takes aim. Photon summons up some courage from somewhere and transforms. Seaspray falls backwards into his hovercraft mode. Photon takes a small leap and changes into his bike form, engine reving. Hot Rod stops short in his tracks, staring at Galvatron, "Optimus, look out--!" Gigantic Cannon opens fire, sending a cataclysmic shot at Optimus "KA-THOOOOOM!" Onslaught intones to Whiz as he advances, "run autobot! The only way you'll see Darkmount is when I through you into it!" Gigantic Cannon misses Optimus Prime with his Cannon attack. Optimus Prime misses Gigantic Cannon with his cannon attack. The hovercraft elongates and rear's up into Seaspray's robot mode. Dead End mutters to Thunder, "... will ya..." Optimus Prime manages to dodge Galvatron's attack as Galvatron dodges his. Seaspray gurgles, "Ok.. I'm NOT going to do this making right turns!" Race Bike squeals over to Whiz's side. Whiz yelps and falls to the floor as the cannon blast rips the wall in front of her and throws up a cloud of flying debris. Dixie looks around to try to find Ozone again Gigantic Cannon misses wide, sending a geyser of debris exploding upwards next to Optimus's position. Seaspray tries to aid Thunder by leaping at Dead End from behind, but falls to the ground. Ozone fires a barrage of nails towards the distracted Hot Rod. Gigantic Cannon transform back quickly, and prepares to lock in mortal combat with Optimus Optimus Prime ducks away from the flying shrapnel Tornado groans as a falling piece of the WALL lands on him Galvatron twists and shifts into his menacing robot mode Race Bike says, "Hey, if Optimus is here . . . where are the others?" Whiz shakes her head and examines her circuits again. Ozone blasts you with Compressed_air for 5 damage. Endurance Level: 59 System Analysis: Nominal The motorcycle lurches into the air and twists to become Photon! Dead End tries to dodge Thunder's sowrd, watching as Galv's and Prime's missed cannon attacks do MAJOR damage to the surroundings. Photon kneels my Whiz. "You sure you okay?" Hot Rod tenses and BOLTS after Galvatron, yelling as Ozone's shot slams into his side and knocks him roughly to the ground. Galvatron fumes in rage, and charges at Optimus, intending to barrel him right off his feet Whiz nods, wiping a bit of dust from her face. "Yeah.. got the leg working again.. sorta." Hot Rod skids a couple meters and looks around wildly for whoever shot him. Galvatron engages his thrusters, going to maximum possible speed, becoming almost a streak of purple as he charges with guttural fury at his most hated of foes Seaspray gets up, intent on getting Dead End. Thunder chases Dead end to the south waving his sword in the air. Galvatron collides with Optimus Prime forcefully. Photon says, "This is getting out of hand." Optimus Prime tosses his rifle into subspace, preparing for the attack Thunder heads southward, towards Governmental Plaza. Dead End heads southward, towards Governmental Plaza. Tornado gets up from the rubble just in time to see a Decepticon aiming for his head . Optimus Prime gets slammed back into the ground, but doesn't let himself stop there. He kicks his feet upwards attempting to slam the Decepticon leader over his head and on the ground Galvatron SLAMS into Optimus with a deafening CRASH..and staggers about, himself damaged in the process. Optimus Prime strikes Galvatron with blow. Hot Rod is significantly distracted by Galvatron and Optimus's fight but manages to drag his attention back to Ozone. "Okay, pal, teach you to mess with me..." Hot Rod transforms into what can only be called a high-tech, flaming.. car. Photon takes out his laser and desperately tries to fix it. Galvatron is flipped over by Optimus's attack, and lands sprawling on his back Flaming Car kicks into high gear and *screams* after the guy who shot him, laying rubber on the ground. Dixie says, "Aah! How could I miss?!?" Tornado is missed but rushes forwards and slams a piece of the debris he was trapped under squarely onto the cons head, crushing it Optimus Prime jumps to his feet. "Whiz! Get to Darkmount NOW! Place the bomb!"========================== In Your Area =====================
Onslaught Whiz Dixie Galvatron Tornado Flaming Car Ozone Seaspray Photon Optimus Prime Ozone responds to Hot Rod's threat with only a smirk. You ram into Ozone, your reinforced frame absorbing the impact without damage. Photon hits his gun a few times. Optimus Prime makes the colossal mistake of singling out one of his troops. Galvatron crashes back to the ground..but wastes no time, knowing the situation is critical...he reaches out for a lance-like piece of debris and hurls it at Optimus like a javelin. Galvatron strikes Optimus Prime with Blow. Dixie gives up with gunfire and flips his shot-gun into subspace. Tornado jumps up and transforms Dixie throws his shot gun into the air while springing off the ground and instantly his legs fold up onto his back and his arms pull into his body while the cab settles down over his head and the shot gun lands gently in a holder in front of the rear window. As Tornado leans forward, he smoothly goes through his transformations and within a matter of seconds, a large, sleek, Black El Tornado is in front of you, engine humming powerfully Flaming Car ploughs Ozone back several meters and skids sideways sharply, trying to make a clean hit-and-run escape. Photon hears something rattle inside his pistol and hits it again, snapping whatever it was back into possition. Ozone is unable to dodge the car, and is thrown backwards. El Toronado squeels his tires and rushes to Whiz's position. Ozone lands on his backside with a THUD. Galvatron takes the short opportunity provided by his successful attack to snap off another radio message. Optimus Prime gets slammed in the side, from behind, by a javelin shaped piece of metal. He cries out in pain as a hole is ripped in his armor and energon starts leaking out of it. Seaspray gurgles, "Prime? You okay?" Photon steadies his gun. "Go on, I'll cover you Whiz." Shaking off the attack, Ozone gets to his feet and transforms. Photon mutters "I hope." Ozone takes to the air with a flight-aided leap as he takes the form of his Zeppelin mode. Whiz hears Optimus' order and pulls a large bomb from her toolkit. Galvatron transmits a message via radio. El Toronado says, "Let's go Whiz, I'll cover you"" Whiz tries to head out, but is driven back by the fire from the Autotroops. Whiz says, "I can't get through! Not with my leg!" Optimus Prime grabs the metal and pulls it out of the wound in his side. He grimaces and turns towards Galvatron, holding the metal high to use as a weapon of his own. He charges Galvatron intent on slashing through Galvatron's neural net. Tripwire takes The Bomb. Galvatron gives up his next attack to get off that radio message Optimus Prime says, "Tripwire! Place the bomb!" El Toronado puts his head lights on HIGH BEAM and rushes into the Con troops full speed. El Toronado says, "follow me Whiz" Onslaught takes advantage of Whiz's short gesture to TF... Dixie sees Whiz's problems and tries to make himself useful and drive a hole in the troops Onslaught falls back on himself, assuming his missile trailer mode The Zeppelin soars into the air, it's large cannons humming with destructive energy. Galvatron receives a radio transmission from Omega Supreme. Tripwire says gruffly, "Affirmative, Prime..." Optimus Prime yells as he attacks Galvatron, "In Darkmount's central computer system! HURRY!" Photon says, "Tripwire, wait! I'm fast enough, and I've got the skill. I'll do it." Photon takes a small leap and changes into his bike form, engine reving. The Con troops start blasting the hell out of the black El Toronado Long distance to Krystal: Flaming Car ain't no hero yet Optimus Prime strikes Galvatron with blow. Hot Rod shifts into robot mode. Zeppelin unleashes a wide-range blast, throwing all in the area off-guard! Galvatron looks horrified at the result of both his radio message and Prime's attack...the world seems to be exploding all around him. Whiz tries to move forward "Pass it off! Everyone just keep trying to get closer!" Missile Trailer shifts into gear after the el toronado and Whiz, "Allow _me_ to escort...you..." The Zeppelins cannons blast the ground below. Hot Rod squeals away to a relatively clear spot and flips over, transforming quickly. "Optimus, she can't get in with that leg--!" Optimus Prime slashes nastily at Galvatron then moves away to radio his own message. Optimus Prime says, "LEAVE HER THEN!" Race Bike strikes Decepticon Advanced Troops #5844 with laser. Galvatrons head is bashed with the weapon he impaled prime with...he staggers back..a sickening rent in his head armor, and one of his head prongs severed off. Whiz dashes forward, limping badly, trying to find what meager cover she can. Optimus Prime yells that to Hot Rod. Then shouts to the rest of the troops. "Take the Decepticons down!" The motorcycle lurches into the air and twists to become Photon! Photon shields Whiz. El Toronado starts spinning in place, throwing up a cloud of debris.... Whiz gets scored along her side by a plasma blast, staggers, and alomst falls. Hot Rod opens and closes his mouth a few times, stunned. "But she.. she can't.." Photon says, "Whiz!" Galvatron struggles to recover..and floods his cannon with power again Photon spins to take aim at . . . well, whatever hit Whiz. As the El Toronado revs his engine, he slowly stands, transforming until Tornado stands in front of you. Optimus shouts, "Autobots, destroy all Decepticons." Hot Rod breaks off and dives for cover as a mortar blasts into the ground beside him. Tornado says, "Noooo," Tripwire says gruffly, "Prime? Inside Darkmount? I can't get through their security system!" For no apparent reason Dixie jumps into the air and in the blink of an eye, the cap folds down, his arms pop out and his legs fold out form off his back. Dixie lands on his feet with the grace of a hippo, while still trying to get the knack of transforming. Tornado runs towards Whiz. Dixie tries to slide kick a few of the troops. Seaspray rushes over with tornado to help Whiz. Photon snaps off a few shots at the troops again. Optimus Prime glances towards Tripwire. "Then blast your way through the door!" Tornado gets blasted in the shoulder arm and side as he runs towards his fallen comrade Dixie strikes Decepticon Advanced Troops #5844 with kick. Photon strikes Decepticon Advanced Troops #5844 with laser. The Zeppelin descends from the sky quickly. Galvatron takes advantage of Optimus's order-giving, and sends a fearsome cannon blast at Optimus. The large Zeppelin suddenly falls from the sky as Ozone transforms into his Robot mode, he lands with a flight-reduced THUD and immediately assess his surroundings. Dixie skitters off the floor back to safety behind a pillar Galvatron strikes Optimus Prime with Cannon. Missile Trailer pounds forward, and raises its twin missile launchers at Whiz/Tornado, "The game ends....here..." Tripwire hesitates... Optimus Prime gets blasted forward, staggering badly. Photon starts to tramble again as his system overloads from trying to circumvent his flight reflex. Tornado rolls to the ground next to Whiz,smoking and dented "Owww, hi." Ozone lands near Onslaught, covering his back. Galvatron is not pleased by his success at all, knowing he is simultaneously being outmaneuvered on several fronts Missile Trailer opens up with a dose of twin photon missiles... Photon covers them both. "We got trouble, guys...can either of you move? Whiz drops to the ground and tries to get across the plaza on all fours. Missile Trailer strikes Whiz with missile. Seaspray gurgles, "Whiz!" Tornado looks up, "Yeah, I'm fine...Whiz? You okay?" Galvatron whips around and looks for the the person carrying this 'bomb' that optimus speaks of Half-blinded by Galvatron's shot, Prime spins, calling his rifle from subspace again and firingit before he's even got it fully aimed at Galvatron. He accidently hits one of his own troops as he swings it wildly. Photon screams "ONSLAUGHT!!!!!!!!!! Whiz's back is ripped int by the missiles and she DROPS. Galvatron notices Whiz, Photon, Seaspray, and Tornado all together Missile Trailer recoils slightly on its shocks, as he blasts the stumbling Whiz..."endgame, little one...." Hot Rod yells, "OPTIMUS! -- no you DON'T, Galvatron!" yanking his gun out and jamming the power pack to full output. Whiz screams, and the bomb drops from her hand. Photon charges towards the missle trailer! Tornado yells "WHIZ !!!" You strike Galvatron with your electricity. Tornado jumps up and transforms. Photon holsters his gun and raises his fists. Ozone trains his weapon on the rushing Autobot. As Tornado leans forward, he smoothly goes through his transformations and within a matter of seconds, a large, sleek, Black El Tornado is in front of you, engine humming powerfully. Optimus Prime strikes Tripwire with cannon. Dixie turns to look at the shooter of the missiles. Optimus Prime actually hits tripwire and grazes Whiz. Tripwire says gruffly, "Whiz, Are you all r--aaagh!" Ozone fires a round of nails at Photon as he rushes towards Onslaught. Galvatron grimaces in pain as the electricity jolts him moderately, but withstands the pain, and extends his own hands, preparing to send sheets of electricity flying at the Autobot formation. Seaspray gurgles, "Watch it, Prime!" Dixie draws his gun from subspace and takes aim. Ozone just nailed Photon with a Compressed_air. Photon reflexivly sprays Ozone with day-glo purple paint. Tripwire gets blown way aside from the blast. Whiz hovers on the edge of consciousness, but tries to reach for the bomb as her hand gets grazed by the shot. Hot Rod gets clubbed from behind by one of the hundreds of Reflector clones and staggers sideways. Tripwire hits the ground, The Bomb flying out of his hands. Tripwire drops The Bomb. Photon stumbles as he gets hit, falling to the ground. The bomb falls close to him... Whiz groans deep in her chest, struggling now just to remain aware. Galvatron sees the bomb and his optics widen in horror, he leaps into the air and charges towards it The Bomb beeps! Photon shouts, ""GAH!!" El Toronado starts speeding towards Onslaught Seaspray gurgles, "Oh no..." Photon scrambles to his feet and goes for the bomb. Tripwire picks himself weakly up, now with a big gaping hole in the side. Whiz chokes out, "Bomb..." Thunder arrives from the Governmental Plaza. Thunder has arrived. The Bomb flashes: 01:03 Optimus Prime regains his vision with a shake of his head and sees Galv heading towards the bomb. He aims his laser rifle towards the bomb at full power. Galvatron charges at the bomb, and sends electricity zapping at Hot Rod as he does so. Dixie throws his shot gun into the air while springing off the ground and instantly his legs fold up onto his back and his arms pull into his body while the cab settles down over his head and the shot gun lands gently in a holder in front of the rear window. Seaspray misses Galvatron with his laser attack. Dead End arrives from the Governmental Plaza. Galvatron blasts you with electricity for 12 damage. Endurance Level: 49 System Analysis: Nominal As the propellers bend and the cockpit folds, an Autobot is beginning to take shape. A propeller which is used as a sword falls into Thunder's hands and he is ready for anything. Optimus Prime says, "Time to end this charade, Galvatron!" Photon picks up the bomb, staring at the charging Galvatron with wide optics... Whiz's optics widen as she sees the rifle aimed at the bomb. "You'll... kill us!" Dead End intones, "Come back here, autowimp." Photon takes The Bomb. Hot Rod spins around, smashing his fist into the trooper's face, and turns around dazedly to the rest of the battle -- just in time to get zapped backward by Galvatron's blast. Ozone takes to the air. Galvatron is oblivious to Optimus, being focused entirely on claring out opposition to his obtaining the bomb, and gaining the bomb itself. Thunder stares down Dead End. El Toronado says, "You're gonna pay for that Onslaught...." Whiz chokes, "Photon, get rid of it...." Like in slow motion, Optimus starts pulling the trigger to his rifle towards the bomb in Photon's hands. Galvatron sees photon take the bomb, and alters course, and barrels at the Autobot Photon takes a small leap and changes into his bike form, engine reving. Hot Rod blinks blearily, "No.. wait..." Race Bike looks like he's gonna make a run for Darkmount. You shout, "Optimus, WAIT!!" El Toronado's engine is roaring as he rushes towards Onslaught full speed Whiz tries feebly to cover her head with her arm. Galvatron goes to maximum speed, thrusters blazing in overload as he struggles to overtake the race bike Race Bike peels rubber north, not sure if it's the right dirrection... From on the bike, The Bomb flashes: 00:56 Dixie yells "Go, go!! Ozone lands running, making to intercept the Bike. Tripwire gets up and transforms. Tripwire dives low to the ground, transforming into a Hum-vee. Galvatron extends his hands once more, preparing to zap the bike with electricity Optimus Prime's finger strokes the trigger right as Photon moves. The shot goes wide, hitting a Reflector clone Seaspray leaps at ozone, trying to knock him down. Thunder charges at the unsuspecting Con and lets loose a thundering punch Hum-vee follows photon with the bomb. Thunder attacks Dead End, who makes a halfhearted yet sucessful attempt to get out of the way. Race Bike pulls a quick turn around a statue, hoping to send Galavatron going satraight... As the El Toronado races toward the missile trailer, a small portal opens between the twin launchers, ejecting a small low-power blaster... Galvatron is being outpaced by the faster bike, he roars in frustration and sends the electricity careening at photon Dead End dodges Thunder, trying to blast his face off with a pistol Thunder misses Dead End...again Galvatron blasts away, trying to get photon before he gets behind a statue Race Bike zigs away from the electricity, hopefully... Galvatron just nailed Photon with a Electricity. Race Bike reflexivly sprays Galvatron with day-glo purple paint. Hum-vee calls out, "Photon! That has a level 9 defusion mechanism on it...you won't be able to disarm it, just get rid of it!" Hot Rod yells, "Optimus, are you CRAZY? that thing goes out, it takes half of us out with it!" Dixie tries to run Onsy over. Race Bike skids to the ground, transfroming as it falls. The motorcycle lurches into the air and twists to become Photon! Photon lies on the ground aching, the bomb cradled in his arm. Dead End misses Thunder with its compressed_air attack. Thunder leaps at Dead End putting all he has left into the dive... From Photon, The Bomb flashes 00:42 Whiz gets peppered with laser fire from one of the more sadistic members of the autotroops. Galvatron continues barelling at photon, a cloud of paint spraying over him Photon looks at the timer. Thunder attacks Dead End, who makes a halfhearted yet sucessful attempt to get out of the way. Optimus Prime spins towards Photon, aiming his rifle yet again at the bomb. Ozone notices Seaspray charging him, and makes to dodge. You say, "Photon! Get rid of that thing!" Optimus Prime intends to blow that thing and Galvatron with it. Dead End's shot goes over Thunder's head, as he fights for his life, oblivious to the bomb's danger... As the El Toronado revs his engine, he slowly stands, transforming until Tornado stands in front of you. Seaspray succeeds in grasping Ozone, throwing him off-balance. Hum-vee transforms next to Photon. For no apparent reason Dixie jumps into the air and in the blink of an eye, the cap folds down, his arms pop out and his legs fold out form off his back. Dixie lands on his feet with the grace of a hippo, while still trying to get the knack of transforming. Seaspray takes Ozone to the ground. The Hum-vee transforms, standing up, into the Autobot Tripwire. Photon looks towards Darkmount, realizing he won't be able to make it... Tornado transforms and uses the momentum to propell him into Onsy Galvatron closes on Photon, preparing to steal the explosive from him Thunder winces as his pucnh fails to find its mark again... Ozone is caught by Seaspray's lunge, and is taken to the ground. Tripwire says gruffly, "Quick! hand it over!" Tornado strikes Missile Trailer with blow. Galvatron BOOMS "RELINQUISH THE BOMB, AUTOBOT!!" Seaspray continues to grapple with Ozone From Tripwire The Bomb flashes 00:30 Photon hands the bomb over. Ozone grunts as he hits the ground, but quickly brings his feet up to kick his attacker off. Photon says, "Go . . . now. . ." Optimus Prime squeezes the trigger of his rifle Tripwire looks grimly at Galvatron. Missile Trailer rocks back a few yards from the momentum of Tornado's assault.... Ozone strikes Seaspray with kick. Seaspray falls to the ground in pain... Galvatron careens towards Photon and Tripwire. Tripwire rushes towards him, "You want it? you can HAVE it!" Photon turns onto his back and sees Galvatron there. Slowly he reaches for his pistol. Tornado falls to the ground and winces at how hard Onslaught actually is. Hot Rod lurches forward into an unsteady run, his balance still somewhat off-kilter from Galvatron's electrical blast. Thunder gets ready for an almost certain attck from Dead End Ozone leaps to his feet, hoping to press his aparent advantage over Seaspray. Tripwire runs, hoping to duck behind Galvatron... Little pieces fall off of Seaspray as he hits the ground really hard. Optimus Prime fires at the bomb Dead End sticks his foot out as Thunder's attack whizzes by, trying to trip him and throw him to the ground. Whiz curls up as well as she can into a painful ball, hoping for some protection from the incipient blast. Photon shouts, "Till All are One!!" Photon misses Galvatron with his laser attack. Seaspray struggles to stand, allowing Ozone antoher attack Missile Trailer broadcasts a growl as broken glass from the cab sprays everywhere...after a moment, the small blaster opens fire on the prone Tornado... Photon misses, his arm having taken massive damage. Galvatron charges at Tripwire, and swipes at the bomb Galvatron succeeds in grasping Tripwire, throwing him off-balance. Dixie skids over to Whiz, trying unsuccessfully to cover her Tripwire drops The Bomb. Tripwire says gruffly, "Shock!" Ozone kicks at the downed Seaspray's mid-section. Optimus Prime misses the bomb, barely, his shot winging between Galvatron and Tripwire Missile Trailer strikes Tornado with his weapon, damaging him. Photon crawls towards the bomb, trailing energon. Ozone misses Seaspray with his kick attack. Jail Transport arrives from the Customs Gate to the east, muttering about red-tape. The Bomb flashes 00:20. Seaspray seaspray dodges to the side, giving him time to fire his lasers. Photon groans "Cm'on . . . transform . . . Dead End succeeds in grasping Thunder, throwing him off-balance. Galvatron bats at Tripwire, and dislodges the bomb...he throws Tripwire aside and reaches down to grabit Hot Rod drops to one knee beside Whiz, "Hang on, we'll get you out of here -- Optimus, don't! You'll take out the rest of us with it!" Ozone grunts in frustration as Seaspray manages to move out of the way. Seaspray misses Ozone with his laser attack. Tripwire says gruffly, "No, get away from it Photon! Stay back!" Galvatron takes the bomb Jail Transport drives in towing Blitzwing, and heads towards Darkmount Tripwire hopes it works. Tornado tries to roll away fromthe blasts but instead gets peppered all over his body. Thunder hears the cry of Photon and races towards Dead End. Galvatron receives a radio transmission. Photon struggles to his feet, desperately close to Galvatrona dn the bomb. The Bomb's magnetic clamps seem to be active. Seaspray misses miserably with his lasers. Optimus Prime says, "We must destroy the Decepticon threat!" Ozone ducks under the laser attacks, and comes up at Seaspray's jaw with an uppercut. Jail Transport leaves to the Bridge over Molten River to the north. Dead End slams thunder into the ground, and attempt to smash an elbow into his face Galvatron BLASTS into the air, his thrusters seeminly putting out more thrust than an Apollo rocket..he ROARS skywards. Whiz mumbles something weakly to Hot Rod. She mutters to Hot Rod, "He said to leave me." You sense Whiz mumbles something weakly to Hot Rod. "He said to leave me." Dead End misses Thunder with its punch attack. You say, "At what cost?" Ozone strikes Seaspray with punch. Optimus Prime fires after Galvatron. Photon looks upwards . . . and falls on his back, moaning in pain. Seaspray feels his face panel fly off of his face, energon flowing from his face. Galvatron tries to gain altitude as fast as he can...1000 ft 2000 ft Hot Rod says firmly, "We're not leaving you." Tripwire says gruffly, "Everybody down!" Optimus Prime peppers the air around Galvatron with laser fire. Thunder rolls to the side of the attack and thrusts his fist at DE. Tornado gets up and tries to see what is going on. The massive missile trailer rises up, taking the form of Onslaught. Thunder attacks Dead End, who makes a halfhearted yet sucessful attempt to get out of the way. Photon tries to crawl to cover. Seaspray transforms and attempts to ram Ozone. Seaspray falls backwards into his hovercraft mode. The Bomb flashes (if you can still see it in Galvatron's arms at that height): 00:07 Galvatron looks at the timer "7...6...5...4" Hovercraft misses Ozone with his ram attack. Tornado looks up and realizes what is happening..."Oh Primus..." Whiz mutters to Hot Rod, "Please,... him..." Whiz whispers "Please, stop him..." Ozone turns away from Seaspray, and leaps into the air, dodging the ram attack in the process. Thunder grabs Photon and runs for cover Photon has crawled over to Whiz, Rod and the rest... Galvatron receives a radio transmission. Hovercraft zips past ozone, forgetting that he only makes those damn right turns... Jail Transport enters from the Bridge over Molten River to the north. The hovercraft elongates and rear's up into Seaspray's robot mode. Ozone fires down upon Seaspray as he soars skyward. Dead End throws a punch at thunder as he runs off, missing Optimus Prime is REALLY trying to hit both Galvatron and the bomb. Tripwire calls out, "Sayonara, Galvatron!" Ozone misses Seaspray with his Compressed_air attack. Galvatron waitts till the timer reads 3...at 3500 ft altitude at this point, and HEAVES the bomb as hard as he can upwards, and simultaneously goes into a crash dive Photon with his last burst of energy, covers his ears. The Bomb flashes: 00:03, Hot Rod yells, "GALVATRON! Get rid of that thing!" Seaspray leaps out of the way of the compressed air. Jail Transport drives back in from the direction of Darkmount and drives towards Polyhex Tornado says, "Oh Primus." Seaspray misses Ozone with his laser attack. Galvatron accelerates towards the ground, and breaks the soundbarrier from going so fast...BOOOOOOOOM Jail Transport drives out as fast as possible. Seaspray watches in horror... Ozone suddenly re-directs himself towards the ground, falling rapidly, and evading Seapray's laser fire. Optimus Prime gets his aim knocked off by the sonic boom that follows Galvatron. Thunder dives for cover behind some rubble created during the battle Seaspray moves to avoid the falling Ozone.. Onslaught seemingly has no idea what is going on...his neural net still a bit hazy from an earlier battle this cycle....as he keeps his focus only on Whiz and Tornado.. Tripwire hits the dirt. Seaspray dives to the grond Whiz braces for the explosion. Dead End is a little distracted by what's going on topside, and stands and gawks... could this be armageddon.... FINALLY??? Galvatron is going far too fast to pull up...despite his best efforts and CRASHES into a building...smashing the roof and causing massive explosions as some some energon stored inside goes up in smoke....Galvatron is nowhere to be seen Hot Rod ducks down beside Whiz, trying to cover her from the flying shrapnel as the explosions rip through the air. Ozone comes down, streaking towards Seaspray. Seaspray notices Ozone coming at him... The Bomb flashes: 00:01 Optimus Prime watches Galv slam into the building and starts running in that direction to make sure his foe is down Ozone misses Seaspray with his ram attack. Tornado doesn't move but keeps staring at the explosions Ozone slams into the ground as his misses his target. Transmission from NightThunder: I could really use a medic. You transmit a message to NightThunder: NOT NOW!!! A roar fill the air as bright light floods the sky, and a massive blast shatters your body with its sheer power. Winds flatten you against the ground and roar past your optics, and shrapnel flies all around through the air. Dead End is standing still in the middle of all the choas, looking up... Seaspray takes advantage of Ozones situation. Seaspray strikes Ozone with laser. Tripwire covers his head as shrapnel rains down. Dixie hits the ground. Galvatron lies in a smoking ruin of a building..flames consume the roof supports and secondary explosions rock the debris. Optimus Prime disappears in all the shrapnel. You think he hit the ground somewhere, but... Hot Rod braces himself and shields Whiz as best he can, squinting up to follow Optimus' progress. Tornado is smashed to the ground and thrown about. Seaspray looks up. "Prime?" Ozone takes a hit from Seasprays laser, but stays on the ground, protecting himself from the bomb's side effects. Dead End is slammed to the ground, optics overloaded and one blown out, completely out in the open... energon runs froma dozen wounds... Seaspray lands on top of Ozone, protecting himself from the bomb.. Thunder optics focus on Prime...but loses him in the explosion... Photon lies, smiling at the chaos around him and unable to do anything about it... Onslaught is blown back by the tremors like a pathetic pinball, landing witha resounding THUD, a few yards from Galvatron... Whiz moans as the roaring, super-heated air buffets her body. Dixie covers himself Dead End stood there like he wanted to die... Hot Rod touches Whiz on the shoulder. "I'll be back. We're not leaving you.." scrambling to his feet as the aftereffects of the explosion die down and limping away quickly in Optimus's direction, scanning tightly through the debris. As the smoke and debris start clearing, you can start to make out forms around you. Flatfoot shifts into his robotic mode in a blur of motion. Photon struggles to sit up. Ozone recoves from the bomb, and immediatley swings at Seaspray. Ozone strikes Seaspray with Punch. Thunder winces as he gets blown back by the force...but hobbles to his feet. Dead End climbs to his feet, painfully. A large statue, one of the few left from the battle is blown off its pedestal by the blast and it lands squarely on top of Tornado. Tripwire picks his head back up, "Shock it, can't I just be able to set a bomb ONCE without havin' it go off by itself?" Photon groans in pain and tries to stand up. Dixie sits up painfully. Optimus Prime lies under a large piece of metal, shaken off by the explosion, and is pierced from head to toe by various pieces of shrapnel Tripwire looks over, and says, "Optimus!" Flatfoot climbs out of the scrap and looks about . Photon stumbles over to Optimus, falling to his knees along the way. Onslaught drags to his feet...his left arm completely severed by the fall/crash...now spewing energon freely... Galvatron groans in massive pain...the impact with the building having damaged him heavily..but broke his fall enough to prevent cataclysmic damage. Seaspray looks up, his face panel missing, raises his fingertipto ozone.. Seaspray strikes Ozone with laser. Hot Rod yanks the sheet metal off Optimus fiercely. "This's gone too far. We gotta get out of here." Photon looks down at Optimus. "Optimus?" Tripwire rushes over to help. Galvatron struggles to extricate himself from the wreckage of the building. Dead End mutters to itself, "... still..." Ozone grunts as the laser fire hits him at almost point-blank, leaving some nasty-looking burn marks. Ozone grunts, "Autobot scum." Tornado tries to push rubble off of him but the statue is too heavy. Ozone strikes Seaspray with kick. Optimus Prime groans as he tries to get up. "We must... defeat the Decepticon... threat.. destroy Darkmount." Seaspray gurgles, "Look at ME, Decepticon!!" Galvatron slowly emerges from the rubble....staggering out from the remains of the building. Seaspray points out his missing panel and propeller, and is kicked into a wall.. Photon stutters "I tried, sir . . . but Galva . . . Galvatron got me . . . " He's obviously in great pain. Optimus Prime starts getting to his feet. "Whiz... Where is the other bomb?" Seaspray misses Ozone with his laser attack. Whiz struggles up to her hands and knees, her head clearing after the force of the explosion. Photon whispers "Other bomb?" Dead End looks p.o.'d to be still alive. He points his pistol at the dazed Thunder, and shoots him in the side of the head with a blast of compressed air. Thunder goes down like a rock, and dead End feels a little better... Tripwire says gruffly, "Other bomb?" Whiz forces out, "Optimus... I can't..." You say, "We take this any farther and we have nothing left to show of it but a bunch of bodies, Optimus. --Optimus?" Ozone dodges the poorly-aimed laser shot, and returns fire with his own weapon. Hot Rod steps back uncertainly. Photon takes a small leap and changes into his bike form, engine reving. Ozone misses Seaspray with his Compressed_air attack. Onslaught clutches his stump arm, as he turn to the group that surrounds Optimus, "You that would raise the inactivated..." he growls, "see what your great deeds have done? they have earned you nothing but more pain..." his optics continue to burn brightly as he looks to the innocent civilians crawling around frantically.... Seaspray leaps out of the way of the air attack Race Bike tests out his bike mode, making sure he can keep his balance. His engine clicks strangely. Galvatron leans against an intact building, and struggles to regain equilibrium, gasping at the scattered gumbycons "Decepticons....unnnh! What're..you waiting...for!? Open...fire!" Whiz weakly tries to reach for the toolkit by her side. Seaspray misses Ozone with his laser attack. You say, "Optimus, don't. She can't." Optimus Prime looks in Whiz's direction. "The other bomb! Get it activated, immeadiately! Before we lose our window of opportunity!" Seaspray jump forward with lasers.. Ozone dodges yet another round of laser fire, and charges towards Seaspray. Gumbycons (those that aren't buried under rubble, or cowering from the explosion), start putting up a peppering of laserfire Ozone misses Seaspray with his ram attack. Tornado arghs! as he is slowly being crushed by the massive statue Tripwire glances at Whiz, then at Optimus. Race Bike does a few circles around Optimus to make sure he can drive, trying to shield Optimus from the gumbycons. Dead End swings his pistol toward Whiz... Whiz looks back at Optimus with a pained look, her armor blackend all over her body, and grimaces. "Of course... sir..." Tripwire looks over at Tornado, "Hey, lemme help you with that..." Race Bike looks at Optimus. "Sir . . . ?" Tripwire rushes over to Tornado. Galvatron struggles to stand upright, and slowly trudges towards the Autobots are gathered around Optimus. Dead End quickly fires his pistol at Whiz! Seaspray leaps out of the way. Seaspray rushed toward Ozone and punches him square in the jaw. "See how YOUR face likes damage!" Whiz pulls her toolit behind her as she tries to crawl in Darkmount's direction... Hot Rod looks desperately between Whiz and Optimus. "But she can't.." Tripwire helps lift the statue... Hot Rod says abruptly, "Whiz, stop." Optimus Prime just looks at Hot Rod. "Destroying the Decepticons is all that matters." Seaspray overhears Prime. Race Bike looks at Rod. "I can . . . Sir. I can still roll." Grimlock arrives from the Customs Gate to the east, muttering about red-tape. Tornado Pushes the statue off with Tripwire's help . Grimlock charges in, sword drawn... Onslaught slumps back to his knees...his good arm blindly searching the ground for his rifle, as he optics remained locked on the group... Tornado says, "Thanks, Tripwire." Tripwire says gruffly, "No problem." Whiz stops, her limbs trembling, as she looks back at Hot Rod and Optimus. Galvatron trudges slowly closer towards optimus, but looks up in utter horror when BIG Autobot reinforcements arrive that cannot be countered Tripwire grins, then looks back over in Whiz's direction Grimlock looks quite battered... Grimlock looks around, optics flaring. Ozone reels backwards as Seaspray catches him in the jaw, shattering some vital components. Hot Rod says to Whiz, "It's not worth your life." He turns back to Optimus evenly, tightening his fists. Grimlock growls, "Me Grimlock hurt. Me Grimlock batterred. Me Grimlock STILL ready to kick tailpipe. Who want some?" Whiz has an almost pleading look in her optics as she looks at Hot Rod. Dead End fires a few shots at Whiz, peppering her already shattered form.... Galvatron changes his mind, and ducks behind a building, trying to regain some of his senses Seaspray opens fire again with his lasers Seaspray misses Ozone with his laser attack. Onslaught glances to the big Dinobots as he lies crumpled admidst the destruction...."Perhaps you should recheck your enemies and allies, Grimlock...." Whiz whimpers and falls from the shots. Optimus Prime says in a low voice, "It is necessary." More gumbycons regroup and start putting up a more serious laserfire barrage Leaving his opponent behind, dashes towards some cover, and heeds Galvatron's orders. Transmission from Krystal: HOT ROD! Answer me, Damnit! Ozone's nail Gun hums as it fires round after round of Nails towards the Autobots. Galvatron takes this time to send off a radio and try to get a handle on the battle Hot Rod raises his voice enough to carry to Whiz. "No it's not. Whiz. Deactivate the bomb and put it away." Optimus Prime turns towards Whiz, his optics almost glaring, if they could glare. "Do not deactivate the bomb!" Dead End searches around for more targets... hmmm.... don't want to mess with Grimlock!" Race Bike turns his front towards the two leaders he has ever had in his life, one past, one present. "I'll do it. No one here knows me eough for my passing to matter. I . . . did things . . . on my scouting mission . . . making peace here will be my penance." Galvatron transmits a message via radio. Whiz reaches out a hand then stops, her mind unable to do much more than take orders through this haze of pain. Hot Rod clenches his jaw, glaring tightly at Optimus. "This is going too far." Optimus Prime has stopped fighting and is currently "discussing" with Hot Rod. Seaspray comes from behind Ozone and makes a grab for him. Grimlock notices the commotion in the middle... Optimus Prime turns back to Hot Rod. "I beg your pardon?" Seaspray succeeds in grasping Ozone, throwing him off-balance. Seaspray strikes Ozone with punch. Galvatron transmits a message via radio to Starfighter. Ozone is caught off guard, and is taken down by Seaspray. Grimlock bashes his way through a pack of gumbicons, heading towards the middle. "What going on!?" Seaspray punches ozone while holding him You say, "I said, it's going too far. You can't throw her life away like that." Whiz mumbles under her breath, "Can't... fail... mission." Seaspray jars some of ozone's chips Dead End locks his pistol on Race Bike. "True," he intones, "Your passing will matter little, but you won't be taking Darkmount with you..." Hot Rod barks, "Whiz, STOP." Race Bike has his back turned to Dead End, and doesn't notice. Optimus Prime says, "Everyone has to make a sacrifice for their cause sometime." Galvatron receives a radio transmission. Whiz freezes. Race Bike says, "Optimus, her sacrifice doesn't have to be now." Optimus Prime's right hand clenches into a fist. Grimlock stops just short of Prime and Rod, lowering his sword. "Whoa..." You say, "Not today." Galvatron transmits a message via radio. Ozone's optics brighten in anger, and he tries to grasp his opponent, trying to throw him off. Galvatron has regained his strength somewhat at this point, and looks out from behind cover...searching for a new danger to squelch Ozone misses Seaspray with his grasp attack. Optimus Prime says in a low, dangerous voice. "I gave an order." Optimus Prime is concentrating on Hot Rod and is open to attacks Race Bike gets an idea. Seaspray dodges Ozone by ducking Whiz stares at Hot Rod and Optimus, the vision in her right optic blurred by a smear of energon. You say, "Then I'm countermanding it." Dead End fires at the back of the Race Bike, trying to hit a fuel tank, making sure the Autobots don't have a runner to carry the bomb. You say, "This has gone too far. Optimus, I'm taking command." Grimlock smirks. "About damn time, Rod." Seaspray fires his lasers at Ozone's feet, since he's down there, giving him the hot foot! Optimus Prime hisses, "You dare? This is mutiny!" Hot Rod glares defiantly at Optimus. "This. Is. Mutiny. Whiz, put the bomb away and back off." Race Bike drives over to Whiz. Whiz manages a shaky smile at Grimlock's comment, but it turns into a wince. Optimus Prime's right fist slams up into Hot Rod's chin with a blinding speed. His optics are narrowed and flash with what appears to be anger. Grimlock motions for Whiz to come over to where he's at. Optimus Prime hits you with blow for 17 damage. Endurance Level: 36 System Analysis: COMPROMISED Seaspray pulls Ozone to the ground with him. Race Bike is now next to Whiz. Seaspray gurgles, "What? Prime just hit Hot Rod!!" Galvatron looks out from behind cover, and aims his cannon, preparing to snipe at the Autobots Tornado get up warily. Dead End just nailed Photon with a compressed_air. Race Bike reflexivly sprays Dead End with day-glo purple paint. Race Bike says, "Whiz, give me the bomb, girl." Onslaught instinctively raises his sonic stun rifle at Optimus...seeing as how this may be a good chance to alter the tide of events.... Hot Rod shouts in sudden surprised pain as the fist slams into his jaw, staggering backward and falling to the ground. Grimlock's jaw drops at Optimus's swing. "Whoa..." Dead End intones, "You die for that, Autobot..." Ozone grabs at Seaspray, attempting to throw his opponent off of him. Tornado says, "Optimus, Hot Rod...STOP this !!!" Race Bike falls to the ground and collapses into robot form, then struggles to get back up and transfrom. Ozone misses Seaspray with his grasp attack. Optimus Prime says, "Forgive me, Hot Rod. But you are not in your right mind." Whiz gasps, "No. I... follow Rodimus..." Optimus Prime steps towards Hot Rod in what appears to be a menacing fashion. Grimlock raises his missile launcher at Prime. "Wrong. YOU not in right mind!" Galvatron spots Photon trying to get another bomb, and opens fire on him with a sudden and sickening KRAKA-THOOOOOM Dead End intones, "hmph... look like prime will do our job for us..." Race Bike says, "And so do I. Give me tho bomb. Better me than you." Tornado rushes over Hot Rod shakes his head dazedly and struggles shakily to his feet. Photon has dodged Galvatron's attack! Race Bike yelps at how close that was... Galvatron receives a radio transmission. Onslaught's aim wavers back and forth between the contingent around Prime...only able to support the rifle with one arm...finally, he fires.... Whiz uses what's left of her strength to take the toolkit, the bomb inside, and hide it under her body. "Nobody.. gets it." Grimlock notices some movement in the corner of his optics and swings his missile launcher around. "Not so fast, Onslaught!" Onslaught stuns Optimus Prime. Race Bike says, "Dammit, girl, we don't have much time! It's our best hope to end the fighting! Otherwise, this all keeps happening, over and over agin!" Dead End aims to shoot again, but is distracted watching Prime. Besides, anyone Galv is targeting is dead already... Seaspray knocks ozone to the gorund and kicks him. Tripwire has arrived. Seaspray strikes Ozone with kick. Onslaught intones, "It is finished, Cavalier.....take him....." he gestures to Hot Rod... Whiz tries to reply but can only cough weakly. Optimus Prime gets hit by the stun attack and falls to his knees, unable to do anything except recover his senses. Galvatron barks tiredly "Dead End, take a platoon of troops and help Omega at the gates at once!" Ozone misses Seaspray with his grasp attack. Grimlock launches a missile at Onslaught. "Thanks for playing..." Ozone tries to grab at Seaspray's foot, but misses. Grimlock strikes Onslaught with missile. Grimlock growls, "...please try again!" Race Bike tries to roll Whiz over and get at the bomb, but realizes he has no hands. Dead End sighs, "Yes, sir," he lowers his pistol reluctantly . Onslaught slumps over after stopping Prime....and literally _takes_ Grimlock's missile.... Tornado runs over to Hot Rod, "are you alright?" Seaspray jumps into the air, avoiding the missile, and attempts to kick Ozone. The motorcycle lurches into the air and twists to become Photon! Hot Rod rubs his jaw, rather obviously broken and set crookedly on his face, spitting out a stream of energon. Seaspray misses Ozone with his kick attack. Seaspray falls to the ground. Ozone rolls out of the way and finally leaps to his feet. Grimlock spies around for anyone else deciding to get in on the action. Ozone makes a grab towards Seaspray. Ozone succeeds in grasping Seaspray, throwing him off-balance. Galvatron hunkers back down, and tries to avoid Grimlock's attention...for the moment Seaspray is grabbed by ozone... Photon puts a hand on Whiz's shoulder. "Rod cares for you. Let me do this . . . We all must make sacrifices for our cause. This is mine . . . Galvatron motions frantically for Dead End to get going. Grimlock notices Photon and quickly clanks over, keeping an optic peeled and missile launcher leveled. Ozone clamps a solid grip on Seaspray's body, and, with a grunt, heaves him towards the other Autobots. Optimus Prime is still on his knees as if he hasn't quite recovered... Photon doesn't have the energy to space to glance up at the Dino. "Whiz, please . . . for Rod." Tornado looks over from Rod to Optimus. Whiz clutches the toolkit closer and shakes her head. "One bomb... no difference... One life.... all the difference... on Cybertron..." Hot Rod glances at Optimus warily, then grates, "Whiz. Stand down." Grimlock growls, "Photon, no. No need for anyone to sacrifice self. It not worth it." Onslaught makes no movement from his crumpled position...murmuring only, "victory....in sight..." Seaspray lands on a random couple Autobots Photon says, "Then let it by _my_ life that makes a difference." Photon is ignoring Grimlock. Hot Rod snaps sharply, "No one's life is forfeit!" Galvatron recharges his capacitors, preparing for another shot Tornado looks closely at Optimus Grimlock starts to say something, stops, then says, "What Rod said!" Seaspray lies unmoving on the ground. Parts laying everywhere. Ozone takes cover, finally through with the Autobot. Optimus Prime is still not moving from his stunned position Photon finally looks up at the Dino. "Uhh, Galvatron is still here somewhere, and I'm tired of getting shot at by him . . ." Hot Rod breaks off in pain, keeping one hand to his face and blinking at the ground, energon leaking out from between his fingers. Galvatron receives a radio transmission from Starfighter. Tornado moves closer to Optimus "Are you alright Optimus ??" Galvatron transmits a message via radio. Dead End finally get the troops motivated, and head out, NOT the charismatic leader. Seaspray struggles... Dead End heads east, towards the Customs Gate. Optimus Prime mutters, "No one.. betrays.. the Autobots..." Photon says, "Whiz, c'mon, roll over. Let's see how bad the damage is to you." Whiz grimaces. "Not... an idiot..." Grimlock frowns at Photon. "No." Optimus Prime pulls his laser rifle up suddenly, aiming for Hot Rod, upping the power switch with a flick of his finger... Photon says, "Gotta make sure you're gonna be okay to be with Rod again." Tornado says, "Huh, what are you mumbling Optimus ??"" The next attack on you will automatically succeed. Optimus Prime blasts you with laser for 10 damage. Endurance Level: 28 System Analysis: COMPROMISED Galvatron pops up from behind his ruble againa nd takes a potshot at Grimlock with a burst of high voltage electricity Tornado shouts "No !!!" Galvatron strikes Grimlock with electricity. Seaspray gurgles, "Prime! No!!" Seaspray stands up groggily Tornado tries to shove optimus away Grimlock oofs and is flung off his feet. Photon feels the familiar blast of Galvatron energy nearby and winces. Ozone's optics dim, as he suddenly grasps a nasty wound on his chest. Tornado strikes Optimus Prime with punch. Seaspray has parts of him all about. Grimlock growls, "OK... maybe you right *koff* about Galvatron..." Hot Rod shakes his head and looks up numbly, just in time to catch an eyeful of energy blast, and crashes to the ground hard. Ozone takes to the skies, and disappears over the horizon. Whiz shouts, then begins gasping for air intake. Ozone soars upward to the Sky above Polyhex. Grimlock stumbles to his feet, smoking from his mid-section. "Sidestep gonna love me for this..." Galvatron roars to the remaining troops "Decepticons! Form up and prepare to assaultthe Autobots!" Optimus Prime ignores Tornado's punch and clamors unsteadily to his feet, dripping energon and lubricant over the debris on the ground Hot Rod coughs and drags himself back to his feet, tugging his gun from subspace. "I dind't want it to come to this..." Grimlock receives a radio transmission. Grimlock transmits a message via radio. Grimlock receives a radio transmission. Seaspray is sick of Galvatron's mouth... Optimus Prime turns towards Galvatron's position, raising his laser rifle... Seaspray misses Galvatron with his laser attack. Grimlock transmits a message via radio to Sky Lynx. Onslaught forces himself to transform Hot Rod cocks the firearm unsteadily. "No more, Optimus. Put the gun down." Onslaught falls back on himself, assuming his missile trailer mode Optimus Prime says, "DIE GALVATRON!" You strike Optimus Prime with your electricity. A bunch of gumbycons begin gathering about Galvatron, preparing to make a charge on Galvatron's command..the laser fire pings off the cover that Galvatron is hunkered down behind. Grimlock wobbily gets to his feet. "That not nice.... huh, WHAT!?" Grimlock receives a radio transmission. Hot Rod drops the gun to his side and looks away numb with pain. "I'm sorry..." Missile Trailer weakly broadcasts to Seaspray, "You are not worthy to engage our lord....for that, you will pay dearly..." Optimus Prime starts pulling the trigger just as he gets hit by Hot Rod's electrical attack. Lightning plays across his exposed circuits causing any number of shorts and smoke rising. He spasms for a moment before falling to the ground, the laser rifle bouncing a few feet away. Seaspray gulps, standing in a pile of his own parts. Tornado stands there partially in shock Galvatron collects his forces as much as he can and motions to Onslaught, then bellows "FORWARD!! BLAST THE AUTOBOTS FROM OUR CITY! REDUCE THEM TO SCRAP SO THAT THE CITIZENS THEY MURDERED CAN USE THEIR CARCASSES TO REBUILD!" Whiz gasps and desperately tries to pull herself off of the ground. Krystal arrives from the Customs Gate to the east, muttering about red-tape. Loadmaster arrives from the Customs Gate to the east, muttering about red-tape. Photon helps Whiz get up. Tornado shakes himself out of it "Damn...we've got to retreat....." Grimlock charges past Rod and Prime, switching from missile launcher to sword. He bellows a mighty dinoroar as he swings his energy sword at the gumbycons! Photon says, "Okay, fine, no bomb..." Whiz gasps, "Rodimus..." Seaspray watches as Onslaught aims. Seaspray doesn't have time to move.. Galvatron leaps up from behind the cover, about a dozen soldiers following him...they open fire with a barrage of laser blasts, and Galvatron barrels towards Optimus Grimlock strikes Decepticon Advanced Troops #5844 with energy_sword. Missile Trailer uses its reserve energy to raises its laucnchers into position, and fires without mercy atthe Autobot aquatic specialist... Missile Trailer misses Seaspray with his missile attack. Seaspray falls backwards into his hovercraft mode. Photon watches the battle, helpless to do anything. Hovercraft transforms and ducks the missile. Tornado tries to get to Optimus. The hovercraft elongates and rear's up into Seaspray's robot mode. Galvatron looses some of the troops to grimlock's blast, but charges on with the rest Seaspray falls to the ground. Seaspray stands on his knees. Tornado says, "ROD, call a retreat..we gotta get outta here !!!!" Missile Trailer emits a weak growl, and kicks into gear... Hot Rod staggers over to Whiz and drops to one knee beside her. "I'm here. C'mon, we're getting you out of here." Grimlock turns around, optics bright with anger. "OK, WHO NEXT???" Galvatron runs....or run/hobbles towards Optimus...getting closer...and closer. Grimlock swings again... Photon looks at Rod. "If you still want the bomb . . . I'll do it." Tornado reaches Optimus and starts to drag him away Grimlock misses Decepticon Advanced Troops #5844 with his energy_sword attack. Whiz smiles gratefully and accepts his help. A trooper manages to avoid getting sliced in half this time... Galvatron growls as he sees Grimlock smashing into his forces, and lashes out with a double handed blow to the Dinobot's face. Galvatron misses Grimlock with his Blow attack. Grimlock ducks the blow and transforms... Whiz mutters to Hot Rod, "... get me *cough* to... for a..." Whiz whispers "Just get me *cough* to Optimus for a second..." Grimlock shifts and morphs into a fearsome looking beastie: the Tyrannosaurus Rex! Tornado says, "Somebody give me a hand..Optimus is heavy ." Tyrannosaurus ROARS!!! Seaspray points his hands at Onslaught.... Seaspray totally squanders an attack against Onslaught...very unfortunate. Galvatron winces as his blow misses and the dinobot transforms...he quickly backpedals to put some distance between himself and grimlock Whiz mutters to Hot Rod, "... he... ,get... his..." Whiz whispers "Maybe he can, uh, get out of here... on his own power." Optimus Prime sparks somemore. Obviously, he is unable to help in his own "retreat" Hot Rod says firmly, "No bombs. We're leaving. Now." He looks startledly at Whiz, then nods slowly. Tyrannosaurus flares a sheet of flame at the backpedaling Decepticon leader. Missile Trailer floors the accelerator, and swerves slightly to evade the blast, as he closes in on Seaspray.... Missile Trailer collides with Seaspray forcefully. Krystal's eyes narrow from her position admidst the rubble, her eyes surveying the critically damaged bots. "Damn you, Galvatron...." she hisses, forgetting everything as she unleashes an open-minded channel with full force into Galvatron and his lackeys. Tornado continues to drag Optimus towards Rod and Whiz Tyrannosaurus strikes Galvatron with fire. Missile Trailer swerves and rolls over on its side, grillwork going everywhere from the hit... Photon says, "We leave now, and it's all for nothing!" He looks at the Bot who was once and is again his leader. "We can't let all this," He motions to the area, destroyed, bodies everywhere, "be for nothing." Galvatron is hit with the double blow of Grimlocks' firey breath and Krystal's totally unexpected psychic attack..he grips his head in pain and staggers back..the gumbies falling back with him. Seaspray is slammed back, his left arm and leg smashed all to hell against the floor. Tyrannosaurus ROARS again as the Cons pull back. "OK, we covered! NOW LETS GO!" Whiz hisses at Photon angrily, "Just shut up!" Hot Rod helps Whiz over to Optimus, limping only slightly less than her. "C'mon, we're getting everyone out." Raising his voice, "Autobots, you heard him! Pull out!" Tyrannosaurus moves to cover everyone's retreat... Photon says, "All this death for no reason . . ." Tornado makes it to rod and Whiz "We gotta go, NOW" Photon takes a small leap and changes into his bike form, engine revving. Seaspray is lying on the ground, unconscious. Galvatron feels almost as if Unicron were once again assaulting his mind...but the assault is not nearly as powerful as the planet-eater's, and Galvatron struggles to close his mind to the attacks....searching out their source. Whiz gets lowered to the ground beside Optimus and she looks over his systems critically, frowning as she realizes that no amount of repairs will do any good, not for long. Hot Rod says evenly to Photon, "All this for nothing. No more." Tornado says, "All death is for no reason Photon..now shut up and help us get out of here!"" The Dinobot shifts and morphs into a new form, that of the Dinobot Leader: Grimlock! Race Bike topples to the ground, a little shaken. He transforms back to robot mode, gets up, and transforms again, staying upright this time. Whiz reaches out, her hand trembling, and pulls aside the shattered armor of Optimus' chest. Krystal howls angrily, her voice piercing the air like a banshee as she plows into Galvatron again. Grimlock falls back with everyone else, making sure to pick up what's left of Seaspray in the process... Galvatron looks around, but can't seem to find the source of the mental anguish...Krystal being too small to spot. Missile Trailer force-transforms. The massive missile trailer rises up, taking the form of Onslaught. Race Bike rolls over to the others slowly. Whiz mutters something softly under her breath, and begins to pick the locks that keep the Matrix in place. Grimlock takes Seaspray. Race Bike is silent. Galvatron holds his head in anguish...and summons all his mental fortitude to resist this onslaught. Grimlock growls, "No sweat it, kid. Grimlock always happy to help." Tornado nods and says nothing as Whiz works Hot Rod looks around blearily at Galvatron's yell, barely remaining standing himself. "Krystal... don't... let it end." From Grimlock Seaspray has no right arm or leg, face panel, or left propeller... Whiz wipes energon from her optics with one wrist, smearing it across her face, as she pulls the Matrix out with a trembling hand. Galvatron begins fighting back...a tendril of guttural, black, infernal darkness reaches back at the mind that dares to invade his own....abyssal hate and fear and hostility lashes out at Krystal Grimlock growls, "What... we going, right?" The Matrix actually glows a bit brighter as it is taken out of Prime's chest Whiz says, "Rodimus... please... you need this..." Galvatron sends all the evil that comprises his being blasting at Krystal's mind Whiz chuckles in her throat, falling into a cough. "We need the heavy diplomacy now. And the wounded need the winnebago." Grimlock whoas. "The Matrix." Tornado looks around..."We better get moving the cons are gathering strength..Grimlock can't hold them off forever." Whiz holds it up, squinting against the light. Grimlock is busy holding what's left of Seaspray over one shoulder while the other one has his missile launcher leveled. Even the mighty Grimlock is in awe of the Matrix, however... Galvatron receives a radio transmission from Dead End. Hot Rod blinks, shaking his head to clear the energon out of his vision, turning back to Whiz startledly. "You... but..." Krystal yelps as Galvatron pushes back, cringing and dropping to her knees as she grasps her head, trying desperately to keep the evil nasty purply wurply distracted. Whiz groans. "My arm... I can't hold this up forever..." Grimlock growls, "No time to argue... Rodimus." Tornado shuts up when he sees the light of the Matrix . The motorcycle lurches into the air and twists to become Photon! At this moment, its all that Onslaught can do to stand upright, as the brightness of the Matrix dazzles before his optics, "The Matrix...it...exists..." Grimlock smiles slightly. Never before has Grimlock ever referred to him as Rodimus. Photon kneels beside Optimus and the others. Optimus Prime receives a radio transmission. Galvatron fights on two fronts at the same time, mentally struggling against Krystal, and physically fighting to summon reserves of strength..seeing the Matrix being transferred...knowing he MUST try to interrupt this...if he can keep the Autobots divided, they are hopelessly lost. Hot Rod looks about to say something else, then looks down at Optimus, back to Whiz, and just nods slowly, extending his hand. Photon puts a hand on Optimus' shoulder. The light of the Matrix bathes all in the room, sending a feeling of peace over all those in its range, and making it very hard to think of warfare while its light dazzles the optics. Galvatron grates gutturally, as he shakes and quivers, SLOWLY lowering his cannon in to place "Not.....again....Rodimus!" Galvatrons is unable to overcome both Krystal and the Matrix...and he's forced to back down, behind some cover..trying to get out of his mental attacker's line of sight. Photon looks and struggles to his feet, standing between Galvatron and Rod. Onslaught staggers to a sort of half kneel...more than likely as a result of fatigue...still...you wonder if this could be some wierd semblance of respect? Whiz growls at Galvatron, "Not.. your.. show..." Photon slumps down to his knees again and groans. There is the sound of something, almost like a whisper, surrounding Hot Rod as he takes the Matrix. But you can't make out the words. Photon looks down at Optimus' face, the only one not intent on the Matrix. Galvatron watches the transfer of the Matrix helplessly, still battling to fend off Krystal's attacks. Anna-Mecha arrives from the Customs Gate to the east, muttering about red-tape. You hear a voice, Optimus's?, saying, "Forgive me... Rodimus..." Grimlock growls, "Wow." Whiz, held up only by the Matrix's aura of power, collapses as Rodimus takes it from her hands. Anna-Mecha lands softly, she just watches curiously more than wants to join in... Optimus Prime's optics dim to grey, unnoticed by all but Photon Anna-Mecha thinks she just missed it. The glow intensifies sharply for a moment.. a second.. a year.. does it even matter? as the area is suddenly washed over with a blinding white light. Hot Rod staggers back, stumbling over a piece of crumbled debris, mumbling to himself as though in.. pain? Photon watches Optimus helplessly and whispers "We all must make sacrifices for our cause . . . Galvatron, after alot of struggling, manages to close his mind entirely to Krystal's attacks, and his anguish subsides. Optimus Prime's form stops smoking and sparking. It lies motionless on the ground Photon whispers "There shall be peace . . . there are those who will never forget the cause. . ." Galvatron looks past his cover once more...looking as his older...or newer? foe has returned once more/ Galvatron receives a radio transmission from Dead End. Photon whispers "Goodbye . . . sir." He manages a salute. Galvatron transmits a message via radio. Rodimus Prime remains doubled over for several seconds, then stands up slowly, his breath coming rather raggedly as he looks back down at Optimus, jaw tightening. Krystal gasps for breath, groaning as she is forced to let go of Galvatron, overcome by the swarming evil. Grimlock smiles, not saying a word. Anna-Mecha quotes, "Look who's drinkin' milk." Galvatron is finally free from the dual assault of Krystal and the Matrix. Whiz lets a deep, ragged breath escape her as she smiles weakly. "Finally..." Grimlock remembers his situation and scans the area... Galvatron looks to the shattered form of Optimus, looking for any signs of life. Photon studies Optimus' face, noble even in death, and ingranies it into his memory. Tornado says, "Welcome back Rodimus......" Rodimus Prime looks up and says quietly, "It's over, Galvatron. No more." Optimus Prime's form starts looking an odd color, almost dull and greyish. Onslaught raises his coal shrouded faceplate, as the warming glow lessens into nothingness... Photon tries to hold back a mechanical sob. Krystal drops, her eyes falling on the now Rodimus, watching him. Galvatron rasps from deep within him, hate and loathing directed at Rodimus "It..is never...over, Rodimus. There will...always, be more. More, untill one of us is dead..as is your beloved Optimus." Whiz slumps on the ground beside Optimus where she fell, looking almost like she is being cradled in his outstretched arm. Anna-Mecha glances at the group. "Octipus is dead!?!? Again?!?!" You say, "Not today." Photon glares up at Galvatron. "You! You and your kind did this! You and your stubborn need for fighting! Rodimus Prime flicks his hand at Photon, "Hush.." Photon says, "You leave us with no choice but to destroy you! If we don't you simply come back after us!" Anna-Mecha quotes, "We are the world, we are the people...." Onslaught manages, "Wrong on both accounts, Autobot...." Galvatron smirks sadistically at Rodimus "And since I see you...are back to annoy me...once more. I'm sure you....will not mind if I make sure you...feebleminded mentor...is TRULY dead..." Galvatron quickly snaps up his cannon and opens fire at the corpse with a gigantic BOOOOOM Photon hears his words and tries to shield Optimus' body. Anna-Mecha says, "Betacha five bucks he gonna shoot the body." Krystal's jaw drops in horror. Photon is tossed to the ground. Photon shouts, ""NOOOOO!!!!!!!!!" Grimlock smirks slightly, then quickly changes to a frown as Galvatron opens fire. Galvatron rips into the corpse, blowing it apart even more than it already was. Photon struggles to his feet, staring at Galvatron, his optics turning red. Rodimus Prime darts forward quickly to cover Whiz. Anna-Mecha says, "Villians, they always shoot the body....kick a guy while's he's down..." Anna-Mecha grumbles. Whiz gets blown backward by the blast and crumples in an unconscious heap on the ground. Galvatrons optics glint with black satisfaction, as he turns his attention back to Rodimus "You should thank me. The zombie you called a leader will trouble you no more." Optimus Prime's form explodes into shrapnel. One arm goes flying in one direction while his torso and other limbs get ripped to shreds. His head, the only thing that was truly undamaged, flies to land at Grimlock's feet. Photon tries to go for his pistol, then realizes he lost it somewhere... Photon drops to his knees and crawls towards Optimus' head. Arachnis arrives from the Customs Gate to the east, muttering about red-tape. Grimlock looks down at the head, ponders a second, then punts it back to Galvatron. "You keep it. This not Optimus. Never was." Rodimus Prime bellows, "Galvatron, this has gone too far! Shooting corpses won't do you any good." He ducks his head to dodge the flying debris, sliding his arm around Whiz to cover her. Krystal slaps a hand to her mouth to suppress a cry of horrific terror. Arachnis wanders in, staying well away from the battle. Photon stretchs out for the flying head, too weak to cry out. Rodimus Prime scrambles to his feet, half-supporting, half-dragging Whiz back with him. Tornado looks to Rodimus "It's time...." Grimlock looks over to the true Prime. "You OK, Rodimus?" Photon finds his laser pistol, looking very battered, near his hand. Galvatron raises a foot and brings it down on Optimus's head with a sickening crushing sound...very much like he crushed the crown that once resided on Starscream's head...he quivers with a sense of euphoric pleasure "It never ceases to amaze me how crushing the headpieces of wretched worms can give such satisfaction." Grimlock motions towards Whiz as if he needed any help carrying her. Galvatron drag's the remnants of Optimus's head in the dirt with his foot. Photon lets out an incybertonian shriek and raises the pistol towards Galvatron, clearly not in his right mind. Rodimus Prime winces at the sound, catching Photon out the corner of his optic as he turns his head. "Photon, STAND DOWN!" Tornado says, "Photon!..." Grimlock shifts his shoulder a bit as Seaspray starts to slide off. Photon is hyperventilating and he steadies his aim with both sparking hands, seeing nothing but Galvatron... Galvatron transforms and bears on Rodimus "Now, before something similar happens to YOUR head. I suggest you leave. NOW!!" Tornado rushes up and tries to grab Photon about the body, pinning his arms to his sides Galvatron transforms into his fearsome cannon mode Rodimus Prime sets Whiz down quickly and runs over to Photon. Photon doesn't have the energy to resist, though he tries. Tornado succeeds in grasping Photon, throwing him off-balance. Anna-Mecha says, "Someone stick a cork in THAT thing!!!" Tornado says, "C'mon..it's been bad enbough today..let's go home"" Arachnis crosses his arms, observing. You say, "Are you CRAZY? Come on, we're leaving! NOW!" Photon groans out "Optimus..." and his optics go black, shutting down into a self-preservation cycle. Grimlock grumbles slightly. Tornado nods to Rodimus "I've got him." Photon , even though shut-down, still sees the image of Optimus' face being crushed played out before him, again and again... Anna-Mecha frowns slightly. "Well true believers, this mean the attack is over?" Gigantic Cannons capacitors start to whine with a high pitched whine..indicating he's going to have little patience for Autobot delays in retreating. Tornado throws Photon over his shoulder and starts heading for the gates Grimlock waits up for Rod and Whiz. Photon groans restlessly, his optics starting to light back up. Whiz aint' goin' nowhere on her own. Rodimus Prime turns around at the sound of Galvatron's cannon powering up, startledly. From Tornado Photon moans again, trying to see what's going on, the laser slipping from his grasp. Tornado grumbles and turns to see where the others are. Gigantic Cannon intones "You've killed enough Decepticon citizens for one day. You have exactly 15 seconds to return to the hole from which you came....like the turbo rats you are." From Tornado Photon says, "My . . . my laser . . . I can't lose it . . ." Tornado leans down and picks up the laser Rodimus Prime breaks and scoops up Whiz again. "Move out!" Tornado says, "Don't worry kid, I've got it" Sky Lynx soars down into view from the skies above. Anna-Mecha goes into a dramatic pose, screaming, "Trans-form!!!" Anna-Mecha transforms into a Junk Cycle. From Tornado Photon says, "Tha . . . Thanks . . ." Junk Cycle says, "Hey, we can' all load up in Sky Lynxie!" Tornado says, "Let's get outta here kid." From Tornado Photon says, "I . . . I'm okay . . . now . . ." Sky Lynx slowly lowers himself staring at the scene, his own body blackened from fire but otherwise in relatively good shape Gigantic Cannon knows he's actually still tactically in a bad situation, and hopes the autobots will just leave without further incident. Rodimus Prime transforms around Whiz, shunting her to his trailer (I KNEW that was good for something..) Grimlock growls, "Hi Lynx, we just leaving..." Rodimus Prime shifts into what can only be called a high-tech flaming Winnebago. From Tornado Photon says, "I . . . I can stand. I won't . . . do anything. . ." Onslaught is immobile...in some sort of wierd lock of some sort... Sky Lynx says, "Who all is hurt? I can fly any injured back to Iacon" Tornado nods "Ok kid, but relax...we're going home. Grimlock growls, "Lynx, down here - Seaspray need ride back." From Tornado Photon says, "I would count as that . . ." Gigantic Cannon intones ominously "8 seconds." Grimlock growls, "Down here *quickly*" Junk Cycle starts to roll out. "Welp, it's been uh...fun..." Flaming RV says gruffly, "Get Seaspray, Lynx -- Autobots, ROLL OUT!" Tornado heads towards SL with is wounded friend From Tornado Photon says, "Pumme down, willya? I'll be fine . . . autorep systems checking in . . . mustve hit my neural net somewhere." Sky Lynx Leaps in almost fluid motion towards grimlock, "fast enough for you?" You move eastward toward the tunnel. Tunnel of Retoris Contents: Krystal Tyrannosaurus comes in from the highway to the west. HoverTruck comes in from the highway to the west. Whiz groans and begins to stir, her hands grasping reflexively as she comes back to awareness. Krystal looks slightly relieved to finally see you guys. Omega-Rocket comes in from the highway to the west. Tyrannosaurus nods to the human. "How you get here... oh wait, me Grimlock guess - Sky Lynx?" Rodimus broadcasts internally: Hang in there, Whiz, we're almost home. Omega-Rocket receives a radio transmission. Omega-Rocket lands. Junk Cycle comes in from the highway to the west. In a flurry of flying parts, Omega Supreme changes into his mighty Guardian robot form. The Junkion motorcycle breaks away and forms Anna-Mecha, her helmet tossed into subspace to reveal her wire-like 'hair'. Krystal nods slightly to Grimlock. HoverTruck says, "Sure you're ok, Omega?" Whiz makes a confused sound, but relaxes a bit. Omega Supreme transmits a message via radio. The Dinobot shifts and morphs into a new form, that of the Dinobot Leader: Grimlock! Omega Supreme booms, "I am confused, but I am physically capable." Firestar transforms from her hovertruck mode back into her medic form. Omega Supreme receives a radio transmission from Sky Lynx. Krystal receives a radio transmission from Sky Lynx. Firestar says, "Good, I was worried I had lost you there for a moment..." Grimlock growls, "Um... me Grimlock friend, right?" Flaming RV slows at the sudden influx of traffic in the relatively narrow confines of the tunnel, but doesn't stop. "Injured people here. C'mon, let's take this back to Iacon... welcome back, Omega." Firestar says, "Rodimus, who are all the medics on duty?" Omega Supreme receives a radio transmission. Flaming RV says firmly, "Anyone able to hold a wrench. We've got more wounded than we have able-bodied right now." Krystal nods. "Let's go, then!" Omega Supreme powers down to his defense base form. Firestar sighs a bit, "Fine..." You head north toward the Iacon Plain. Iacon Plain Whiz mumbles, "Just give me a wrench and a plasma torch..." Flaming RV chuckles, "Concentrate on getting yourself fixed up first, Whiz." You move north to the Gates of Iacon... Gates of New Iacon Contents: Krystal, Sky Lynx, Firestar, Grimlock Sky Lynx says, "Didn't have much to say .. as usual." Krystal catches her breath. "Yes, I know....." Krystal proceeds into the Iacon base. Rodimus Prime shifts into robot mode. Grimlock breathes a sigh at relief at the sight of Iacon. "Home at last." Sky Lynx rubs his back touching a particularly nasty plasma burn, nodding a greeting to the new arrivals failing to notice the obvious Rodimus Prime shifts Whiz into his arms carefully, nods to Sky Lynx and heads inside. Iacon Central Hallway - New Iacon Base You head southeast, into the Repair Bay. You head into the Repair Room. Iacon MedCenter Repair Room Contents: Krystal, Breaker, Photon, Jetfire, Perceptor, Firestar, Grimlock, Sky Lynx Photon says, "Galvatron . . ." Grimlock growls, "Whoa." Perceptor's optics flash brightly as he looks towards the door. Photon is still being held down on the table, oblivious to his surroundings. Perceptor strains, "Rodimus!" Breaker sees the new arrivals. Her jaw drops in shock when she see's Rodimus. She looks around for Optimus... Grimlock whews and slumps against a wall. Rodimus Prime walks in carrying Whiz in his arms, setting her down carefully on the nearest empty table. Perceptor grunts as he brings himself to a sitting position, "Oh no, Whiz!" Breaker says, "WHIZ!" Photon says, "...can't let it be for nothing..." Breaker runs over to the table to take a look at her fellow femme. Perceptor growls, trying to ignore his pain as he attempts to stand. Firestar says, "Hey Breaker..." Sky Lynx pokes his head in looking at Rodimus as if confirming something to himself, he says nothing, but nod almost satisfactorily. Breaker looks uncertainly up at Rodimus, then looks down at Whiz, patting her arm. Perceptor seems inspired by the sight of something. Breaker says, "Hey, Firestar..." Grimlock transmits a message via radio. Sky Lynx receives a radio transmission. Grimlock grins at Sky Lynx. Perceptor says through his pain, "I will do everything I can..." Rodimus Prime sets his hands against the edge of the table, leaning over it heavily as though in pain for a moment, then looks up to sweep the room. He says quietly, "She needs help. She should be all right... Optimus...." Photon says, "All of this..." His arm tries to wave around the room as he relives the battle. "...for nothing." Breaker steps back from the table and looks at everyone. "Um, stupid question, but... where IS Optimus?" Photon shouts, ""NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!" Perceptor looks sharpy to Photon, "Nothing?!" Grimlock growls, "Oh, him. Pieces parts back at Polyhex. Sad ending really..." Krystal stiffens, looking at Rodimus painfully. Sky Lynx looks at the carnage of the medroom, having not seen so many friends and comrades hurt so badly in years. He shakes his head and pulls it out the door Whiz blinks around at the others, her armor blackened, her leg torn to shreds, and her back hit by missiles. She has energon dripping into her eyes and looks very disoriented, but her self-repair has gotten her conscious again. Jetfire makes a hurry up motion at Perceptor, still trying to hold Photon still. Breaker looks at Grimlock in shock. "The legend??? He's... dead???" Rodimus Prime's voice lowers to a pained, dark baritone. "He's gone." Perceptor stumbles over towards Photon, small scraps of metal fallin to the floor behind him. Photon bolts up into a sitting position, forcing Jetfire away and whispers "The cause will never die." Perceptor says coldly under his breath, "He already was..." Grimlock growls, "That not legend, Breaker. We wished he was legend, but he was not. We have real legend with us now." Sky Lynx pulls his head out just as Rodimus states those words, the door closes with a small click. Grimlock looks at Rodimus. Breaker manages to look ashamed at the tone in Rodimus's voice because she dared ask a question that is causing you all so much pain. Krystal moves quickly across the room, her eyes not yet tearing from Rodimus as she hauls herself up next to Whiz's head. Sky Lynx heads back into the Waiting Room. Rodimus Prime looks sharply at Photon and says levelly, "No. It won't." Whiz nods quietly to Perceptor and Grimlock. Breaker says, "I don't understand, Grimlock." Photon optics show he isn't here, but somewhere else, somewhere painful. Perceptor leans over the computer terminal near Photon, then begins to key in repair commands. Perceptor begins work on Photon's superficial damage, bringing him back up to full strength. Whiz gasps, "Photon, you're forgetting... the most important *cough* thing. The rest of us are alive. That's what.. the real Optimus... would have wanted." Rodimus Prime draws a quick breath and pauses a moment, gathering internal support before trying to explain. Perceptor's legs wobble as his arm is thrust out against the table for support. Photon says, "Sometimes it quick thinking, not sheer brawn, firepower, or intelligence, that decides the battle," in a deep voice, as if he is imitating someone. Then, in his own voice, "Yes, sir." Grimlock receives a radio transmission. Krystal unfastens her cloak as she folds her legs underneath her and begins to use her mind to comfort Whiz, swiping at the leaking energon with her cloak to keep it from her eyes. Whiz relaxes slightly, looking gratefully at Krystal. You say, "He... he went too far. He had the same memories, the same... everything, as Optimus... but he couldn't pass the real test -- a computer program can't have true *compassion*." He looks down at Whiz soberly, "I'm sorry. You were right." Firestar helps wih the lesser injured, doing what she can. Grimlock transmits a message via radio. Firestar pulls out a medical scanner and runs a check on Grimlock. Firestar begins work on Grimlock's superficial damage, bringing him back up to full strength. Whiz shrugs, then winces. "Hey, somebody give me a scalpel, people are hurt in here..." Grimlock receives a radio transmission. Krystal winces as she hears Rodimus's words, feeling the pain in his voice. Breaker's mouth forms a small 'o' of surprise, she then looks around and starts scooting towards the door. "I'd.. better go. I'll only be in the way..." Whiz's servos groan and the exposed circuits in her leg spark as she tries to struggle up to a sitting position. Grimlock transmits a message via radio to Sky Lynx. Firestar says, "Breaker, stay, we need help in here, sis." Breaker looks at FIrestar. "I'm not a medic. What can I do?" Grimlock growls, "Whoa, me Grimlock fine, Firestar. Me this way when me left medbay. There others far more in need of repairs..." Firestar says, "Comfort." Rodimus Prime puts a hand on Whiz's shoulder, holding her down. "Wait. You won't do anyone any good too absorbed with your own injuries to concentrate." Photon has been nearly completely repaired, but he is still incoherent. "You did this . . . You and your kind did this . . ." Firestar frowns, "Sorry Grim, you still need it anyways." Whiz mutters to Krystal, "I'll be okay. Help..." Breaker nods to Firestar and immeadiately moves towards the first person she sees Photon 's optics begins to flicker through a rainbow of colors before returning to their normal blue. Grimlock decides not to argue and lets Firestar complete her repairs. Photon puts his hands to his head and moans. "Galvatron . . . sure packs a wallop." Krystal frowns down at Whiz. "Who...?" she whispers, then glances up at Rodimus. Whiz smiles bravely at Rodimus. "Having a hard time being happy about being right -- for once. Somebody patch this leg and you'll have another medic on duty..." Breaker moves to Jetfire to see if he's concicous and needs comfort Firestar finishes with Grimlock and moves onto Jetfire with a bot of apprehension. Whiz waves her arm around, grabbing in Firestar's direction even though Firestar is across the room. Rodimus Prime half-smiles at Whiz, "I'm sure you'll find it easier once you're back on your feet again." Grimlock smiles slightly, not having felt this good in days... Photon slides off the table to his feet and looks around. "How did I get here? I remember . . . being picked up . . . someone getting my laser . . . then a blur?" Firestar sees Breaker on Jetfire and goes to Whiz. Rodimus Prime lets his hand slide off Whiz's shoulder, fingers trailing against the side of the table as he turns away to work the rounds through the rest of the injured. Krystal reaches up and easily bats Whiz's arm down. "Hush now." Jetfire was trying to hold down Photon. He looks shiny and in perfect condition. Photon is now fine, having snapped out of it. Breaker says, "Jetfire? You okay?" Rodimus Prime stops by Photon. "You're in Iacon, safe. The fight's over." Photon turns to Whiz. "You okay, girl?" Rodimus Prime mutters to himself, "... over." You mutter to yourself, "It's all over." Photon looks up at Rodimus. "I . . . remember that much . . . uh, sir." Jetfire says, "I'm fine. Not a scratch." You say, "Then the rest isn't important." Whiz smiles weakly at Photon. "Peachy." Breaker glances in concern towards Rodimus, nods to Jetfire absently, then moves up to the Autobot leader. She taps his arm gently. Firestar does what she can, "Damn sis, youre the expert, Im just a medtechie..." Photon puts his hand on Whiz's shoulder. "Good. I'm . . . glad." Grimlock smiles to himself, he seems almost... at peace? Firestar starts to patch the laser holes, and starts an energon feed. Firestar begins work on Whiz's superficial damage, bringing her back up to full strength. Rodimus Prime turns to look down at Breaker, arching one optic in a question. Whiz grumbles. "Just get me on my feet, a few missiles to the back won't keep me down." Grimlock says only one thing, "We Autobots again." He then deactivates to let self-healing catch-up to his repairs. Breaker mutters to Rodimus Prime. Breaker whispers "If you need to talk..." Photon looks at Grimlock. "We always were, but are we now?" Breaker shrugs and leaves the rest of her comment unsaid, knowing you'll understand. Televis comes in from the Waiting Room. Perceptor has connected. Rodimus Prime nods quietly to Breaker. "I think... I will. Not now." Like WHOA! Televis Totally shifts to his... her valley girl mode! Toootally! Televis says, "Like- COOL! It's a party! Like- What's the occasion?" Breaker nods in response to Rodimus and quickly backs away. Whiz bats at Firestar's hands as she tries to do more repairs than necessary. Photon looks at Chromia's body and sighs. Perceptor takes a second to regain his balance and then looks up from Photon, "Who else?" Firestar says, "Whiz?" Breaker moves over to Whiz, gently squeezing her sister's shoulder, then looks down at the human. "How are you?" Televis whooas! as he notices Roddy. "Like- Yer big again! So.. Like- Is 8balltimus like-... You say, "He's gone. It's over." Whiz lowers herself from the table, stubbornly refusing more help and trying to get to work. Whiz wavers. "Who's next?" Televis says, "Bummer..." Perceptor stumbles over towards Whiz. Whiz pulls the energon-drip along behind her. Televis says, "So-Like- You need help with repairs and junk?" Perceptor mutters to Whiz, "What... say... about knowing... not Optimus..." Krystal looks up from where she had been working on an energon leak from Whiz's forehead. She blinks at Breaker. "Uh...fine, I guess..." Breaker says, "Good. I'd hate to think how easily it could have been for you to get hurt..." Whiz mutters to Perceptor, "... the... gone now,... it's... just... memory as... we..." Breaker says, "Umm, I really am just getting in the way and I need to find Elita. She's been missing for a while. I'll be back later." Televis says, "So like- How'd he bite the big burrito?" Photon says, "Optimus, Chromia, civilians, and who knows who else . . ." Krystal looks at Breaker oddly. Perceptor frowns, then stands proudly, "Until all are one." Whiz looks a bit sharply at Televis. "Think you could switch to a more... tactful... face?" Televis quotes, "After all is said and done, one and one still is one!" Rodimus Prime sits down on a clear patch of counter space, blinking a bit unfocusedly. "That'd be All are One, Televis.." Whiz leans on the table, waving a laser scalpel. "Seriously, I'm fine. Who's hurt?" Krystal growls at the Quint. Perceptor winces as he lets out an agonizing scream... Photon glares at the Quint, trying to restrain himself. Luckily, his laser seems to be busted... Jetfire mutters to Perceptor, "... better?... should leave,... have trained... we're... the..." Televis' faces spin around and around, barely missing bankrupt and landing on his Mad Scientist face. Perceptor finally lies down upon one of the medical tables. Rodimus Prime touches two fingers to his temple, shaking his head slightly. Breaker backs out of the room, not hitting anything when she's not looking at it. Wonders of wonders! Krystal's eyes widen, wincing in surprise at Perceptor. Whiz heads unsteadily over to Perceptor. "Tell the doctor what's wrong..." Photon says, "Perceptor, how'd _you_ get hurt?" Whiz pulls out a medical scanner and runs a check on Perceptor. Jetfire says, "He tried to repair himself earlier...It looks so easy when you're reading the technical specs." Breaker pokes her head back in. "Just a guess, but he looks like someone tried to squeeze him like a tube of toothpaste. At least he did earlier." Whiz oos, "Then this is going to be messy." Photon mutters to himself "And just how many techs do we have here, anyway?" Rodimus Prime leans back against the wall, exhaling cautiously, and concentrates on the far side of the room for several moments. Televis says, "I'm a tech!" Whiz grimaces. "Amateurs." Televis says, "HEY!" Breaker really leaves this time Perceptor turns his optics towards Photon, "I was ignorant of the dangers I had placed myself into..." Breaker heads back into the Waiting Room. Krystal slides off the table, nodding towards Perceptor as she heads towards Rodimus. "A big bad constructicon was not playing nice earlier...." Whiz gets to work on Perceptor's injuries, trying to rectify the damage he originally took and the damage he did to himself. Televis says, "I HAPPEN to be a hybrid of two of the MOST techy races there are." Photon says, "Oh. How many dead from that battle?" He asks sarcasticly. "And what did we gain from it?" Whiz hmms. "Not so bad, actually, Perceptor. Better than I'd expect." You say, "What more is there to be gained from more deaths, Photon? Let it end." Perceptor stifles a chuckles, "For the damage or the repairs?" Whiz tightens a few connections and eases the compresson of Perceptor's frame. "For both, actually, but the repairs especially." Rodimus Prime blinks again dizzily and shakes his head. Photon says, "I'm asking what was gainded from past deaths, sir. What did that fight gain us? What has _any_ fight today gained us, besides corpses?" Whiz pulls her energon drip closer. Perceptor smiles through his pain, "Having done so much, ah, reconstructive work recently proved most beneficial." Televis says, "Medic staff positions?" Whiz whips her head around to glare at Photon, ignoring the headache that blossoms in her at the motion. You say, "We'll have to wait and see what the future brings to answer that then, won't we." Photon pulls back a fist to strike at the Quint. Perceptor raises an arm towards Photon, "Omega Supreme is once again among us, but more importantly..." Jetfire turns his head slightly in Photon's direction. "This isn't the best time to raise your concerns," he says, trying to put some subliminal message in his words... Photon lowers his fist, not feeling like more violence. Rodimus Prime rubs his forehead. "Televis, please.. he's upset already." Perceptor smiles as he looks upon Rodimus, "...we have someone whose leadership qualifications will not be debated." Televis says, "Sorry. Just trying to pull everyone a little further away from the unhappy cliff." Photon says, "Upset?" He glares at Rodimus, then remembers he's his leader now (again) and looks away. "I'll show you upset, just let me a Galvatron with a decent weapon..." Whiz says sharply, "I'm tired of this coming from you, Photon. We're all alive, and we're still free. Those deaths have all been directed toward that purpose. We don't fight to save ourselves, but to save others, and anyone how falls in that action deserves better than to have you *throw* away your life for nothing, or to question the value of their sacrifice. We are alive! We're all FREE! " Perceptor smiles reverently towards Whiz's words. Photon mutters "Free to fight again, and again, and again." Rodimus Prime smiles wearily at Perceptor. "We'll see about that. Good to be home again, though." Whiz says, "If we have to. I'd rather keep fighting than die a slave." Televis quotes, "Nothing outlasts the energizer...." Perceptor nods to Rodimus Prime with a wry smile, "We are seeing already." Rodimus Prime is about to add something to Whiz's speech, then has to muffle a snicker at Televis's comment. Krystal sits on the counter, drawing her knees up to her chest and resting her chin on them. Smiling slightly at Rodimus. Photon turns to Rodimus. "Sir, I request another scouting mission, off-planet. Like the first one, exploring worlds we've never been to. At least if something happenes, like with the Frar, I can deal with it. This," he motions around the room, "I can't deal with." Whiz says, "One bomb out there today would have done nothing but give the Decepticons a bigger repair project. But having you still with us... that gives us much more. It give us a comrade, an ally, and someone to save our afts when we're in trouble." Rodimus Prime nods quietly. "We'll see about it, Photon." Whiz is waving her laser scalpel with little regard for anyone around her by now. Televis calms down and shifts to his regular Explorer face. Televis says, "Exploration?" Photon says, "That's the most I can ask for, sir." Perceptor smiles towards Photon, "There are still many areas of Earth about which we do not have much information." Photon looks at Perceptor. "Perhaps..." Televis says, "Like Cleveland.." Televis says, "WHAT!?" Whiz looks at the hand holding the scalpel, grins sheepishly, and lowers her hand. "Whoops, kinda silly from lost energon." Photon glares at the Quint. You say, "Whiz, maybe you should let someone take a look at YOU now?" Whiz turns back to Perceptor to look over the rest of his injuries, then nods in satisfaction at the progress she has made. Whiz waves a hand. "I gotta new set of circuits and an energon drip, I'm good to go." Perceptor says, "What about my lens? Do we have the materials for a replacement?" Televis mutters to himself, "... what bug... HIS shorts... You'd... someone DIED..." Whiz hrms and takes a closer look. "This will take a while to reconstruct, because of the delicate balance involved. I can program it into the computer, but you'll have to wait for a while before it's ready." Photon glares at the Quint again, his hand balling up into a fist. Perceptor chuckles, "No offense, but I would rather get one constructed on Earth...I am anxious to return there." Whiz nods. "One of the university laboratories might be happy to help you, inexchange for some of your time with their students." Rodimus Prime slides off the counter, his optics still slightly unfocused but apparently well in control of his senses nonetheless. "I'd better get out of the way.. oh, Whiz?" Whiz finishes up her work. "Overall, though you did a good job, I hardly had to do anything." Perceptor says, "Actually, I was considering some talks with more foreign organizations."" Whiz turns around, her face quizzical, to regard Rodimus. Perceptor smiles appreciatively. Rodimus Prime taps two fingers sharply against his chestplate and smiles. "It.. hurt, again." Whiz beams happily. "Welcome back," she says softly. Televis shrugs, these people obviously making NO sense. Rodimus Prime grins. "I'll check in with you guys later--" turns around and promptly cracks his head against the overhang of the doorway. Krystal smiles faintly, first at Whiz, then Rodimus. "Uh, maybe you should consider some rest for yourself, Prime..." she hops to the ground. "You're looking a bit woozy..." Whiz giggles and grins wider. Whiz says, "Got to get those instincts back." Rodimus Prime grumbles. "Right... you DUCK now, Rod..." Photon slowly but surely cracks a smile. You say, "Yeah, real woozy after that one, Krys.. see you guys later." Perceptor waves warmly, "Farewell, Rodimus." Rodimus Prime *ducks* under the doorway and heads out. You head back into the Waiting Room. Iacon MedCenter Waiting Room(#3611RntN) Contents: Scattershot Rodimus Prime steps out of the medbay rubbing his head slightly. Scattershot grunts, shuffing towards medbay Scattershot looks up, staring at you. You say, "Hey, Scattershot." Scattershot says, "Yea, I see ya took da Matrix back?" Rodimus Prime shakes his head. Scattershot looks at you. Scattershot says, "Den what happened?" You say, "It took me back." Scattershot grunts, "Oh." Krystal emerges from the Repair Room. Scattershot doesn't understand, but he doesn't care anymore, but he does take another step forward, "Good ta have YOU back anyways." He wheels around and heads out. Krystal stops short as she hears voices, hovering in the background. Rodimus Prime chuckles softly under his breath and continues out to the main hallway. Scattershot heads northwest, back into the Central Hallway. You head northwest, back into the Central Hallway. Central Hallway - New Iacon Base Krystal arrives from the Med Center. Krystal enters quickly, the sound of her boots echoing sharply, her cloak trailing swiftly at her heels. Rodimus Prime pauses at the threshold, about to head north, and glances back over his shoulder. "Krystal?" Krystal stops, swallowing. "Sorry..." Rodimus Prime doesn't answer for a moment, blinking to himself, then shakes his head. "Sorry for what?" he smiles. Krystal frowns slightly, her brow creasing in concern. "Nothing....I..." she stops....blinks likewise with a shake of her head. "Do you feel all right?" she asks then. Rodimus Prime grins, "Better'n I have in years, Krys. Why?" Krystal grins a little. "Well, yes, I can tell...there is something different..." Rodimus Prime leans back against the doorway. "Nothing different. We just.. worked out a few differences, that's all." Krystal nods. "I see...well, I can tell...I mean...but that isn't what I meant right at the moment..." You say, "Well, what did you mean, then?" Krystal shakes her head. "It's...nothing, I guess...I'm sorry...I was just making sure,...." she shakes her head again. You say, "No, don't apologize." He grins, "Really, I'm fine. I don't mind." Rodimus Prime shoves himself off the edge of the doorway. "Although.. you mind moving to my room? I think I'd better sit down." Krystal arches an eyebrow as Rodimus suddenly confirms her suspicions. "Uh, no..." You are whisked away on a large people-mover, through a tube, into the Main Commissary. New Iacon Main Commissary Rod's Office Your average-sized personal cubicle, nothing terribly spacious, but sufficiently well-organized that it's not too cramped, either. A large desk is to your left as you enter, dominated by a personal computer terminal and varying stacks of as-yet unread reports. At the right side of the room is a medium-sized worktable and several haphazardly pushed-back chairs. A small holoprojector sits in the center of the tabletop. Along the back wall are stacked a few storage containers. There is also some shelving mounted on the wall, bearing various trinkets, some of which are obvious leftovers from the 'good old days,' and several framed pictures. Krystal enters quickly, the sound of her boots echoing sharply, her cloak trailing swiftly at her heels. Rodimus Prime drops gratefully into his chair, leaning back and rubbing his palms over his face with a a slightly weary sigh. Krystal bites her lip to fight back a grin of amused concern. "Do you...need something?" Rodimus Prime exhales slowly, dropping one hand to rest lightly over his chest, pausing to examine the other, tightening his fist a few times and releasing it, then rubs his thumb across the sharp creases of his face again before dropping that hand as well and lacing his fingers together over his chest. "Need something? Why?" Rodimus Prime drops forward in his chair again sharply, unable to sit still for long, shaking his arms out to his sides, still grinning rather stupidly. "Damn, that just feels good."============================ Autobot =======================
Message: 3/65 Posted Author Big Night! Fri Nov 01 Whiz Wellll... I'm still just a li'l bit woozy from lost energon, and the boost to my self-repair systems that I did after studying Junkions seems to be shunting a little energon from my brain, but hey! This is NEWS, it can't wait forever. Right? So anyway, ummmmm, we tried that invasion of Darkmount idea, which might have worked if Galvatron hadn't met us in Polyhex, and in the suburbs no less. And there were *shudder* rats, but we won't get into that. Anyway, anyway, I drew the decepticons out of the residential areas and into the forum, but that meant that I got blasted a couple... erm, a lotta times trying to get back with the rest of the group. There was a big fight and stuff, and Optimus Prime ordered me to set this big bomb on Darkmount, but the thing was, I couldn't get there once he fingered me to teh Cons. So I got blasted a lot... and I got realy confused, because Optimus was saying, "Blow it up!" and Rod was yelling, "Don't, you're hurt." So we played this hot potato game with the bomb, and it blew up in the air, and we all got hurt some more. So then Optimus told me to get out *another* bomb, and I was pretty far gon by then, but I tried, but then Rod argued with him, and there was a fight thing, and... Galvatron shot Optimus, and Optimus punched Rod, and... well, it was a long story, but Rodimus finally stood up and took command again! And it was GREAT! ================================================================================================== Autobot =======================
Message: 3/66 Posted Author Big Night! (cont) Fri Nov 01 Whiz So Optimus was unconscious... I think, something like that... and I was totally destroyed, and so we retreated, but I got Rod to take me over to Optimus cause I *said* I was gonna try to see if I could revive him... And I was, but I knew it was really hopeless, and besides, we needed some transport for the injured, right? So I unlocked Optimus' chest cavity and took out the Matrix, and gave it to Rodimus. Sorta like the Lady of the Lake, but green! And then I collapsed, right next to Optimus. Of course, Galvatron had to go and spoil the mood by blowing up Optimus' body, what a jerk, so I got blown halfwy across the room by the blast, and then I don't really remember anything until I woke up in Rodimus' trailer and was afraid from all the red that I'd gone to hell. *hee hee*. Whoo, I feel dizzy. But anyway, everybody congratulate RODIMUS PRIME, wow, that feels good to say, and give him your support. Be cool, peace and stuff, bye-bye. ====================================================================== Krystal drops her eyes almost bashfully, feeling, odd, to say the least, sensing Rodimus's inexplicable, yet welcome peace and marvelling at it just the same. She grins at his boyish energy, but wonders about its source. You say, "Well, c'mon, say something. I wouldn't've asked you in if I just wanted to talk to myself all night." Rodimus Prime pauses abruptly. "It's.. all right, you know. About Optimus." Krystal's smile fades a bit to a more serious line, looking back at Rodimus. Is it, she wonders? She pauses, then nods. "It is, isn't it? ...I know...I guess it's..." she sighs finally. "Look at you...it's good to have you back...I mean, really back...you, but...somehow different." she shrugs. Rodimus Prime says soberly, "I don't think anyone could be quite the same. But I think I finally made my peace with him.." he pauses, then smiles again, ruefully, as the Matrix sends another (comforting?) pulse along his neural net. "I know my place now, though. I belong here, and.. I.. I want it." Krystal smiles softly, remembering the conversation from a few nights back. Rodimus Prime draws another slow breath, still smiling vaguely to himself. "The problem was never here--" he touches his chest-- "like I thought." He taps the side of his head. "It was always up here.. once I got over that, everything else just.. fell into place." You say, "I mean, I'm not sure I can explain it. If there's ever been one moment in your life when you just felt like you *belonged*.." Krystal's smile is warm as she nods in understanding. "As we tried to tell you... but it wasn't for us to tell. You always knew, but somehow seemed afraid of that knowledge. Your heart was always there...but you let you mind override it with doubt." she pauses, wondering how stupid that sounded. "You stopped fighting it." Rodimus Prime grins, "Yeah, I guess sometimes you do just have to go with what feels right -- always knew those gut instincts were good for something." Krystal tilts her head slightly. "What changed your mind?" You say, "I'm not sure. I saw all of that stuff happening, and I knew someone hadda stop Optimus, and no one else would... it just.. felt right. Something slid into place. I'm not sure I can explain it any better than that." Krystal hmms, seeing through Rodi's eyes the events of what happened, even though she wasn't there. Whiz wanders into the room to see if anything interesting is happening. Whiz trundles in, towing her energon feed behind her. "'S Unlocked!" she announces cheerily. Whiz receives a radio transmission. Whiz apologizes in advance. "I'm a little woozy and stuff. Energon going to self-repair instead of up here." She taps her head gently. Rodimus Prime looks up and chuckles softly, "Docs let you out in that condition?" Whiz says dizzily, "I *am* the doc!" Whiz transmits a message via radio. Rodimus Prime grins expansively and links his hands behind his head. "Self-repair, bah. I feel fine." Whiz says, "'Sides, I'm fine. Just need the energon back in the system. Got my friend here for that." Whiz patpats her energon drip. "Just like ER, crazy lady wandering the halls on medication." Krystal snickers. Rodimus Prime tosses a look at Krystal, still grinning, "I thought that was me." Krystal grins widely. Whiz holds up a finger. "Aha! Just wanted to let you know that I've reported on the night's events, fearless leader. Though after the explosion it all gets fuzzy." Whiz hee hees. "So do I." You say, "Did you? Great, saves me the trouble for the time being.. I'll throw something up when I can actually report objectively." Krystal looks at Rodimus seriously. "I think we should wait then," she whispers gravely. "It's much to soon yet....we can't tell her that right now...maybe never..." she levels her gaze at him, the only hint of her sarcasm apparent in the mischievous glint in her eyes. Whiz says proudly, "I was *very* objective." Whiz hmms. "I think. I was a little out of it." Rodimus Prime says mock-indignantly, "Can't tell her what?" Whiz perks up. "Tell who?" Whiz announces, "Also, I came to say Merry Christmas. I'm Santa. Got a present for you." You say, "Hmm?" Whiz moves surprisingly nimbly, pushing her energon feed ahead of her, as she leaps over to the desk to pinch Rodimus' cheeks. Whiz dissolves into laughter. "I can still do it! Not as fun, but I can!" Rodimus Prime GAKS and slides backward in his chair against the wall, grabbing at Whiz's wrists. "I am not cute!" Whiz says, "You're right about that. But I had to do it one last time." Whiz giggles. "Besides, you have no recourse. I'm still wounded." Whiz 'ha's. "Hurt me, and you're a tyrant." Rodimus Prime hmphs indignantly, wiping his hand across his cheek as though to erase the mark, then hehs ruefully, tracing the familiar/unfamiliar/can't-quite-decide creases of his face again with one thumb before letting his hand slide back down to his side. "Tyrant who looks older'n your grandfather. I'm immune to pinching." Whiz shakes her head, which seems to make her even dizzier. "Nahhhhh. Nobody is immune to the Whiz virus." Rodimus Prime grins, "Will you sit down before you fall down? You're scaring me." Whiz says, "'Sides, I don't have a grandfather." Whiz naaaahs. "I'm fine." Rodimus Prime spreads his hands, "I mean, c'mon, even I've got that much sense -- just a colloquialism." He smiles devilishly, "Can you spell colloquialism?" Whiz ponders. "It's weird. Euphoria, dizziness, but not like overenergizing. And not just lack of energon. I'm just *happy*. After a long time of being miserable. And I can spell colloquialism, I'm the Scrabble Champ of Autobot City." Whiz uhhhs. "Well, I usually can spell it." Whiz rubs her temple with one hand, then grins. Rodimus Prime cocks a sideways look at Whiz. "Well, Primus, if rerouting my energon feed was all it took to feel like that, why'd I bother going through the smelter for it?" Whiz says, "Don't take advantage of me 'cause I'm silly." Whiz says, "Well, it hurt a lot on the way here..." Rodimus Prime shakes his head ruefully, "Whiz, you have NO idea..." Rodimus Prime pauses, "Then again, maybe you do." You say, "You figured out a lot of stuff before I did." Whiz shakes her head. "Nah. Only you do. But hey, it hurt, right? So that's a good thing!" Whiz says, "It's Christmas! Santa brought you destiny in his big sack!" Whiz says, "And all his little Christmas elf had to do was get her aft smeared across the Forum in Polyhex!" Whiz hee hee hees and leans on the pole of her energon feed. You say, "Hey, anything for the sake of progress.." You say, "Sit DOWN, Whiz." Whiz says, "Not the same head-rush when I'm sitting..." Whiz grins lopsidedly and weaves her way to a seat anyway. Rodimus Prime cocks his head oddly. "Funny, I get the same thing no matter where I am.. then again, I guess I haven't tried standing on my head, yet. Not that I think it'd matter." Whiz settles in, looping the tube of the feed over her shoulder. "So, you don't want to kill me as much as you always suspected, eh?" Whiz peers around the place, regaining some of her equilibrium. Rodimus Prime sighs softly, focusing inwardly on something for a moment, then looks back at Whiz. "Nah, you can live. Provided you don't let being right all the time go to your head." Whiz shakes her head with a grin. "Not likely. Chances of me being right again are slim to none, I've exhausted the whole shebang right here." Rodimus Prime grins. "My turn now." Whiz says, "Besides, to be honest, I'd started to give up on you. So I was wrong, after all. And I'll broadcast it to the world." You say, "Don't worry about it. I'd given up on myself a long time ago." Whiz grins. "Cool, I held out longer than you." Rodimus Prime grumbles, "Slaggin females.." Whiz bounces in her seat. "This is just so *cool*! Don't you think so?" Rodimus Prime grins and leans back in his seat again. "Oh, you think YOU feel good.." Whiz grins. "I got euphoria, I got heroism, I got to be right, and I have about... hmm... three-quarters of a full tank. Yeah, I think I feel good." Whiz says, "There are those that might say that three-quarters of full is more than I usually have, though." Whiz grins. Rodimus Prime smiles oddly, "Yeah, but I've got the same thing that blew up a planet-eater a few years back trying really hard to tell me how much it likes me right now." You say, "I guess destiny's not all that bad." Whiz ennhs, grinning. "Nah, it's just a honeymoon thing. And it's got the bends from coming up to the surface too fast. It'll remember all the stuff it didn't like about you with time." You say, "No, I really think you were right the first time on that one.." Whiz smiles. "Bah. Any minute now, it'll come running back to me." You say, "About how I had to accept IT first. Once I got past that mental block, everything just.. fell into place, you know?" Whiz nodnods. "Cool, right again!" Rodimus Prime smirks possessively. "Mine." Rodimus Prime pauses, then laughs softly at himself, "Although I think I belong to it more than the other way around, really.." Whiz says, "Nah, we made a deal. This time *you* get it, the dictator comes after you to blow you up, and *I * step in to save the day."" Whiz giggles. "In my dreams. Fact is, I felt nothing. Well, kinda a nice feeling, but nothing... special." Rodimus Prime says honestly, "I really wish you could, Whiz.. I don't think I've felt this good in my life. Not even Unicron." Whiz says, "That's cause you got it from the right kind of person this time!" Whiz beams. "Call me Santa!" Rodimus Prime sighs softly, only half in reality again for the moment. "Yeah, that must be it." Whiz says, "And I fooled you! You never suspected it!" Whiz giggles her way right out of her chair. Whiz says, "Ooof!" Rodimus Prime grins. "Least I can sit without difficulty.." Whiz says, "I'm hurt, you tyrant, don't make fun." Whiz clambers back up into the chair. You say, "Oh yeah, I'm a tyrant.." Whiz yeahs, "You're abusing the wounded." Whiz mutters about needing chairs with arms on them. You say, "No, abusing the wounded would be if I got up and BEAT you with the chair." Whiz eeks! "Demonstrations are unnecessary." Whiz settles herself, taking a minute to regain her balance. "There. Fine now, nothing I can't handle. Been a long time since I got hit like that, though. Whoo. I'm getting soft in that medbay." You say, "Maybe I'll have to drag you out and hit you every now and then to keep you in shape, then." Whiz says, "See that? Abuse, pure and simple Krystal, you're a witness." Rodimus Prime pauses. "Wonder how to break everything to Daniel.." Whiz hrms. "Or maybe I should have enough sense in my head not to run out and shout at Galvatron and Onslaught to follow me..." You say, "Well, that might help too." Whiz says blusteringly, "Yeah, Galv, well yo' momma was a toaster oven, and your daddy was a Chevy Nova!" Rodimus Prime chuckles. "Always preferred lawnmower myself." Whiz hmmms, "Lawnmower is insult of choice for Rodimus Prime." Whiz makes a very obvious mental note. You say, "Great, that's gonna come back to haunt me now." Whiz grins. "Whaddya know, you're getting started right away with that 'being right all of the time' stuff." Rodimus Prime grins rather stupidly, "Although in my admittedly addled state right now, I gotta say it just feels damn good to hear that name again. I thought I hated it." Whiz says, "I kept testing, just to see if you'd gotten over it yet." Rodimus Prime says dryly, "I'd noticed. Lot of people took it on themselves to test me." Whiz grins lopsidedly. "And then you'd let me know in strident terms how much you hated it, and so I knew I was getting somewhere." Whiz puts up a defensive pair of hands. "Hey, it was hardly insubordination, you were just a short little punk with an attitude problem then." Rodimus Prime smiles and says quietly, studying his hands, still working his fingers with a mild sense of disbelief, "Hey, I think I always knew who I was. I just didn't know where." Whiz says, "The fact that I was shorter and had a larger attitude problem didn't come into it at that point." You say, "Hey, who says I don't have an attitude problem now?" Whiz nodnods enthusiastically, almost tipping again. Whiz puffs up. "I know attitude problems when I see them." Rodimus Prime puffs up, mocking Whiz, "Then what do you see here? The Easter bunny?" Whiz wobbles up out of her chair and assumes a bent over position, throwing her arm over her eyes and moaning melodramatically. "Why me? I'm such a loser? I hate being responsible..." Whiz moans, "Kill me now, put me out of my misery, so people will stop calling me Rodimus and making fun of the flames on my chest..." You say, "Hey, don't touch the paint job!" Whiz hehs and sits down. Rodimus Prime smirks ruefully. "I was acting pretty stupid, huh." Whiz says, "Now that, sir, is an attitude problem. An attitude, taken properly, is not a problem." Whiz says, "I have attitude. I have no problem." Whiz grins. You say, "Then what do I have?" Whiz snickers. "Well, you have an attitude, and you have me. Thus you have both and attitude *and* a problem." Rodimus Prime laughs. "I guess that solves it neatly enough." Whiz wooz. "I'm pretty clever when I'm silly." Rodimus Prime grimaces and thumps his upper chest with the side of his fist, shaking his head. "You wouldn't think two months'd be enough to make your own voice sound funny." Whiz says, "Probably got more to do with the fact that Hot Rod has such a funny voice to start with." Whiz smirks. You say, "I do NOT." You say, "Did not." You say, "Whatever." Whiz says, "Don't let the woozy one confuse you." You say, "Hey, I'm woozy too, lemme alone." Whiz says, "You'd never live it down if anyone found out." Whiz says, "Ha! It's my turn to be the tyrant!" Whiz hmmms. "Speaking of which, did that light show cure you, or are you still hurting from that fight?" Rodimus Prime hmms? "I feel fine.." You say, "Better than fine." He sets his hand to his jaw and shifts it from side to side, testing. "No problem." Whiz says, "Ohhhh, it couldn't have the courtesy to do that for the messenger, could it?" Whiz grumbles. "Leave me hobbling and shuffling around..." Rodimus Prime awws, "But it gave you me to give you the ride back." You say, "Besides, did you ASK it?" Whiz grins. "Yeah, I think that was one of my justifications, wasn't it?" Whiz says, "Even with half my energon gone, I can think pretty well on my feet." You say, "Or your aft, as the case may be." Whiz says, "Not that you needed justifications by then. Heh." Rodimus Prime smiles and says softly, "Nah, no justifications." Whiz puts up one finger in the air proudly. "I, Whiz, do hereby declare that I can pull very good ideas out of my aft." Rodimus Prime nods decisively. "Seconded. So ruled. Rod hath spoken." Whiz wooz! "All right!" Whiz says, "Whiz brand field technicians. Take a licking, keep getting sillier. Good even on half a tank." Whiz suddenly bursts out with a non-sequitur. "Party." Whiz says, "We should have a big ol' party. With a disco ball. Grimlock said that if he became leader, he'd put up a disco ball." Whiz jerks a thumb toward the commissary. "How about it?" You say, "Well, isn't that a reason right there NOT to?" Whiz says, "Well, only 'cause I asked. It was to solicit a vote. Politics is beautiful." Rodimus Prime holds up a finger. "Ah, but dictatorship is more fun." Whiz says, "See? Tyrant!" You say, "Slaggin' straight." Whiz says, "I should have asked around more before I passed that on, I could have gotten a lot more out of the deal." Whiz pretends to be an auctioneer. "I have a sega saturn and a disco ball in the commissary? Who'll throw in the enforced siesta between 2 and 2 pm?" Whiz ooos, "That doesn't sound right." You say, "See, before you got away with that stuff cause you were dealing with Insecure Rod (trademarked).. now you gotta deal with me knowing why I'm here and liking it." He considers. "Then again, I still don't know what the hell I'm doing, so you've got a fighting chance." Whiz ahs. "I don't know what the hell you're doing either, if it helps." Whiz grins. You say, "Good, at least we see things my way." Whiz says, "I'm having enough trouble figuring out what I'm doing. So what does all this mean for the disco ball?"" You say, "Still means no. You slipped your gimmick too late. Let me get my guard up first." Whiz awwwws. Whiz says, "What if I get a petition?" You say, "Tyrant, remember?" Whiz chuckles. "I can see it now, Jazz and I would be the only ones to sign it anyway." Whiz gets up woozily to make a point of some kind, which certainly seemed to make sense to her, but staggers a little. Whiz says, "Hmm. Hey." Rodimus Prime leans back in his chair, kicking his feet up on the desk, watching in obvious amusement. Whiz says, "Maybe that rest in the medbay thing isn't such a bad idea." You say, "Hey, you're the doc, remember? I'm just the punk with the flame tattoos." Whiz says, "I'm still feeling a quart low, so to speak..." You say, "Then again, I'm always right now. So ha. Go to medbay." Whiz grins lopsidedly and takes hold of her energon feed. Whiz says, "You're still a punk with flame tattoos, but now you're just right. So sue me." Whiz says, "You just wait until I'm not so, well, loopy. We'll see who beats up on who then." Rodimus Prime nods decisively. "Course I'm right. And don't gimme that, I'll beat you any day of the week." Rodimus Prime grins. Whiz chuckles. "Ha, as if. Anyway, I'd better get some recuperation in if I'm going to be able to catch up with the new and improved model." Whiz trundles on out the door and over to her lab for some rest. Rodimus Prime chuckles, "You wish.. see ya, Whiz." Whiz waves behind her, and as the door shuts, you hear a shout of, "Merry Crhistmas to all, and to all a good night!" Whiz has left. Krystal stays quiet, curled up in a chair. Rodimus Prime casts a sidelong look at Krystal and decides to leave her be.. Rodimus Prime does, however, get up and open one of the storage containers in the back of the room, rummaging through the contents for a minute. Rodimus Prime finally retrieves a blanket (hey, Danny used to sleep over) and gently tucks it around Krystal's sleeping form before returing to his own spot and leaning back with little short of an utterly contented smile, slipping back into that for-the-moment enormously compelling, quiet communion. Fin
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