Omega. Reigns. Supreme.

Memorial Square

The city's tallest towers form a ring around the city's center, more like a hexagon than a square due to the intersection of three thoroughfares. These lofty, deep-seated towers, sturdy yet graceful, block out the view of the rest of the city and dominate the square with sheer height. Even the dark indigo steel gleams in the sunlight, set off by the brilliant sparkling of the crystals. Linked by a series of seemingly-delicate aerial walkways, the glinting towers form the base of what looks like a six-sided spiderweb touched by dew. The "strands" are of the same indigo steel/titanium alloy as the towers themselves, but the numerous, everpresent crystals give them a deceptively gossamer aspect. In the center of the square is a perfect, miniature copy of the original Crystal City sculpted from sparkling quartz crystal and lit from beneath.

Towering over Crystal City like always is Omega Supreme. The silent guardian. For much of the past year he has remained silent. His powerful claw motionless at his side. Behind the rose-tinted visor: only a blank stare. But surely... SOMETHING was going on. Surely Omega Supreme was ALIVE. Right?

Maybe it was a flickering of shadows that caught your eye. Perhaps it was a subtle rumbling, radiating outwards from the warrior-statue. Deeper and more powerful than any mere -drill tank-, surely. Perhaps you were just flying over and felt something odd. A subtle shifting in the thin-but-present atmosphere of Cybertron above this point. And then again, maybe you just heard someone was throwing a raging kegger. But surely... looking at Omega Supreme, there is SOMETHING going on.

Omega Supreme's form groans slightly, sending tiny cyberquakes trembling through the city and the surrounding surface. Behind the face shield you can see the barest flicker. A light?

Decepticon Shuttle  is actually sitting on the tarmac in Memorial Spaceport. He just happens to be at the far border of the spaceport closest to Memorial Square as he's being offloaded by several Decepticon seekers. As usual when he's in his transport phase of his job, he's more or less just zoning out of it while he's sitting here like an over glorified cargo container. At least until his sensors pick up a bit of rumbling, prompting him to come out of his reverie a bit. "....hmmmwha?"

Galvatron is currently pacing through the city, hands behind his back. He does not look happy. "Blast that Blueshift, where is he? He's supposed to report his progress on the hunt for this "Hainstman Swope!" What is he doing? Is he NAPPING? At a time like this?" The ground trembles somewhat, and Galvatron asks aloud of any Decepticons that happen to be my nearby, "What was that?!"

Colossus is walking along one of the aerial walkways leading between two of the taller towers present in the city's center square. When the tiny cyberquakes surge through the area everyone starts fleeing off of the walkway towards either end into the towers - not wanting to fall. Colossus, however, stands resolute and peers down at the Memorial square and out to where the tremors could have come from wondering why, and how..

Fusillade's jaw drops at the rumbling. She drops her cyber-lichen scraper, abandoning her post by Omega Supreme's ankle, and scurries back toward the Spaceport.

Dreadwind trudges slowly into memorial square, he didn't want to be here it's not as if this place is any better than any other but Hi-Test just wouldn't shut up about seeing the sights of Cybertron as if knowing where things are makes it worthwhile, it's not as if it won't all be destroyed and collapse. Hi-Test is looking around avidly, "So you spend much time here Dreadwind? No don't answer you were in prison, i know."

Decibel is wandering the streets, keeping mostly to the shadows. It was easy enough to get into the city painted, as he is in blue and silver instead of his normal white. Nobody even bothered to ask why he was walking in instead of just flying to his destination. Ducking into an alcove to avoid a passing group he sighs as he notices a splotch of chipped paint on his leg. Muttering he quickly scrapes away the rest of the cheap paint and is about to step back into the street when the very ground begins to shake. Knowing that was not of his doing he makes his way towards the epicenter drawing a few odd glances along the way.

Marching his way down to the tarmac of Memorial Spaceport, Warsong glances over his shoulder at Astrotrain and the other Seekers that he had hitched a ride with just in time to be caught off guard by the sudden rumbling brought on by Omega Supreme's awakening. Losing his footing, the mech staggers from side to side for a moment before falling from the ramp and onto his back. "Gyahh!" he shouts before a loud thud signals his intimate meeting with the tarmac before he begins to sit up and rub his head. "What was that!?" he demands.

Here amongst the Memorial Square, Impactor and his 'troops' are trying to blend in with the scenery. "Psst...over here." he motions to Fairway and Broadside, the badly taped cone on his arm flapping around. The two Wreckers and their unfortunate recruit are here in Crystal City, /poorly/ disguised as Decepticons with acceptable CONES taped on.

A Decepticon troop walks by, Impactor throws up a mock salute. "Afternoon Comrade, death to the Autojerks!!" The Con simply looks at him puzzled and walks away. The Wrecker leader turns to the other two, "Told ya these disguises would work!"

Omega Supreme's frame rumbles again. Omega is there, but he is trapped. He is caught in what the ancient cybertronians called infinity lock -- a dreaded combination of logical constructs that contradict each other and yet exist simultaneously within a sapient cybertronian neural net. Later generations of Cybertronians are perhaps immune to this function, but for the silent Guardian, it has plagued him for much of the past year. In affect, Omega Supreme is trapped within /himself/. But every thing has its limits, and to one such as Omega Supreme, infinity is perhaps not that insurmountable of a time frame.

The guardian begins radiating heat; potent and powerful heat like a plasma flare.

Blueshift races through the area towards Galvatron. There are some keyboard keys stuck to his face, it looks like he has just woken up. "Galvatron, Galvatron sir!" he shouts. "Good to see you sir!" He stops to gives a thumbs up at Impactor. "NICE CONE!"

"He's moving! He's moving!" Fusillade jabbers as she runs up to Warsong.

Windshear is walking with Dreadwind, well half walking ahead of him then hanging back. He doesnt say anything but looks to the sky from time to time. Why couldnt they have flown here? No, too much effot is the answer he would have gotten. He deals with it and looks at Hi-Test when he speaks up then, "Why dont you take some pictures of it, Hi-Test?"

White Porsche 935  explores the streets quietly and stealthily making his way towards the Governor's office in order to  when some tremors begin to make themselves felt. "Uh oh." The Autobot Special Ops accelerates the pace and heads towards the direction of the disturbance but tries and stay out of sight for now.

The White Porsche unfolds, arms and legs are becoming visible. The body seems to cartwheel in mid-air, the robot form of Jazz stylishly lands and is ready for action.

"YOU THERE!" Ramjet bellows from the balcony of his Gubernatorial Office in Crystal City. He's got his hand folded up into a fist that he shakes angrily at the citizenry below. "I DON'T TAX YOU TO DALLY AROUND! GET BACK TO WORK CLEANING DOLT SUPREME AT ONCE!" He seems to be glaring especially at Impactor and his poorly disguised Merry Men. Damn layabouts.

 Blueshift says, "CITIZENS OF CRYSTAL CITY. The tremors you hear are no doubt the work of the dreaded DRILL TANKS. Pay them no heed"

Fairway feels ridiculous with cones taped to his frame. He creeps along behind Impactor and Broadside. As the groad shakes, he struggles to stay standing. "Friends," he says, "did you detect that?"

Blight flies into the area and tries to find someone or something to munch on. He finds it as his optics reflect the beautiful quarts crystal city replica. He seemed in awe of it as he slowly begins to approach the statue. He finally reaches it and climbs to the tallest tower. Bugzilla is attacking crystal city!

 Ramjet says, "SHERIFF."

 Ramjet says, "PUT THOSE LAYABOUTS AT WORK AT ONCE."

Galvatron quickly turns to greet Blueshift with the back of his fist. He doesn't use his pimp hand, though. Not *this* time. "IMBECILE! Where were you? You were supposed to report your progress on the hunt for Haintsman Swope, and now I find the entire city is shaking! Is this his doing, Blueshift!?"

Combat: Galvatron sets his defense level to Fearless. Combat: Galvatron misses Blueshift with his Hi There (Punch) attack!

Broadside keeps trying to adjust his fake cone, and nearly shorts when Blueshift compliments Impactor. "Sweet Primus," he mutters. "Didn't think these would fly. Huh? Feel what?" he asks Fairway.

Dreadwind finally notices something is going on, not that he cares and comes to a stop, "Typical i come here and then this happens, i'm going to be melted into a pool i just know it." The waves of heat are a bit worrying for Hi-Test and he uses Dreadwind's leg as a shield, "Didn't bring one Windshear and is that thing supposed to be doing that or should i be more worried?"

Decepticon Shuttle  is still sitting on his landing gear so he's not exactly bouncing about, but he is rumbling and shaking a bit as the seekers unloading him are stumbling for their footing. "...who said you slackjaws could stop unloadin me! Get this space junk outta my hold a'fore I dump it out in a heap and make ya explain to yer superior why it's all broke and scattered!" His sensors are sweeping about, though they are of course focused on the distant form of Omega Supreme, and rising heat levels? "....if he goes kerblooey I ain't waiting around here."

"Nonsense!" Ramjet sneers. "To go kerblooey would be a violation of the NEUTRALITY PACT."

"Grrrr..." Warsong growls as he slowly picks himself up from the tarmac and dusts his armor off before rolling his shoulders just in time for another rumble to unsteady him for a moment, though this time he was at least somewhat ready for it it seems. "That big bot is making far too many waves... Someone should get him a drink," is offered to no one in particular as his ruby red optics peer up at the towering Supreme.

Decepticon Shuttle  would sneer back but he's a freaking Decepticon shuttle. So he settles for shouting from his place on the tarmac, "Mebbe somebody un-neutral strapped a bigaft bomb to his keister, ya ever thoughta that!"

Galvatron misses Blueshift with his punch! Blueshift stands, looking in horror at Galvatron, before he punches himself in the face, hard. "Thank you sir, I deserved that!" he exclaims. "We sent two teams after Haintsman Swopes. Team A and Team B, led by me. Heavy fire was exchanged, unfortunately BETWEEN Team A and B due to it being dark and scary. I have just got out of hospital!"

He turns, as the ground starts shaking, and looks at Impactor and his fellow Coned Autobots angrily. "Yeah, you guys, start cleaning Omega Supreme, come on! He can't be dirty in time for CONEMAS!"

The heat increasing, to the point where it is no longer just uncomfortable... it is almost unbearable! The rumbling around Omega Supreme increases, sending great shockwaves through the cybertronian surface.

And then, there is a great FWOOOOOSH.. and everything is eerily quiet. Omega Supreme says, "FUNCTION INVOCATION LIMIT EXCEEDED"

Blueshift turns suddenly. "OH CRAP"

Impactor turns around, pressing a finger to his lips. "Shaddup!" Turning around, he's politely regarded by Blueshift, and all he manages is a wave of his hand. Trying to stay in plain sight, yet unnoticed, Impactor files up with some of the cleaners. "I am a Decepticon, Compactor! I am in need of Decepticon duties! Can I help?" The other Con merely hands him a toilet brush and a sponge. "Have at 'er."

Impactor throws up a salute to Blueshift, "At once great one!! I live to clean this scum and serve the EMPIRE!!"

Gears adjust the taped-on disguise-cone on his head. "Yeah, light this is really going to work," he mutters under his vocalizer. When Omega Supreme starts moving, so do his servos. "I'm going to need a full overhaul after this."

Fairway looks around, realizing that Galvatron is addressing the three of them! He straighten up and salutes awkwardly, stopping just short of saying 'yes, sir!. "The shaking, Broadside. And the surge of heat. We'd best make out way toward Omega Supreme then," he says to his friends, "we don't want to sabotage our cover."

Ramjet looks confused. "Wha.. ye... NO. OF COURSE NOT." His expression darkens! "To think so would be decidedly UN-NEUTRAL, Astrotrain! And as AIR GOVERNOR of this NEUTRAL CITY, I have only NEUTRAL THOUGHTS. Now why in the seven rings of Plox IV aren't those shiftless layabouts below working!? Are they UNION DROIDS!?" Ramjet leans over the railing of the balcony. "You there! CITIZEN!" He shouts down at Impactor. "Are you one of those filthy UNION DROIDS? Don't make me revoke your benefits! Get back to work at once! This city must roll on with its FLIGHT MODE so I can leave those revolting Auto--- er... so THAT I CAN ELEVATE THE CITY BEYOND THE BIASEDNESS OF THE GROUND.. yess--- ARGGGH!!"

Ramjet falls over from the force of the shockwave. "WHAT!?! WHO DARES!?! It is that OPTIMUS PRIME. ASSEMBLE MY NEUTRAL AIR GUARD AT ONCE!!!"

The sounds of glass breaking and crunching is finally heard as Blight begins eating the model of crystal city. It tasted delicious! Then the earthquake happened and the voice. He just ignores it and goes to eating, maybe they will avoid his food.

Windshear was busy looking ahead and had no idea that Dreadwind has stopped walking. He hears him comment about being melted then Hi-Test comment tha the didnt bring (a camera) and looks over ot reply...and sees they arent there. he stops and looks back. "No you arent going to melt." he says as he walks back to Dread. "I dont know whats going on but I think we will find out soon enough.." he looks down at hi-test, "Maybe you should .. go whereever you go in dreadwind now?"

Jazz finds a small alley next to the Memorial Square. Jazz crouches behind a big dumpster and leans out just enough to see what is going on at ground level. Sure anyone with a working pair of optics can see the friggin giant but somethines the interesting stuff happens around.

Galvatron was about to follow through with an even more forceful blow, but thankfully Blueshift took care of that for him. Galvatron still looks ticked, though. "Blueshift, the cyberquakes are more important right now--" He hears Omega Supreme speak, then, and it's then that he finally realizes that it's getting kind of hot in here. He turns verrrry slowly to look up at the Guardian. "...what?!?" The shockwave rippling through the ground hits him, and falls over towards Blueshift. "ARRRGH!"

Fusillade scrambles over to Astrotrain, and ignites hoverboots to avoid the worst of the city shaking. "Quit worrying about that cargo and transform already." She falls eerily silent once Omega Supreme speaks. She scowls at the loitering trio of poorly disguised Autobots, unsure if the workers would continue offloading the triplechanger during this tumult.

Hi-Test doesn't like it as the tremors increase, "Hmm as much as i want to take a more active part in this Windshear all these large objects shaking will not do me any good should they fall so.." Hi-Test leaps into the air transforming and merging into Dreadwind's back. Dreadwind somehow manages to keep his balance as he stands stock still watching, "Is this it? Finally the end of our home? It certainly took long enough, there won't be many survivors and even they will be maimed and broken, wishing for a death that will be denied them."

Broadside flings his arms out to steady himself. "Oh, /those/ shakes." He spares a snort at Impactor holding a toilet brush, but a salutes with Fairway just the same, and makes his way towards the source of the quakes, Omega.

Decibel after having to explain to at least three different groups of guards that he just woke up and forgot to get dressed as reason for his color change finally slips into another alley. Popping open a side panel he grabs the spray paint and covers the parts needed before stashing the can and walking back out into the crowd. Doing his best to avoid any but the riffraff of the Decepticons milling about he tries to get to a good spot to view the Guardian as he begins to stir. Taking note of some of his fellow Autobots moving about in disguises as bad if not worse than his feeble repaint he can only shake his head in wonder before returning to business.

Blueshift watches Galvatron fall towards him, but unfortunately gets the wrong idea and opens his arms wide in a hug. "Yes my lord, yes!" he cries as the Lord of Destruction lunges in a deadly embrace.

It was always a possibility that Omega Supreme may start doing something again. Usually backup plans suggested one thing Omega might do is want to punch Blueshift repeatedly into a mush on the ground. Evidently the Zune that powers Omega is now fully recharged. "Quickly!" he cries into a loudspeaker. "Initiate plan OMEGA APPEASEMENT!"

At this, little robot children skip out, handing out baskets of flowerpetals to all around, and start to dance around Omega, throwing petals at his feet, singing

Again, Warsong hits the ground with a terrible crash and this time the large mech just stays put. No point in standing if every time he does he's reintroduced to the ground, afterall. "Maybe I should just stay here..." he grumbles before pausing a moment to process his words at which point he begins to laugh hartily. "Hahaha! Here's to revelations!" he cheers, and then folds his clawed hands behind his head to cradle it as he relaxes. Noticing the Executrix Fussilade as she boards Astrotrain. Surely if he has any orders she will shout them at him.

Decepticon Shuttle  bounces around on his landing gear a bit more! It's hot, sure but his form is shielded for atmospheric re-entry so he's able to take it rather well, all things considered. Not so the seekers who decide to take cover behind him, "Hey...HEY don't you be slackin off you obsolete freakbots!" His attention remains solely on Omega Supreme now as the shockwave rolls out and then...silence. Except for Ramjet's yelling of course. "I still say some Autobot snuck in and strapped some huge bomb to Omega's aft, probably figured to blow him sky high wit hthe rest of us." And then Fusillade makes her suggestion, prompting the triplechanger o shake and shudder, "Alright the heck with this...HRNNNNNGH!" And with a vaguely disturbing motion he actually seems to -squeeze- in on himself as the last of the cargo slowly slides out his ramp and to the ground.

Behind the rose-tinted visor features come to life. Optics as large as a full-sized Transformer flare to life, "Mmmmmmmmmmm...." he looks around, "LOGIC FLAWED. ACTIONS INCOMPATIBLE. AWAKENED... OLDER." he peers down at the gathered throng, "WHAT YEAR IS THIS?" This is probably not a rhetorical question.

Impactor nods towards Ramjet, saying nothing and attempting to scrub Omega Supreme's foot. The water from the brush starts to bubble and evaporate, a puzzled look coming on the Commando's face. "Uh...whut?" Then the rumblings throw him off balance, and of course Omega Supreme speaking scares the crap out of him. Amid the chaos and heat, Impactor's disguise seems to have fallen off.

Thinking quickly, the Wrecker just goes with the first thing that comes to mind. "AHH!!! MY CONE HAS DEGRADED BACK INTO A DRILL!!! IT MUST BE A VIRUS!!! AHH!!!"

"IT IS THE YEAR ONE OF OUR AIR GOVERNOR!" squeaks Blueshift loudly at Omega.

Ramjet points at Impactor. "SUMMON SHERIFF SKULLCRUNCHER AND HAVE THIS UN-CONED ROBOT TAXED AT ONCE."

Omega Supreme looks bemused by this, "THE GREAT AIR GOVERNOR AIRWOLF." he rumbles, "THEN NOTHING HAS CHANGED."

"YOU LUMBERING OAF!" Ramjet howls at Omega Supreme. "Airwolf is NO MORE! I had her k-- uhh.. SHE WENT ON SABBATICAL. I, RAMJET, am the new AIR GOVERNOR. You will support my NEUTRAL GOVERNMENT, Omega Supreme! You signed contracts! .... With /what/, I do not know! BUT CONTRACTS WERE SIGNED."

"YES ONLY AIRWOLF IS NOW CALLED RAMJET AND NOT A HUGE TRAITOR ANY MORE!" Blueshift shouts up.

Omega Supreme speaking makes Fairway's whole body shudder! He feels himself close to panic as Impactor is revealed for what he is, but has got to commend the Wrecker on his attempt to cover himself. He actualy begins to fan himself as the heat rises. "This situation is going to start to distintegrate very quickly it seems!"

TWO MONTHS AGO At night, Blueshift and some gumbies climb up the motionless Omega Supreme, duct-taping a giant pen to his claw. Blueshift them moves a huge piece of paper over the pen, in an approximation of a signature NOW:

"Frag! Uh!" It takes a moment for Broadside to realize that they hadn't been found out. "Tax... Oh. Well that's not too bad." He reaches down to give Fairway a comforting but jarring pat on the back. "Nothin' ta' worry 'bout, boss has got it figured out," he assures in a low voice.

Galvatron snarls viciously at Blueshift, "GET. OFF. OF. ME. YOU. FOOOOL!" before he shrugs him off violently. He listens to Omega Supreme, frowning thoughtfully. "Hrm, he doesn't seem to understand the current situation--" Then all of his lackeys start rambling contradicting facts! "No, Omega Supreme! Listen to ME." He steps slowly towards the Guardian, arms held out wide. "It's 2029! Airwolf is still the governor, Omega Supreme! And she is doing a very, very good job! Yes, there are Decepticons all over the city, but this IS neutral territory, so there's nothing strange about that, hm?"

Combat: Galvatron strikes Blueshift with his NYARGH (Grab) attack!

Blight waves a clawed hand towards Ramjet, while he is now munching on the model's version of Blueshift's office. It was tasty.

Omega Supreme's optics flicker once, twice, then disappear. For a brief second, it appears as if Omega Supreme has reverted to his previous state: a statue casting only shadows over his ancient post.

"NO." he draws the word out, bring back smaller versions of the previous quakes that rocked the city. His optics flare back into being, locking on Ramjet, "CONTRACTS INCOMPATIBLE." Then, with a tremendous shudder, Omega raises his arm to the sky, the massive claw towering above the assembled masses and flower children, "NOW." he intones,"OMEGA. REIGNS. SUPREME."

And with that, Omega brings his massive claw SLAMMING against his chest with a massive *clang*, sending another massive shockwave through the non-floating members of the throng. "ALL SHALL BE. AS IT WAS."

Impactor runs around in circles, trying to sell the act. "I APOLOGIZE GREAT COMMANDER RAMJET OF AIR AND AWESOME!! I'LL FOREGO RATIONS FOR TWO WEEKS, JUST MAKE THIS BLASTED DRILL GO AWAY!!"

Amid the confusion, Impactor hits the release button on his wrist...allowing the harpoon/drill to drop to the ground. "OH THANK THE ALMIGHTY GALVATRON, I'M CURED!!"

Ramjet folds his hands into fists that rise into the air, shaking angrily. "WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!?! WHAT MANNER OF DUPLICITY IS THIS!? ... Who-- .. SWINDLE. THIS MUST BE SWINDLE'S FAULT!"

Blueshift is nicely smacked about by Galvatron again, whirling round as he comes to a stop in front of Impactor. He sees Impactor's cone fall off to reveal a drill, and starts violently vomitting everywhere. "Oh god, drillitis!" he cries as he falls to his knees in front of the huge guardian robot.

"It was all Swindle's fault sir, we shall sacrifice him to you! It will all be exactly like it used to be, look here are some Weird Al records, and look, we have some POGS!" Blueshift cries.

"Uh oh..." Warsong murmurs as his optics grow wide at watching Omega Supreme's mighty claw rise high above the masses and quickly climbs to his feet just in time for the latest shockwave to send him tumbling yet again to the ground. "Oh... Come ON!" he exclaims before releasing a hefty sigh. "Are you finished yet!?" Warsong wants to know, as his red optics peer up at Omega Supreme. "All being as it was does not include me laying on my back every couple of nano-cycles!"

Dreadwind appears to be emulating Omega Supreme but unfortunately it is his immobile statue mode and worse still this statue talks, "I knew it, i shouldn't have bothered coming here i knew something terrible was going to happen and this is it. He's going to slowly crush me in that massive claw eventually cutting me in two from the pressure. The pain will be exquisite."

Fake-coneheaded-Gears mutters as the cacophony of clanging and Omega Supreme bellowing, and various bots trying to make themselves heard to the giant Autobot. "My audios will be ringing for decacycles," he complains.

Windshear stands there next to Dreadwind just watching. The fans in hsi chest are on high trying ot keep him cool from the heat that is or is still permiating everywhere and he just stands there silently and watches.

Fairway is embarrassed to have attracted Ramjet and Blueshift's attention. He tries to step away and pretend to be minding his own business, but his performance is hampered by Omega's rumblings and declarations. He looks up at the giant mech. "I suspect that we should be listening to what this individual has to say."

Munch munch, crunch munch. Blight continues eating the model and is done with the high towers, beginning to work on the lesser buildings now.

Galvatron gestures to the other Decepticons with an open palm, as if to make them keep their distance. "No one make any hostile actions towards Omega Supreme, or otherwise provoke him!" Turning back to Omega Supreme, he coos soothingly, "Now, Omega Supreme, you're just confused. Let's talk about this, hm? We'll go over the details of the contract you signed..."

Impactor says, "Psst...less talkin' n more scrubbin'!!"

Jazz pulls out his datapad and begins recording the scene with Omega for future reference trying to zoom in as much as possible on the face in order to catch the shifting expressions.

Decepticon Shuttle  finally transforms! The last of his cargo disembarked as he rises up into his robot mode and peers up at the display of Omega Supreme speaking. And of course his radio is completely abuzz with chatter a plenty. He has that look about him that says he's going to bolt at a moment's notice, as he starts to shove the nameless seekers out in front of him and in Ramjet's direction, "Go and help yer leader or somethin, freaks! Mebbe when that ancient relic's busy blowin you to pieces I can get outta here!"

In a chorus of shifting and spinning parts, Astrotrain's body spins and lifts up into his large robot mode.

"Yes, remember the..." Blueshift begins, before stopping to stare at Blight. "Oh come ON, there is a time and a PLACE!" he hisses

Warsong clamps his mouth shut at Galvatron's order, and his head bows reverantly before his optics narrow ever so slightly as his attention again focuses onto the towering Guardian. Slowly taking a few steps back away from Supreme, Warsong turns slightly and begins to march closer to another mech that he has served with during several campaigns during the last several cycles. "Neutral ground... What a waste of space, eh? This place should be nothing but a massive bar..."

"If I am going to be reduced to slag by a giant autobot, I intend to have a full belly." Blight hisses back to Blueshift as he grabs a piece with a claw and throws it to him. "There's whats left of your office." He says as he finishes off Ramjet's building now.

Dreadwind is lightning quick to follow Galvatron's order to not do anything, in fact you're pretty sure that he managed to preempt the order. "It doesn't matter what we do, action, inaction, death returns to walk among us and Omega Supreme is at his side."

Omega Supreme peers down at Galvatron. And it IS a LONG WAY down. "CONTRACTS... " his optics flicker again, fading slightly, "NOT PROCESSABLE. FLAWED." he gestures with his claw hand towards the shining city around him, "THIS CITY REEKS OF INJUSTICE." he bellows, "THERE SHALL BE JUDGEMENT." he turns down towards Galvatron again, "YOU" he points, "CITIZEN. BRING FORWARD THIS GOVERNMENT. WE SHALL SEE WHO IS JUST."

Windshear looks at Warsong, "Neutral ground has its novelty but it looses it when its everywhere..." His baratone rumbles then his gaze shifts back to the odd seeker around the guardian. Those cones... that chest...something doesnt seem right about that seeker.... hes never seen that one before and he looks, well, weird...

Blueshift stands up, walking towards Omega Supreme slowly. He then pats IMPACTOR heavily on the shoulder. "Hello great Omega. I am your AIR Sheriff. And uh, THIS IS MINISTER OF CONES who is responsible for all the stuff you don't like!"

Omega Supreme looks around slightly annoyed, as if expecting someone, "WHERE ARE MY FRIENDS. THE CONSTRUCTICONS? I SHALL NEED THEIR ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER."

Blueshift then points at Warsong and Windshear. "Uh, THERE THEY ARE SIR, your loyal Constructicons!"

Ramjet glances to the side and coughs into his palm. *kaff*

Stinkbug says, "They look like seekers..."

Broadside just stands there, baffled as all hell. He tenses right up when Impactor is pulled forward as a 'minister'. "Keep your guard up," he mumbles to Fairway, as if he needed reminding.

Galvatron's face twitches. "What did you call me? Citizen? CITIZEN!? I am no mere citizen!" Energy crackles around his brow. "I AM NO MERE CITIZEN! I am..." He listens to Omega Supreme continue speaking, and as the gears turn in his head, he realizes that maybe now isn't the best time for a violent rampage. "Ahem, I am a city legislator. I help write and sign bills." Then, Galvatron looks around for Ramjet, and presuming he has a line of sight to him, he waves the seeker over.

Blueshift points at Galvatron. "Yes, the glorious Lord Galvatron is a mighty humble legislator!"

Fairway thinks he is starting to see what's going on here, and can't let it continue. "Wait, wait," he dares to say, "Omega Supreme yes? With all due respect to the air sheriff, the Constructicons are on Earth, and that is Galvatron, leader of the Decepticons."

Decibel doesn't seem to be having a good day, sure he does a damn fine impression of Soundwave but with Omega looking to bring judgement it is perhaps unwise to be looking like a Decepticon. Grabbing a dropped toilet brush left behind by the cleaning crews that had been working on the guardian he ducks into another alley and scrubs off the blue paint. Fieldwork has never been his favorite and this only makes him hate it more. His true colors showing again he keeps out of sight as he looks on the scene.

Ramjet looks over the balcony. Is Galvatron waving at him? Oh he is. Of course he is. Because he is the Air Governor. "HI!" he waves down at the Emperor. This greeting sounds extremely tough and awesome, honest. "OH.. YOU WANT ME TO COME DOWN THERE? OH OKAY." Ramjet hops over the railing and floats down to stand beside Galvatron. "What is your bidding, Emperor?"

Blueshift then randomly punches himself in the face

Shockwave, behind Galvatron the whole time, interjects, "And I am a scientist. I research... science."

Windshear keeps staring at the odd seeker near the Guardian and suddenly it dawns on him just who hes lookig at. He takes Warsong by the shoulder and turns him around toward the Guardian and then he points at.. Fairway, "DECEPTCONS!" his baratone rumbles loudly. "WE HAVE AT LEAST ONE AUTOBOT HERE IN DISGUISE!!"

Blueshift then points at Fairway. "Oh and that is our Minister of LIES"

Galvatron glares at Fairway, but out loud, he says, "Ahem, now, don't speak such nonsense. We all know that *Megatron* leads the Decepticons, and, well..." He shrugs dramatically. "...do I LOOK like Megatron, to you? Anyway, you wanted to the government? Well, here's the governor!" Galvatron gestures towards Ramjet, as if he was introducing a stage performer, then backs away from him. Under his breath, he mutters to Ramjet, "Don't screw this up!"

"Uhh, yes. I am COMPACTOR, THE CONESEEKER...well Coneless-Seeker now...However, I am Minister of CONES!!" Impactor replies, looking from Blueshift to Omega Supreme. He whirls around at Windshear, "Oh no, I hate Autobuts...such goodiebots...seriously. I'm the Cone Minister?"

Broadside promptly gares down at Fairway. "..."

Warsong scoffs and waves a clawed hand dismissively. "I suppose... Perhaps for a place to repair in order to return to the fight without risk of being destroyed if one is too far from a field base..." he offers with a laugh. "Could you imagine? Crossing an imaginary line and suddenly your enemy stops firing at you? Such foolishness, but oh is it funny, you're right!" Moving a hand to whap against Windshear's shoulder, Warsong continues to laugh hartily as Windshear eyes the strange looking Seekers.

"Wh-wha?" Warsong asks, blinking as he feels himself being moved only to narrow his optics considerably upon hearing the other con's words. "Autobots in disguise? ...Pretending to be DECEPTICONS!?" he growls and balls his hands into fists. "They shall pay for disgracing us! They are not WORTHY of even masquerading as the proudest warriors of Cybertron!" [Monitor:]  Galvatron says, "*to SEE the government"

Windshear sneers at Impactor and realizes that mechs voice is very familiar, "And Im a flat-top, your point....Autobot?"

ConeGears looks as innocent as possible. "I'm the Minister of Cone-Complaints," he says, though he's sure nobody's paying attention.

Dreadwind sighs, nothing here is going in the least bit right with the conflicting and confusing words from various Decepticons and then Windshear points out that there is an Autobot somewhere. He doesn't care, he knew they'd turn up sooner or later to make a bad situation even worse. He prepares himself to feel the searing kiss of laser fire any moment now, the Autobots are bound to target him first, they always do.

Astrotrain is trying to process an awful lot that's happening at once here. Omega Supreme's awake, apparently not happy AND living in the past? And now the Boss is trying to sweet talk the guardian, or rather Ramjet will be in a moment. The same Guardian who's toting a huge plasma cannon arm and claws fit to start more than a little bit of chaos here if he so desires to. "..." He glances left, then right, and mutters to himself, "Yeah this is REALLY one of those times I miss Trypticon..."

Blight just munches some more, and then notices something about the one about cone complaints. He then hears the accusations of autobots being here and then goes to pounce Blueshift. "Of course, I knew you were being too smart, your an autobot in disguise!" Combat: Stinkbug misses Blueshift with his Grab attack!

Omega Supreme rumbles, "Mmmmm... MEGATRON. YES. FAMILIAR." he looks out among the assorted Cone-related officers and legislators, and leeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaans down towards Ramjet, coming so close to Ramjet (and Galvatron) that their armor takes on a slightly REDISH tone from his visor. "YOU" he rumbles. Reaching over with his arm, Omega grasps at Blueshift using only his peripheral vision... the claw dangles above Blueshift, aiming for his head like he is a harvard diploma in a sea of useless arcade machine toys. "AND YOU"

Combat: Omega Supreme strikes Blueshift with his The Claw attack! [Pulled -8]

Fairway frowns. Speak out and risked being destroyed - or worse - or maintain the charade and risking ending up on Omega's bad side? He looks up at Omega's Autobot sigil and then turns to Windshear. "My point," he says, slowling taking off his cone and making sure to stand well away from his Autobot companions, "Is that what has been going on here looks to be coming to an end, and I, for one, won't play along as you lie to this great Autobot." He jumps aside, startled, as Omega grabs Blueshift.

Blueshift is saved from Blight! Unfortunately by Omega Supreme, who whisks him away in his CLAW. "OH I AM BEING TAKEN INTO HEAVEN!" he shouts out. "WATCH ME ASCEND TO THE SKIES! I REGRET NOOOOOOOOOOTHING!"

Ramjet leans over to Galvatron and whispers, "You told me I would have Abominus, Bruticus, Devastator, Menasor, and.. uh.. who in the blazes is that other guy? CarriesLotsofGunsor in the event this happened!!!" He looks back to Omega Supreme, his optics wide. "Uhh. What is the meaning of this, Supreme!? The city is safe, is it not!? Release my Air Sheriff!"

Astrotrain growls as he spots that there is indeed at least one Autobot amongst that mess. And something darker comes across his vision as he unslings his rifle and lets it balance on his shoulder, standing back casually as this scene continues to unfold.

Shockwave makes sure to keep Galvatron between himself and Omega Supreme while this is going on.

Omega Supreme gestures at Impactor, "MINISTER OF CONES." he intones, "IF NOT MISTAKEN. ANCIENT ORDER OF CONES. PROMOTES BALANCE AND JUSTICE."

Omega Supreme still has Blueshift dangling in one hand, and is glaring menacingly at Ramjet with one optic. Apparently he has no intention of following orders.

Windshear watches Fairway take his cone off, watches everything else and tosses his hands up. He looks at Dreadwind. "You are right, there is no point..." he turns to walk away. Let the rest deal with the Autobots that have infiltrated this whole situation, he washes his hands of it.

Galvatron scowls at Ramjet. "Well, maybe I LIED, Ramjet. Besides, you should have known better! It's hard enough just to get ONE combiner team assembled these days!" Then, he slowly makes his way over to Blight, who has apparently been random things throughout this crisis. "WHAT are you DOING!?" he growls at the unofficial Insecticon. "Stop trying to eat everything, dolt! You'll arouse the ire of Omega Supreme!"

Shockwave is clearly Minister of Hexagons and has nothing to say about this whole cone business.

Impactor stutters while looking up at the held Blueshift and the gargantuan Omega Supreme. "Uh...yes. Balance, Justice, all that good stuff. Not to be confused with the Minister of Drills..."

Ramjet folds his arms over his canopy-chest, looking highly displeased. "You've yet to answer the meaning of this question, Omega Supreme! Do you dare interrupt one of our people's most VAUNTED traditions!? CHANGE has occured, Omega Supreme! Just as you CHANGE INTO A TANK or a ROCKET, so too has government! The people desire progressive changes! The people desire more protections!"

Warsong's jaw drops as he observes as Fairway removes his cone and steps away from the 'real' Seekers. "You... How DARE you disgrace us with your charade!?" he snaps before stalking closer to Fairway. "You should be ashamed of yourself... Why if this was not n-n-n-neeeuuutral ground," the con shudders slightly before shaking his head clear of his distaste for the word. "...I would scrap you right here and now! Argh!" he growls then, so fed up with this place where combat between Autobots and Decepticons is forbidden. Clamping his jaw tight, War turns and stalks off not far behind Windshear.

Dreadwind doesn't turn to reply to Windshear as he finally gives up, he keeps his cold stare on the giant Autobot, it could be mistaken for fear but it is more likely resignation that leaves him immobile.

Jazz continues observing and tries to hold back a smirk at all the crazy ideas that are being cooked up by the second by his processor.

"My apologies." Blight says as he bows his insect head to Galvatron and remains by his emperor to better serve him. His red optics watch the giant as his attaenae flicker every now and then.

Soundwave steps out from the shadows as reports of Omega Supreme's arrival flooded into his office, but the Director of Intelligence takes his time on arrival. Soundwave's crimson visor moves to the behemoth as the Tape Commander positions himself beside Galvatron.

Broadside can't help but emit a low chuckle as Blueshift wails. "Bahh, screw it." The carrier/jet casts off his fake armor and cone, and smirks at Impactor's facade. When Warsong huffs and puffs, Broadside grins, but says nothing and folds his arms, watching this rather political event unfold.

Windshear looks at him, then follows his gaze then looks back at him, "I know what you are thinking...perhaps you will get your wish... Im outta here..." he steps back and transforms then flies off.

Robot Windshear transforms into a Cybertronian pyramid/Tetrajet. Windshear takes flight to the Sky above Crystal City. Windshear has left.

Omega Supreme looks down at Ramjet, "OMEGA REIGNS SUPREME." he bellows, "PROTECTION ASSURED." he looks around again, trying to catch something in his field of view, "WHO CAN STAND AGAINST OMEGA SUPREME. AND HIS FRIENDS THE CONSTRUCTICONS." he opens his claw, letting Blueshift fall towards the ground, "WHO BESIDES DRILL TANKS." he scowls.

Ramjet looks puzzled. What is the smartest answer here? He doesn't know! When in doubt, deny! "..No one?"

Ramjet looks to Galvatron and just offers a shrug of his rifle-mounted shoulders.

"MMMMMPH!" replies Blueshift, his head in Omega's claw, as he tumbles to the ground, massaging his face. "Yesss!" he cries. "No-one can stand against Omega and his BESTYT FRIEND BLUESHIFT!"

Ramjet's optics widen. "WAIT THAT IS A TRAP."

Blueshift stares at Omega in horror. "What, it's really a GUY?"

Ramjet looks back to Omega Supreme. "Uh. The new EVIL POWERMASTER OPTIMUS PRIME FROM AN ALTERNATE UNIVERSE.. ugh, what a horrendous mouthful, LIKE THE MILITANTS. YOU REMEMBER THE MILITANTS, DON'T YOU, SUPREME? HE COMES TO CHALLENGE THE SAFETY OF YOUR CITY. BUT, I RAMJET, HAVE GUARDED IT FROM HIM WHILE YOU SLUMBERED!"

Fairway nods in approval as Broadside joins him in removing the disguise. "Friend," he says to Warsong, "We meet indeed on neutral ground, though I strongly doubt that it shall remain neutral for long under Decepticon control." He looks to Omega Supreme. "Perhaps we Autobots are better consulted with here, large friend. The year is 2030, and Megatron has become Galvatron."

If this was Bayformer Shockwave he would at this point say "my bad" but thankfully it is not.

Galvatron grins evilly at Soundwave for a moment. "Do you understand what this means, Soundwave?" Then to Ramjet. "Ramjet? Do you understand? I think I do..." Again, he dares to approach and address Omega Supreme. "Not only that, great Guardian, but the Governor and his sheriff have taken great pains to purge this city of drill tanks! Alas... sometimes one or two of them slip through." He glares at Impactor then. Once Fairway again threatens to expose him, Galvatron growls at him, "Quiet, you fool, if you know what's good for you!"

The thud of the carrier/jet's fake armor hitting the tarmac causes Warsong to pause in his step and turn to glance over his shoulder at the other disgused Autobot, and suddenly rage causes the glow of his optics to intensify. "Another one? Are any of the Seekers around here truly Seekers!?" he blinks, squeezing his fists hard as his entire chassis rumbles beneath the stress that his anger places upon his servos. "Nnnnnnnyyyyaaaarrrrghhhh...." he growls, doing his best to control it to the status of a steady groan. "Y-y-you... Autobot...scum... No...respect for real...warriors... I ought to... AHhh!" Just as Warsong starts to lose it, Fairway's words seem to calm him down in an instant and a hopeful expression replaces the rage. "Really?"

Ramjet pinches his nose and groans. "Uh, Omega? If we could have a word aside?" He motions at Warsong with a point of his finger. "That guy. He challenges you. Remove him from this neutral town lest he.. do something ridiculous. Well, more ridiculous."

Dreadwind sighs as he hears Warsong, "Surrounded, out numbered, out gunned, it was always going to happen and now it has, the end has finally come." With that Dreadwind slumps to the ground and just sits there waiting for the final oblivion to over take him.

Conegears facepalms as some of his companions remove their disguises. "Oh great, now what?" he mutters.

Omega Supreme looks confused, "/OPTIMUS/ PRIME?" he searches Ramjet's face for signs of truth, "OMEGA SUPREME KNOWS SENTINEL PRIME. BRAVE WARRIOR. NOT SO NEUTRAL." he turns towards Fairway and frowns, "TWENTY-THIRTY! THE STARS SPEAK OTHERWISE." he flicks a glance skywards, "STARS DON'T LIE. UNLIKELY CYBERTRON... MOVED ON ITS OWN."

He then looks out at the crowd, "LOYAL CITIZENS." he points at Ramjet and Blueshift, "IF THEY SPEAK TRUTH. WE WILL KNOW. THEY MUST FACE." he pauses dramatically, "THE TRIALS." he hums quietly, "IF THEY SURVIVE... INNOCENT. PROUD RULES. IF NOT..." he looks expectantly out at the crowd, looking for volunteers. At Impactor especially.

Ramjet jerks his cone back in surprised. "..I distinctly remember being the one who -administers- trials, not -endures- them!"

Combat: Jazz slips into the shadows and out of sight...

Blueshift gives a large thumbs up. "See, I'm innocent, I knew you would OH WAIT WHAT!"

Fairway nods. "It has indeed moved, friend - though not on its own."

Jazz grins as he just got quite the idea and heads towards the building which controls the local communications, news bulletin and such. The agent meister ducks and covers a few times without too much trouble Everyone is staring at the big guy obviously.

Soundwave produces a dark garbled chuckle in response to Galvatron. Soundwave is such a crony. The tape deck taps his chest and the window pops open in time for a now visible Buzzsaw to swoop in, transform, and re-enter. Apperantly Soundwave had the condor survey the safety level of the incident prior to making his own arrival. One must be careful around giant giant robots.

Impactor steps up on unsure feet, raising his drill-less and cone-less hand. "I, the MIGHTY and JUST COMPACTOR, as MINISTER OF CONES accept my sworn and rightful duty to maintain balance in this fair city." He bows low before Omega Supreme, "I am yours to command, Omega who reigns SUPREME!!"

Galvatron gives Ramjet an intense look, then Blueshift, too. "YES. Yes, we MUST have trials. We MUST. Absolutely must. And I am sure that no one will contradict Omega Supreme's judgement!"

Spinning about in surprise, Warsong looks to Ramjet and cants his head slightly. What? Why would a fellow Decepticon attempt to condemn him before this massive bot? Ah, this must be some kind of broader angle... Yes, Ramjet will take some form of trial to solidify Decepticon control over Crystal City. "Brilliant strategy... No wonder he is in charge, hahaha!"

Ramjet groans. "..I thought we had dispensed with such OBSOLETE notions as JUSTICE when we blew up Quintessa!"

Fairway hmphs. "Justice is no obsolete notion among the Autobots."

Omega Supreme commands, "MINISTER OF CONES. BEGIN DIGGING... THE PIT OF JUDGEMENT." he points towards Fairway, "YOU. TIMEKEEPER. THE CONSTRUCTICONS SHALL SOON ARRIVE. I REQUIRE A GIFT FOR THEM." he looks towards Galvatron, "LEGISLATOR!! BEGIN ADMINISTERING THE TRIALS." "NOW." he intones, "WHERE ARE MY -FIVE CHAMPIONS-?" he squints, looking out on the crowd, "MEMORY... NOT WHAT IT ONCE IS." he corrects himself, "WAS."

Warsong scoffs, "But apparently honor is... As you dress up as what you are not, and attempt to sneak around in cowardly manner!"

Blueshift stares blankly at Impactor as Omega gives his proclaimation. "I AM ONE OF YOUR CHAMPIONS SIR!" he shouts, waving his hand in the air, as if oblivious to the peril he is in

"Astrotrain!" Ramjet beckons. "I am going to need a booze. Lots and lots of booze. /Right now/."

"Oh quit yer' whinin'," Broadside sneers at Warsong, "We don't need a lecture on cowardice from a /'con/."

Impactor begins scraping wildly at the ground, eventually succumbing to grabbing the paper cone and trying to use it to scoop out the refuse. "Yes Omega, I will do as you command."

Warsong's optics light up at the mention of booze and the Decepticon quickly shifts his attention toward Ramjet. "He has booze...?" Then Broadside's comment draws a cold stare that is quickly followed by a bout of laughter. "Bwahahaha!"

Jazz closes in onto the comms building. Guards at the front...The Autobot makes his way off to the side, retracts his hand to reveal his trusty grappling hook. One last look around...to make sure he is not spotted. A muffled sound of compressed air can be heard. *CLINK* The hook is fixed and Jazz begins his ascension towards the top windows of the comms building.

"If these trials hold the promise of combat then I shall rise to the challenge!" Warsong states proudly as he moves swiftly to stand tall before Omega Supreme.

"Oh sweet X'hal.." Ramjet places his hand to his face.

Impactor raises a hand, all the while digging. "I inherited the Champion title from the late Minister of CONES before me sire!!"

Jazz pulls out what looks like a small laser scalpel and begins silently cutting away at the window and sneaks into the Comms building's auxiliary control room which is a small scale duplicate of the real thing but ungarded because it is only of use in emergencies.

Galvatron blinks. He realizes now that he wasn't really sure what sort of trial Omega Supreme expects of him. "Ah, ahem... we are... conducting this trial to determine the veracity of the claims of the Governor and Sheriff Blueshift." Soemthing occurs to Galvatron. "And that guy." He points at Fairway. "He made some rather outlandish claims, too, I think he should take part in the trials, as well!"

Fairway has been fighting hard not to give in to give in to confusion. Now he feels close to losing that battle. "A gift for the Contructicons?" He says, temporarily accepting the role of 'timekeeper', "I shall do my best, Omega Supreme, though I should like to serve as one of your champions."

Jazz sits at the console with a big friggin smile and goes to work on queuing some nice programming for the local station.

Omega Supreme peeeeeers towards Galvatron, "WHERE ARE THE RITES LEGISLATOR?" he frowns, "THE TRIALS COMMAND THEM TO BE BURRIED." he points towards where Impactor is furiously digging a hole (I hope he doesn't expose any sort of drill), "IF THEY SURVIVE... THE DRILL TANKS. THEY ARE INNOCENT. DESERVE TO LIVE. IF THEY DIE... GUILTY." he frowns, looking down at Warsong and the various other gathering champions, "OR WAS IT... OTHER WAY AROUND. Hrmmmm."

Blueshift stands in the small scaping of a pit Impactor has dug out. "Yes, trial me hard sir!"

Blueshift pauses, in horror. "WAIT WHAT. No, not TRIAL BY DRILL TANK!"

Omega Supreme nods ominously, "YES." Omega Supreme says, "THAT"

Ramjet just says it. "This is madness!'

Omega Supreme bellows, "NO." Omega Supreme says, "THIS IS" Omega Supreme says, "CRYSTAL CITY!!!"

Ramjet stares. "Oh no." Combat: Omega Supreme strikes Ramjet with his Kick attack!

"D'AAARGH!" Ramjet howls as he is kicked down a hole.

Warsong lifts his fists into the air and cheers, "Finally, a worthy reason to be in Crystal City! Hahaha! Let us rejoice in the wisdom of this great big...bot! Tri-als! Tri-als! Tri-als!" the con begins to chant, a gleeful expression on his face.

Galvatron smiles and nods jovially towards Omega Supreme. "Oh, of course, one moment." Then he lunges towards Soundwave, grabbing him by the shoulders. "What the hell does he mean, "rites?"" he whispers harshly.

Omega Supreme moves obliviously to those around him, striking without warning.

"Wait Great Omega, I have the solution!" cries Blueshift. But then the streetlights around him go out and when they turn back on... ...his KNEES have gone! Screaming like a girl, Blueshift topples backwards into the same hole Ramjet was kicked into!

"Hahaha! Last one in is a pacifist!" Warsong shouts as he moves swiftly to leap into the hole that consumed Ramjet, and Blueshift shortly afterward. Oh boy, this is going to be great! And here he was thinking that this cycle would be boring.

Blight moves forward. "I shall be champion."

Fairway scrambles to get out of the way of Omega Supreme as he lashes out at the mechs around him. He is thoroughly lost now, having no idea what the best course of action is. He thinks that Omega Supreme cannot be reasoned with, so he decides that he is just going to try and stay clear of any destruction the giant might cause. He stands next to Broadside. "Friend," he says, "This cannot end well." As Ramjet and Blueshift disappear down a hole, Fairway can't help but grin.

Jazz smiles as he finishes with the console and hits the PLAY button. SUDDENTLY...All the video screens across Crystal City begin flickering...Every street...Every billboard...

The emergency broadcast system logo appears and scrolls with a loud BEEP hoping to catch people's attention.

Jazz's voice can be heard ALL OVER the place. "GOOD EVENIN' CITIZENS OF CRYSTAL CITY! And a special hello to our big guy and faithful guardian Omega Supreme. How you doin' buddy? I saw you wake up and things did not look easy so I managed to scrounge up a nice little trip down memory lane from the last two months. I hope you and everyone will enjoy this." The image cuts and is replaced by a multitude of boardcasts.

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===================== Reports ================================ Message: 9/75                     Posted        Author CC: SUBMIT TO CHANGE              Wed Sep 02    Ramjet --- In the aftermath of the startling decisions by Galvatron, citizens of Crystal City will have found two different posters plastered all over the city. They've gone up in the night and provide a rude awakening to the new regime.

Playing on the algorithims of patriotism, the first poster is a three-toned affair. It is a shot of Ramjet's head and shoulders, his cone canted slightly to show him looking to the left, chin lifted to allow his optics to gaze into the fathomless above. The left side of his face has a red background and fill-in, while the right is blue with white highlighting. He is accessorized with a color-coded Deceptor brand. Beneath him reads in all-capitals, CHANGE INTO A       JET

The second poster is a far more bold and color-complex image. This features Ramjet in his new desert-camouflage deco standing in front of the tallest towers of Crystal City. He has his arms bent, fists at his waistpiece as he smiles in an extremely bright but unsettling fashion. On his left is a massive grey cylinder attached to a white-colored cuff that leads to a yellow strut that disappears "off screan." Protruding from the cylinder are three gargantuan, triangular hunks of orange metal with razored edges. The faithful and the fearful will recognize it as the right arm of the mighty Omega Supreme. Beneath, in bold all-capitals reads, SUBMIT TO CHANGE

What other new changes are in store for Cybertron's capitol and last bastion of neutrality!?

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===================== Reports ================================ Message: 9/76                     Posted        Author CC: Freedom Taxes                 Wed Sep 02    Blueshift --- Blueshift appears on screens throughout Crystal City and Cybertron. He is perched on the desk of the Governor of Crystal City in a casual way, smiling warmly at the viewer. He is now painted an eye-searingly bright Cyan colour.

"Citizens of Crystal City and Cybertron!" he announces, spreading wide his arms. "A bright new dawn awaits us. The old, corrupt administration of this hallowed city has been swept away, and in has come Governor Ramjet, with his promises of Change and Hope!"

He pauses, looking solemn for a moment. "As sheriff, my duties are many. But first to business. Safeguarding the freedom of Crystal City is an important but costly business, and so some new Freedom Taxes are to be put in place to ensure the continuing girly neutrality of this great city."

"Toll gates are being installed at the entrances, but don't worry, it will only cost a paltry 10 quatloos to enter. A new residence Freedom Tax of 300 quatloos a solar year will be imposed. Businesses will pay a 20 percent Freedom Tax on all purchases, and a 15 percent Freedom Tax on all goods sold. As space is at a premium, shuttle parking will now incur a further tax of 20 quatloos, and buildings will pay a Freedom Tax of 200 quatloos a year to ensure they keep standing. Those residents wishing to leave the city are free to do so, but to de-citizenize yourself will unfortunately incur an administration fee of 5,000 quatloos."

"Remember citizens. These costs are here to protect you, and to guard against the economic downturn that the previous administration brought about by building huge, costly Olympic stadiums that now stand empty. I promise you, this new government will be completely different!"

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===================== Reports ================================ Message: 9/78                     Posted        Author CC: Pay Tribute                   Sun Sep 06    Blueshift -- Blueshift appears on screen in the centre of Crystal City. He is now wearing a sherrif's hat with a little feather in it. Behind him, Turbo Master and Double Punch are slowly manuvering a gigantic stone cone across the Memorial Square.

"Citizens of Crystal City!" Blueshift announces. "Rejoyce! The Freedom Taxes are working. Crystal City has never been better, our economy is safe. And we have the great guardian Omega Supreme watching over us."

Blueshift leans forwards. "But Omega Supreme's mighty wrath can be terrible indeed! And he demands TRIBUTE from the good citizens. All must deposit tributes of energon, goods or quatloos at the various official shrines around the City, or he may come at night and slaughter all our firstborn!" Blueshift gestures to a shrine next to him. It is guarded by an ivory seeker, and has space for tributes. On top of it is a statue of a mighty claw.

Blueshift nods. "Citizens, give generously so we may sate his anger. Otherwise..." Blueshift steps aside. Behind him has been erected a stone temple with a claw atop it. At the top of the temple is a large stone slab. Another ivory coloured seeker wearing a feathered headdress stands there, a ceremonial knife in hand.

Blueshift taps his chest. "Hail Governor Ramjet!"

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===================== Reports ================================ Message: 9/81                     Posted        Author Crystal City Crimewatch 1         Sun Sep 20    Blueshift -- Across Crystal City and associated stations on Cybertron, Crystal City Crimewatch starts its regular slot on television! The familiar intro music plays, and the host, a pink femme Seeker called Trapper appears. Next to her is Blueshift, still in his ghastly cyan, still wearing a felt cap with a feather in it.

"Hello, and welcome to Crystal City Crimewatch! This week we have a special guest, our..." she peers at the autocue "...BELOVED sheriff, Blueshift!" Blueshift waves inappropriately at the camera, grinning like a loon.

"Thanks Trapper!" Blueshift says, standing up and sitting casually on a desk, as cool news reporters do nowadays. However he misses and falls onto the floor. Slowly he struggles to his feet. "Nn. Today I am here to warn you about the dangers of wild animals, namely /Turbofoxes/"

A fuzzy security video is seen on screen of Foxfire biting Snapdragon on the leg. "This video was taken earlier as a rabid Turbofox tried to attack an innocent civilian. And look what happened to him afterwards."

A video then shows of Snapdragon's head detaching, turning into Krunk, and running away. Blueshift shivers. "I sure don't want a Turbofox to bite me! Remember folks, if you see a stray, report it to the authorities.

Trapper then fills the screen. "Next on crimewatch - reports of a shady character hanging around alleyways with an energon shiv." A grainy picture of Fairway, holding a knife in an alleyway appears. "Police believe this character to be armed and dangerous. He is probably out to mug old ladiebots in an attempt to feed his nucleon habit."

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===================== Reports ================================ Message: 9/82                     Posted        Author Crystal City Crimewatch 2         Sun Sep 20    Blueshift -- It is Blueshift's turn again now. A video of Red Alert shooting lasers and leaping over a fence is seen. Red Alert is painted... red. "Moving up the most wanted list to number two, is the terrorist known as Incognito. This violent ruffian was spotted shooting deadly lasers in the residential section. He is obviously insane and mad, as can be evidenced by the fact he turns into a car."

Trapper then turns to Blueshift. "And Sheriff, who is public enemy number one this week?"

Blueshift trots over to a display, and with a 'tadaa' noise, pulls aside a curtain. Behind it is a model set of the Constructicons. "For the five hundredth and fiftieth week running, it's the Constructicons! These rogue robots are to be considered armed and dangerous, especially if they are carrying scaffolding and bricks. Remember if these cowboy builders turn up offering to pave your driveway, just say no and call the police!"

The theme music starts playing as the show finishes. Blueshift turns to Trapper, his microphone still on and transmitting. "So uh, Trapper, you doing anything tonight?"

"No sorry Blueshift. Tonight I'm having the final stage of my male to femme operation."

"Oh. Oh. OH" Blueshift looks shocked and taken aback. "...tomorrow night then?"

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Soundwave looks blankly to Galvatron. "Rites. A prescribed or customary form for conducting a religious or solemn ceremony. A ceremonial act, or series of acts."

Broadside just shrugs at Fairway. "Not much ends well anyway," he mumbles, then his visor flashes when the propaganda broadcasts throughout the city. "Heh, see, Jazz knows his stuff."

Omega Supreme staggers backwards as Jazz's message flickers across the massive screens mounted across Crystal City, "WHAT! NO!" he throws up an arm to cover his optics. He opens his claw.... cautiously. "IT CAN NOT BE." sliiightly wider, as if he is peering through them while trying to simultaneously block out part of his vision, "TAXES!?!"

"THEY ARE SO LOW!!!!!!!!" he stamps another foot into the ground, shaking the assembled multitudes, "WHY!!!!!"

Galvatron rubs his chin, thinking. "Hm... so he expects to do some sort of religious nonsense? But what is it..." Before he can ponder further, he looks up in alarm as Jazz's voice echoes throught the city. "WHAT!? NO! Soundwave, jam those transmissions! Do something! Arrrgh--" He falls over onto his back.

Blueshift's voice echoes up from the pit. "Sorrrrrry!"

Ramjet shakes Blueshift. "I TOLD YOU THEY WERE TOO LOW! I WANTED HIGHER TAXES! HIGHER, DAMN YOU! THIS IS WHAT YOU GET FOR NOT LISTENING TO ME!" He points his rifle at Blueshift.

Combat: Ramjet strikes Blueshift with his ! zaptacular ! attack! [Pulled -3]

Combat: Shockwave initiates a radar sweep of the area. Combat: Jazz has been found!

Shockwave scans thoroughly, but the Haintsman Swopes is already gone like a shadow on the wind!

As the blast from Ramjet's weapon strikes Blueshift, Warsong turns his head to follow after the other Decepticon as he is struck by the Governor of Crystal City. "Bwahahaha!" he laughs, pointing a clawed finger at the recipient of the blast.

Shockwave does find Jazz, but he already knew Jazz was in the comms building as a result of Jazz having hijacked the comms. Q.E.D.

"ARGH MY FACE!" Blueshift shouts as he is shot in the pit by Ramjet. Parts of Blueshift fly out of the pit, landing on the ground with a tinkle. "I AM SORRY I AM SUCH A FILTHY LIBERAL!" echoes his voice

Ramjet shakes Blueshift. "YOUR BLEEDING FLUID PUMP WAYS HAVE BACKFIRED ON US YET AGAIN. NOW YOU SEE WHY I WOULDN'T LET YOU DIP INTO MY FREE ENTERPRISE!"

Grimlock should not be here. Not that this has ever stopped him from doing, well...anything, really, but that's beside the point. "Whut going on?" he muses- cruising into the area via his handy anti-gravs. He lands atop some tower, wrapping one massive hand around the spire for balance. Said tower happens to be beside one of the screens Jazz has hijacked- and so, Grimlock consults the Special Op Specialist! "HEY. HEY YOU JAZZ. WHAT YOU DO?"

Impactor is at the hole's bottom, merely enjoying the show between the two Decepticons. [Monitor:]  Fairway says, "Thanks for playin, Jazz!" [

Ramjet pauses for a moment. "..wait. Why am I not falling forever?" He turns his cone, spotting Impactor. IMPACTOR. His optics narrow. "You are a -terrible- hole digger. Union scum!"

Warsong continues to laugh and point as Ramjet violently shakes Blueshift. Surely this must look quite amusing to the Autobots, and his fellow Decepticons as well.

Soundwave narrows his visor as Jazz's voice echoes. "As you command, Galvatron." Soundwave looks towards the communications building, far too powerful of an emitter to jam with his portable unit. There's only one way to jam this transmission. With his fist. Soundwave hovers in place for a moment before moving airborne towards the building. But upon Grimlock's arrival, Soundwave doesn't look too certain, pausing in mid-air.

Omega Supreme lowers himself to the ground slowly, coming into an odd sitting position. "TIME IS OF THE ESSENSE. TIMEKEEPER. MINISTER OF CONES. CHAMPIONS OF CRYSTAL CITY." he beckons with a claw, "TAKE UP THESE, MY TOOLS." there are an assortment of random-looking items now at Omega's feet (hrmm... maybe a spreem drone brought them). "YOU MUST SEE TO THE END OF THE TRIALS. IRRADICATE ALL INJUSTICE, LOW TAXES... AND DRILL TANKS." he rumbles, "Also bring me something nice for the Constructicons..." "IN CHAOS I SEE ORDER. PERHAPS THE ONLY WAY FOR TRUE PEACE IS... ULTIMATE DESTRUCTION..."

"But, it was dug as per your standards my govenor of air?" Impactor adds.

Omega Supreme seems to be moving more slowly... as if something within him is taking over more and more of his processors.

Tragically, Blueshift is at the bottom of the hole, and so does not see the Spreem drone :(

Blight looks over the hole and peers down inside. He then looks around and leaps into the hole and is aimed suspiciously at Ramjet and Blueshift. Geronimo.

Combat: Stinkbug misses Blueshift with his Grab attack! Combat: Stinkbug strikes Ramjet with his Grab attack!

"Of course not! Who would dig a HOLE? I want this city to float in the ai--- ultimate destru.." Ramjet pauses. He gapes. "BLUESHIFT," he gives the cyan-colored robot another shake. "Thunderwing mentioned ultimate destruction! .... This is the end! The beginning of a NEW generation! A SECOND generation!"

Broadside doesn't rightly know what to make of the situation now, or Ramjet's terrible screaming. A piece of Blueshift plinks against his shoulder, so he subspaces it perhaps to sell online. "That...really doesn't sound like Omega," he notes to Fairway.

Galvatron picks himself up and sets himself to making random holes in the ground, then filling them up. "Such menial labor is beneath me," he mutters, "but if it fools Omega Supreme, it will be worth it..."

"You mean he wants to..." Blueshift pauses "Gee, axe us?"

Fairway stands beside his large Wrecker friend and stares. This was not what he expected, but, then again, he had no idea what to expect. "Certainly not," he agrees. "We shall see where this leads." He approaches Omega Supreme and looks at the items arrayed on the ground. Which shall he take? What are they? He ponders a bit.

Omega Supreme drops Elixir of Foxes. Omega Supreme drops Anti-Drill Shield. Omega Supreme drops Train-Track Wings. Omega Supreme drops Red Visor of Wisdom. Omega Supreme drops The Omega Claw.

"Erradication! Yes, now THAT is my idea of a trial!" Warsong exclaims and hurriedly scrambles to procure a tool with which to carry out Omega Supreme's bidding. "So... If I use this tool..." he starts, scratching his head with a clawed finger as he cants his head and looks over the item in hand. "How will this tool help lower taxes?" he wonders, snofting. "Bah... The Governor will know how to do that! I will erradicate the Drill Tanks, perhaps?" he wonders before swinging The Omega Claw about like a bat. "Haha, wham, bam! Sounds like a plan!"

Omega Supreme peers out towards the remaining crowd as they approach him. Whatever zealous force had possessed him earlier... appears to be affecting him in the opposite manner now. His gaze is distant and unwavering.

Broadside takes Elixir of Foxes. Warsong takes Anti-Drill Shield. Fairway takes Train-Track Wings. Blight takes Red Visor of Wisdom. Impactor takes The Omega Claw.

From the hole, echos Blueshift's voice. "Uh, so how long do I wait for the drill tanks?"

Grimlock, getting no answer from Jazz, opts for a different approach- he takes to the air again- and then lands upon Omega Supreme's shoulder- though the dinocommander does take a moment to marvel at the fact that there's someone bigger than he is. "HEY." Grimlock says, tapping Omega upon the faceplate. "WHUT YOU DOING?" Broadside takes Elixir of Foxes.

Omega Supreme continues to stare out vacantly, even as Grimlock tap-tap-taps on his red-tinted faceplate. Perhaps the events of the evening have overwhelmed him? What if he is immobile for another year.. again? And what was that he said earlier about ULTIMATE DESTRUCTION??

Grimlock hmphs, and crosses his arms across his chest. "Hn. Me Grimlock good at ultimate destructing! How come me Grimlock no get to do it? Huh? Huh?" he ventures, and crosses his arms across his chest. "Me Grimlock bet this be like time him Optimus come back only him be evil, huh?" he says...and glances to the comatose Omega for the time being. "Hnf."

Omega Supreme slumbers again... leaving only distant aftershocks lumbering across the distant cybertronian surface, and chaos sewed in the minds of his "citizens".