Autobot Board Archive June 2030

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===================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/5                      Posted        Author Re: Santa Maria                   Mon Mar 16    Red Alert -- Spinny. Sideswipe! No, wait, wrong Lamborghini. Red Alert!

"Autobots, as you might imagine, we cannot allow the Decepticon theft of the supertanker Santa Maria to stand. As Kup mentioned, we have a small period of time before it reaches New Crystal City, /wherever/ the Decepticons are hiding it these days.

"If possible, we want that submarine recovered. If not, we need to find some way to prevent them from using that oil - sinking the tanker is only a last resort option, due to the environmental damage that will cause, but we may be able to spoil the oil. Nightbeat? Get with me on this one.

"The current plan of attack is to begin with an air strike, following up with a 'land' assault with Autobots dropped from a shuttle onto the tanker itself. The EDC will be providing sea support and, using a submarine, will take advantage of the distraction to make use of the additive. As a note, this substance should render energon made from this oil unusable by us, but it won't be poisonous like, say, the fuel on Nebulos. Either way, it'll be useless to the Decepticons, but recovery, if it can be accomplished, is preferable. We expect the tanker to be heavily guarded by Decepticon forces. It also contains several automated defense systems, but we don't anticpate these to be a significant problem. As a note, should New Crystal City show itself, the sea-based forces are to pull out immediately. We are simply unable to combat that thing directly.

"Plans are to go down on March 18th, at nineteen hundred Eastern. I am afraid I myself will be unavailable for anything beyond radio co-ordination. Do /not/ speak of this mission on an unsecured frequency. That is all. Red Alert out."

No Lamborghini. Spinny.

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/6                      Posted        Author Punch                             Wed Mar 18    Jazz --
 * Text Only*

Punch, see me at your earliest convenience. - JZ


 * end*

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/7                      Posted        Author Increased Patroling               Thu Mar 19    Red Alert -- Text only.

"Effective immediately and until further notice is given by myself or Jazz, there is to be an increase of patrol frequency in the area of the Carribean, to include the islands themselves. This includes both flight-based patrols and land-based patrols on the islands. There will be regularly scheduled shuttle runs to and from the islands in order to transport land-based personel to the area. I also need an accurate tally of just /who/ we have available for sea-ops."

OOC: Need a backdrop for a bit of social RP? Grab someone and RP complaining about having to run standard patrols. Need an excuse to show up at a scrape in the general Carribean area (or even rooms adjacent)? Here it is! Need an excuse to get out of a scene early? Claim you've got to get on patrol and there you go!

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/8                      Posted        Author Santa Maria                       Fri Mar 20    Hot Spot -- Hot Spot appears on screen, big, blue, and bossy. He's freshly painted up, evident that he took a beating at the recent skirmish. "First off, I want commendate those of you who stepped up in the joint Autobot/EDC venture to strike the Santa Maria. You all did great, even though things didn't go according to plan." "We arrived and got the Decepticon's attention while the EDC water units made a stealtier approach. We were too overwhelmed to attempt a takeover of the helm, so we went to Plan B; Marissa of the EDC and our own Dee-Kal inundated the contents of several of the tanker's fuel holding tanks with a special chemical additive, which as far as I know is intended to make the oil useless when converted into Energon. Kup and later Grimlock held off Cyclonus while the operation was under way, and covering our retreat after the last batch of the additive was dumped into the tanks. The Decepticons may still have the Santa Maria, but hopefully now all of it's precious fuel will be useless to them." "A very important item to note, Autobots, so listen up: Several Decepticons front-line units, namely Fleet and Catechism, have shown new under-water offensive capability. Combined with thier mobile undersea base, they are now a much more serious threat when encountered on the open ocean. They may be making an offensive in the Carribean, so look out for these and other Decepticons who may now be MUCH more dangerous in oceanic combat scenarios." "Colonel Marissa, if you're viewing this; I think you have something that belongs to me. Hope it served you well. Hot Spot out."

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/9                      Posted        Author Operations! Tue Mar 24   Jazz --
 * Spinny! No Spinny! Jazz!*

"Hey cats, this is for the lads and ladies in Operations. One of y'all wanna get crackin' on getting us some kind of reliable transportation to the Orion Pax? I'd love a Spacebridge between AC and OP and Iahex and OP, but to be honest, I'm not sure about the feasability. If that ain't possible, I'll hear other options."

This may or may not be entirely so Jazz can slip over to Grapplebee's whenever he pleases.


 * Spinny!*

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/10                     Posted        Author Bodies Discovered In Ocean        Tue Mar 24    Red Alert -- Red Alert appears on screen. While his attention is not constantly darting around like a humming bird the way it normally is, on the other hand he appears somewhat... out of that. Slowed, somehow. Despite that, however, he also seems rather grim.

"Erm. Red Alert reporting. During an exo-suit training excercise with the EDC in the northeast Atlantic, unusual readings were picked up from the depths. Present on the scene were Kup, who was ranking officer, Broadside, who served as the base of operations, James Bailey, Talazia Keldahoff, Dee-Kal, Grimlock, myself, and... Sam. The EDC members, making use of their Riptides, investigated, along with the Junkion, Dee-Kal. They found what appeared to be several very, very large plastic bags. Upon opening the bags, the body of a deceased Seeker was found. It was then that we decided to relocate the bags to Broadside's deck. There were a total of six bags. Five of them contained deceased Decepticons who have not yet been identified, but, judging by facial expressions, died in extreme agony. The sixth contained a dead human, also currently unidentified. We are working with the EDC to identify the human, and this message is being filed with their messaging system. Red Alert, out."

OOC: Anyone who wants to investigate this further, contact either me or Kup.

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/11                     Posted        Author Command Center Clean-up           Thu Mar 26    Inferno -- Oh mah spinny, oh mah spinny, OH MAH SPIIIIINNY-*choke!* Good thing, too. The spinny's voice sounds like a squalling cat as it's interrupted by none other than Everyone's Favorite Firefighter(tm), Inferno, surrounded by what looks to be the Autobot City Command Center...

Covered in white fire suppression foam.

"Reportin' in, all fire systems back t' normal n' ready fer activation. Clean up is in progress of an accidental discharge a' th' system here in th' Command Center. Y'all oughta pin a medal awn our boy Turntail's chest fer slidin' in there in helpin' me out wit' it. Saved th' Medical Ward n' th' Ammo Dump from takin' a big ol' douche. Anyway, there's more t' the story."

Holding up a strange, doughnut shaped black object with a series of dents and scratches to the camera, he continues.

"All hell broke loose when ah found... And REMOVED... This lump a'  from mah suppression system. I know this thing from carburetor t' tailpipe n' ah ain't never seen nothin' like it. Soon as ah busted it off th' sector D main, th' whole damn system started drivin' overpressure alarms n' flow trips. Again, if'n it wuzn't fer Turntail, we'd have th' whole damn D wing deep-sixed right now. Ah'm continuin' the investigation. Report if'n you been jerkin' with mah fire system. That goes fer you too, Hot Spot."

"Inferno OUT!"

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/12                     Posted        Author Forwarded message: John Doe       Fri Mar 27    Kup -- (Text only:) Autobots, got this disturbing report in regarding that human body we found in the Atlantic. It's from Private Talazia Keldahoff:

<<The body we found on the ocean floor is Terrance Franklin, from the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. He had a criminal record going back to high school and getting worse from there. Started out with minor crimes, petty theft, that sort of thing, fell in with some gangs. He was released from prison almost a year ago and mostly fell under the radar. But here's where it gets interesting. There were a few minor incidences where Law enforcement officials suspect he was mixed up with or become part of the Concurrance. As for method of death? Massive Blunt Force trauma.....so massive it injured his internal organs....rupturing a few as well>>

It's starting to look like we've some kind of vigilante on our hands, going around targeting enemies of the Autobots. Or, maybe he's doing it for the EDC, or his agenda ain't something we understand yet. Whatever his motivation, we have to find him and stop him. Killing someone on the battlefield is one thing, but secretly brutalizing and murdering them is a whole other. And despite my own feelings on the Concurrence, if the culprit IS an Autobot, we need to find and stop him. Autobots do NOT kill humans unless there is absolutely no other option to save lives.

I'm ordering an investigation into this matter. Some of you might be interviewed, maybe by me or someone else in security and intelligence, and I expect your full cooperation.

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/13                     Posted        Author Odd Discovery                     Sun Mar 29    Foxfire -- Text message:

In the main lobby of Metroplex I found traces of salt on the floor, faintly shaped into what looks like a footprint leading from the barracks. Upon further investigation I discovered traces of the same kind of salt in the cleansing station nearest to Powerglide's room. At this time I can't tell what kind of salt it is. Assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

--Sergeant Foxfire

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/14                     Posted        Author Bring it                          Mon Mar 30    Penumbra --

Text message: Foxfire, I can take a shot at tracing your salt. Shuttle traffic isn't too hectic at the moment. Bring me a sample. I'll be in Metroplex's lab. --The 'bra

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/15                     Posted        Author Peterson Raid                     Mon Mar 30    Rodimus Prime -- Voice only report by Rodimus.

"On the evening of Saturday the 28th, a Decepticon force attempted a raid on the Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado. The force consisted of Fusillade, Hun-Grrr, Astrotrain, that Seeker with the cloak - I think he's been ID'd as Boomslang? - and a whole mess of tapes. Americon was one of them, but I know there were two or three others. The first of our forces on scene were Grimlock, who kept Hun-Grrr, Astrotrain, and the Seeker busy outside of the munitions hanger that seemed to be their target while First Aid dealt with Fusillade and the tapes inside. I eventually arrived as back-up, helping Grimlock deal with the afore mentioned trio, plus Americon. Casualties were light due to the swift and orderly evacuation of the area by human forces. Local building and structure damage was severe but contained to a relatively small area. We're currently uncertain as to just how many of the currently missing munitions were stolen and how many were simply destroyed, but it would have been a lot worse if not for First Aid's efforts. Commendations to both him and Grimlock. I've offered our assistance to the base commander as far as clean up and recovery goes, and will be dispatching a team to help with rebuilding. Also, I need someone to look into the possibility that Fusillade's been somehow outfitted to serve as a secondary tape-host or something - seems that all the on-scene tapes somehow ejected from her. That's it."

OOC notice: If someone wants to do a bit of social RP surrounding helping to clean up, rebuild, and repair Peterson AFB, feel free. Otherwise it can be assumed to get done off screen with gumbies and unplayed characters.

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/16                     Posted        Author Standing Orders: Ocean Capables   Mon Mar 30    Rodimus Prime -- Voice only entry.

"As most of you should remember, a few months back the Decepticons released a very large creature of apparently Quintesson origin into Earth's oceans. I want a method of locating it found. The thing managed to survive for... who knows how long, but now that it's active, it probably needs /something/ as a fuel source. Start with that. If you find it, do not engage. I want that thing located and tracked. Maybe find out something that can be used as bait for it.

"I also want New Crystal City found. This one should be a lot easier, because the Decepticons enter and leave it all the time, although keep in mind that a lot them seem to have been recently modified for water-based operations. If nothing else, try to get a tracer on some of the Decepticons, and that should lead us to NCC. Now, do I really have to say that if you find the giant transforming city-shark, don't try to en-" he cuts himself off. "I do have to say it, don't I? Well, if you find the giant transforming city-shark, don't try to fight it on your own. There. It's said. Like with the Quintesson... Whalicon-thing, I want it tracked, not fought.

"I want oceanic patrols by both fliers and ocean-based Autobots, and I want Operations on a more reliable method to locate these guys besides our lookouts getting lucky. Those with minimal armaments are to have appropriate escorts for their own safety. Yes, Dee-Kal, that includes you, and Fanfare, you especially. The Decepticons already see you as a flying appetizer tray as it is. Beyond that, keep Command updated. Prime, out."

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/17                     Posted        Author Aerialbot Orders                  Mon Mar 30    Silverbolt -- The video feed pops on and on the screen is none other than Silverbolt. The stern look on his face isn't much different than what's there normally. He waits for a second and then clears his voice.

"Okay, Autobots. Sorry I've been gone. I was dealing with some other duties. Having dealt with that, I'm happy to announce I'm back on Earth to help out.

"Aerialbots, you heard Rodimus. If any scouts are going out, I expect at least one of you to join them as your other duties allow. We aren't going to let the Decepticons have their way with our people. Not while we are able to fly. I'll be at Peterson Air Force Base shortly to assist with the repairs there.

"Silverbolt out!"

Silverbolt reaches down and snaps the switch turning off the video feed.

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/18                     Posted        Author Standing Orders: Wreckers         Mon Mar 30    Rodimus Prime -- Voice only entry.

"Wreckers, I want you guys to pick up operations on Cybertron. Strikes and raids against the Decepticon supply lines and minor outposts, along with random attacks against their territory to judge reponse times. For now, keep it light and on the edges. We'll be looking towards a deeper push later on. Feel free to recruit individuals from outside the team in your efforts. Rodimus out."

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/19                     Posted        Author Standing Orders: Intel            Mon Mar 30    Jazz -- Voice entry only.

"Keep doin' what you do, my people. Be sneaky and get all up in their business. Got me?"


 * D

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/20                     Posted        Author Boarding Party                    Mon Mar 30    Fanfare -- As predicted *sigh*, Ah was attacked again while shippin' ower th' brine tae th' EDC base. Luckily, Keldahoff an' Wolfe waur escortin' me an' chased aff Scrapper - fa left a hole in mah side in th' shape ay his altmode. Guid idea, Rodimus Prime. Aam in Florida reit noo, en roote tae California. I'll return haem efter some brief repairs.

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/21                     Posted        Author AAR: Somewhere In Fraggin' Space  Mon Mar 30    Kup -- (Text only:)

Pile-Up, Scattershot, Fireflight, Hot Spot, and myself checked out this lead on a lost Junkion ship that's supposed to be carrying around some top notch gear. Trail led us to this junk patch floating in space. Was like a smaller version of Junk itself. We landed the Battlescrap Galactica there, and soon as we did, the Decepticons hit us. Think it was Shockwave, Dirge, two Sweeps, and Fleet. We scrapped for a while, but soon enough we found ourselves in even bigger trouble when this fraggin' monster appeared outta nowhere. It was some kind of huge, spherical conglomeration of technological parts, and I think it wanted to eat us and add us to its mass.

We managed to fight the thing off, dodge the 'cons, and make our way into this lab. Found a computer inside, and the dead body of someone who looked like he might've been a Junkion scientist. No idea what his name was, but he had been pinned up onto the wall, and given that the monster didn't eat him, I think he might not've been thought of very fondly by the beast. There's probably a story in there somewhere. Maybe one day we'll find out what it is. Important thing, though, is that Pile-Up managed to grab whatever data was on the computer, then trashed it so the Decepticons couldn't hack it, too. Don't know what he got out of it yet, but I hope it was worth Scattershot and Fireflight almost getting killed. In fact, if that monster didn't come back--even though we all thought it was dead--we probaby wouldn't have made it outta there.

We'll stay in touch with Pile-Up, see where this trail leads next.

--KUP

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/22                     Posted        Author Shore Leave                       Tue Mar 31    Jazz --
 * Text only*

Hey kids..gotta head topside again for a bit; seems the Galactic Council wants to 'talk' some more about the recent Nebulos... incidents. I'll be back before you know it. Peace!

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/23                     Posted        Author Update                            Tue Mar 31    Foxfire -- Text message:

Penumbra identified the mysterious salt as sea salt from the North Atlantic. I'm sure there's a connection between it and the bodies that were found around that area. I'm going to investigate further.

--Sergeant Foxfire

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/24                     Posted        Author OOC Note: Metroplex's Lobby       Wed Apr 01    Rodimus Prime -- As anyone who's been in Metroplex for the last... forever knows, his entry lobby has had an 'under construction' type @desc for, well... ages. I think we're well overdue for construction to get wrapped up, but the question is: what should it actually look like when completed? I thought it might be fun to leave that up to you guys. First, interested players can @mail me @descs that they think would be appropriate to that room. Once they're all submitted, I'll post the entries and players can vote on their favorites. Winning entry will replace the current 'under construction' @desc. I'll be taking entries until April 18th, which will give you guys about a week and a half to write a @desc for one room. Plenty of time!

And no, this is not an April Fool's prank. >:(

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/25                     Posted        Author Mystery Solved                    Fri Apr 03    Red Alert -- Red Alert sits at a desk. His attention seems to occasionally dart to one side of the camera focus or another, in that nervous way that should be familiar by now. In other words: he's back to normal.

"As some will no doubt be relieved to hear, the murderer who had dumped the recently discovered Decepticon and human bodies in the Northeast Atlantic has been identified as Tricky, a recent transfer to Metroplex. Yesterday, he captured Abdul Fakkadi with the intent of murdering the dictator. We arrived in Carbombya to rescue Fakkadi and apprehend Tricky, but several Decepticons... to whom Fakkadi apparently owed money... interfered." Red Alert pauses, frowns, and seems to look at something over his left shoulder. Then he shakes his head and continues. "During the affair, Tricky was, unfortunately, killed by Fusillade while attempting to flee, and Fakkadi was freed. Circumstances prevented us from trying to capture him to be put on trial. While the investigation into Tricky's quarters is still in progress, there is little doubt in my mind that he is the murderer we were looking for."

"This means that the other Autobots who were under suspicion, including Powerglide, Cutter, Tailgate, Foxfire, and Powerglide, are now off the hook. About this, anyway. Powerglide, quit faking your patrol logs. Red Alert, out."

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/26                     Posted        Author Rammstein Air Base                Sat Apr 04    Rodimus Prime -- Rodimus appears on screen. Looks like he took a moment to clean up, but there are a few dents here and there, and his gaudy paint job is strangely faded in places. Also, there's something a bit... off about his head, as though the edges had been slightly melted and recooled. Behind him is what looks to be a runway, and a human chemical clean-up crew in sealed suits works to clean up a mutlticolored liquid that appears to be in the process of eating through a military airplane sitting out on the runway that's been partially covered with the stuff.

"Last evening a Decepticon force including Shockwave, the Terrorcons, and, uhm..." the Prime taps the palm of his hand, trying to bring something up from his memory banks. "Braggy Seeker... Excise? Yeah, Excise attached the Rammstein Air Base in Germany. At the time several of us were in Belgium investigating locations for Metroplex's next move, so we were able to respond quickly using the Autobot shuttle, Ceaseless. Unfortunately, the shuttle was shot down by Excise and Shockwave during the approach, forcing us to close the rest of the way on our own. First Focus and then Captain James Bailey and Private Jayson Redfield kept Excise busy while Grimlock took care of Shockwave, leaving myself and Quickswitch to deal with Abominus. I believe that Private Talazia Keldahoff was also on scene recording events, but she had to depart before the battle was over. This was pretty rough going at first, as our attacks seemed to do little, but eventually Quickswitch scored a good hit with the drills in Abominus's torso, causing enough internal damage to force Abominus to expell excess fluids." He turns and gestures to the clean-up crew behind him. "This stuff is the result, but it also left Abominus off-balance and off-guard for a few moments. During that time, Quickswitch and I combined our efforts on one of his legs while Grimlock, who had managed to grab ahold of Shockwave and aim him, used the Decepticon's gun mode to blast the other leg. This knocked the big guy over forced a demerge. The Decepticons retreated soon after."

"Damage to the base is, overall, moderate, but a few structures were severely damaged or even completely levelled, and the liquids puked up by Abominus are highly caustic both to human and Transformer life. Once more, I'm asking for anyone available who has the time to pitch in and help get the placed cleaned up and repaired. Damage to personel varies, but is fully repairable in all cases."

Rodimus grins at the camera. "Actually, all in all, I want to say, 'good job.' I'm going to admit, lately I've worried a bit about teamwork issues, but I've got to say that the Autobot and EDC forces pulled together nicely for this one, proving that co-operating amongst ourselves isn't a lost art, after all. Now, keep it up and prove me wrong for worrying in the first place.

"That's all I've got right now. Rodimus Prime, signing off."

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/27                     Posted        Author Trial Verdict                     Wed Apr 08    Rodimus Prime -- Rodimus Prime sits behind his desk, looking rather serious... and more than a little tired. "This is Rodimus Prime. As most of you know, last night Fortress Maximus, and by extension, the rest of the Autobots who had been members of the Steelhaven crew, were put on trial under the charge of desertion. However, there was a further complication: the Nebulan Autobot partners. While the Nebulans chose to bond with the Autobots of their own free will, they did so without the knowledge of any crimes the Autobots had committed, and are, themselves, most certainly innocent of the charges. And yet, any punishment suffered by the Cybertronian Autobots would likewise be suffered by the Nebulan Autobots." 'Nebulan Autobots'? People do remember that Rodimus Prime declared that the binary bonded Nebulans were to be considered Autobots and treated as such, right?

"My decision in the matter is that the process of binary bonding sufficiently changed the Autobots involved so that they were no longer, in effect, quite the same people that left Cybertron. The Steelhaven Autobots died on Nebulos. The Autobots who returned to us, whether born on Nebulos as organics or mechanical in origin, will not be punished for the crimes of Autobots who are now dead. However, they are no longer to be treated a separate and distinct unit, and are being reintegrated into the main forces. Hardhead, Pointblank, and Sureshot are assigned to the military division under Grimlock's command. Fortress Maximus, Brainstorm, Chromedome, Crosshairs, and Highbrow are assigned to Operations and report to Hot Spot.

"I realize that not everyone will be satisfied with my decision. None the less, I firmly believe that it is the correct one, not just for those who stood trial, but for the Autobots as a whole. Important steps towards acceptance were made last night, and I urge everyone to build on that, to move forward, because in this matter, the best thing we can do for the future of the Autobots is to learn to let go of the grudges of our past. If you can do this, if we all can do this, we will find that unified, we are now stronger than we were before.

"That is all."

Fade to spinny.

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/28                     Posted        Author OOC Note                          Wed Apr 08    Rodimus Prime -- OOC: Oh, by the way, we're in Belgium now. Sorry for the delay there.

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/29                     Posted        Author Operation: THIS STUFF MINE NOW! Fri Apr 10   Grimlock -- Me Grimlock run military operation! It work! Plan simple. Me Grimlock, him Crosshairs, n' him Clutch go ambush septi-con supply route. Then some jet septi-cons show up. Oh, and him Mindwipe. But us Autobots shoot them up lots, so they run 'way! Clutch n' Crosshairs am good fighters. Not good as me GRIMLOCK, but still good. Us still have big box thing with energon and 'splosives in it! Me Grimlock drag box back to Iahex. But, uh...me Grimlock not know how get box open. Him Crosshairs say it splode if me Grimlock smash it, so...uh...some sneaky guy might want open thingie. Just sayin'. Me Grimlock run more operations soon! So you Autobots be ready! No be lazy!
 * Blip! It's Grimlock!*

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/30                     Posted        Author Report. .                        Fri Apr 10    Crosshairs --

Crosshairs' face appears on the screen. He looks a fair bit damaged bit it doesn't seem to be the end of the world. Pinpointer is standing on his shoulder.

There is no formal greeting.

"Just t'be thorough and make an addendum to the big guy's post, I was able to get the crate open. Contains about a thousand litres of energon and more importantly twenty heavy photonic warheads. I've transferred these to the armory to use at a later date.

Out."

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/31                     Posted        Author Nebulon Skirmish                  Sat Apr 11    Crash -- 

It's Crash, he looks a bit banged up but still pretty good. He's ruggedly handsome with the emphasis on rugged.

"This is Operations Soldier Crash reporting from one of our deep-space posts. I was on rotation out here when I heard Quickswitch was seeing some action over in Nebulos in the swamps, figured to go down and give him a hand. When I got there I found him facing down a pair'a Seekers and that American Idiot tape that's always squawking around."

"They were keeping him busy and away from a ship they were trying to raise up out of the muck, something that planet has plenty of, believe you me. Now we did our clankin' best but the two of us were out-numbered, and with the appearence of Shockwave, out-gunned. We gave 'em some forget me nots in the form of a few bullets and blaster rounds befor we pulled on out. Managed to get Shockwave to spread some of his atomic-love over the ship so that aughta give them a bitta work t'do befor it'll be bothering us."

"I'mma stay here and work my rotation through, aughta be in good shape by the time I head planet side."

"Crash: Out."



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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/32                     Posted        Author Steelhaven                        Sat Apr 11    First Aid --

*** TEXT ONLY ***

Hello everyone!

I'm happy to report that with much help, the Steelhaven is back online. You might notice that large parts of the ship have been completely replaced with new systems, as much of it could not be salvaged as is. Nevertheless, all systems are functional and it is ready for duty. Thanks to everyone who helped!

- First Aid

PS. For doing such a good job with the decals, I'm having Operations send Swoop a sticker book for all of his hard work. Thanks Swoop!

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/33                     Posted        Author Activities                        Sun Apr 12    Crosshairs --

Crosshairs appears on the screen. Pinpointer is standing on his shoulder. Crosshairs has crossed arms and he looks, as per usual, cross.

"All right, Mechs. Listen for a moment.

Down in the armory is a shelf labled 'experimental'. Current weapons technology is a weeping pile of cosmic rust covered skidplates. So, I'm 'experimenting' with some modifications to various articles. I've got a couple of rail guns, a plasma ejector, four high-output laser pistols, an ionic pulse cannon and a couple of multibarrel autocannons.

Now, here's the catch. I don't really know how these are going to perform. They won't explode in your face but I've been getting. . . mixed results. Are -you- a bad enough mech to carry one of Crosshairs' experiments into battle?

Now, here's the OTHER catch. Obviously, no guarantee on these things. If it blows up in your face, it ISN'T my fault. But, there's some of you here who really wouldn't care if that happened. I'm looking at you, Scattershot. Lastly, you can't just take 'em. You gotta come down here and ask. Even you, Nightbeat.

Oh, yeah. No mini-bots."

"Crosshairs, Out."

OOC: This is for RP purposes only. Alas, no fancy schmancy stuff, but if you want to blame something as to how you missed Fusillade when she wa stunned, crippled and asleep on top of a rock you can always blame experimental weapony. Plus it's an excuse to RP with me! Come on down to the armory!

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/34                     Posted        Author RE:Activities                     Sun Apr 12    Twin Twist -- Twin Twist here, set aside one of those multibarrel autocannons - it's all mine! I could do with some extra slagging power every now and then, hah!

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/35                     Posted        Author Blockade                          Tue Apr 14    Rodimus Prime -- Rodimus Prime can be seen on the command deck of the Orion Pax, expression severe.

"Autobots, it has recently come to our attention that the planet Pz-Zazz has been supplying the Decepticons with a considerable amount of weapons, ammunition, and energon. I've checked in with the Assembly of Worlds and officially, they're unaware of the situation. Unofficially, it's our war, our problem, as usual. And you know what? They're right. It /is/ our war, it /is/ our problem, and we're going to deal with it. As of right now, we are imposing an embargo on Pz-Zazz. Nobody lands, and nobody leaves without our say so and without our knowing about it. To support this effort, both the Orion Pax and the Steelhaven are being moved into orbit around that planet. Be vigilant, because even with two vessels, we can't watch every means off that planet at once, and be aware that the Decepticons have already started to take matters into their own hands. In order to act most effectively, we need to know what their plans are /before/ they act on them. For that, I'm counting on Intelligence. Get down there, root out the 'Cons, root out their supporters, so we can put a stop to this. While you're at it, see if there's anyone down there we can get on our side. The tapes say that once upon a time Pz-Zazz was beautiful and peaceful - there's got to be /someone/ down there who isn't happy with what's happened to their world. As for the rest... the nice thing about people motivated by greed is that it's pretty easy to get them to reconsider their stances. Operations, I want you in on this. We don't want to give them any tech more advanced than what they've already got, but with your guys expertise in the technical fields, be it construction, design, repair, and so forth, we should have something we can use to barter with the locals. Military?" Rodimus smirks. "You guys keep on doing what you do best, but for the moment, do it on Pz-Zazz or in her orbit. Work with Intelligence - they'll point you where to go, and may hopefully find someone planetside you can work with, and work with Operations - they'll let you know what needs protecting. Now you've all got your orders. Prime, out."

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/36                     Posted        Author Our first interception            Wed Apr 15    Kup -- (Text only:)

Keeping this short and sweet. Nightbeat and I picked up a cargo ship trying to sneak off of Pz-Zazz without submitting to so much as a sensor scan. We didn't like that, so we moved in to intercept. Two Sweeps were escorting it, but thanks to the Steelhaven's firepower we sent them home packing. Naturally they abandoned the smugglers to their fate, which is fine by us.

We cracked the smuggler ship open, and found pretty much what you might expect--weapons, ammunition, and some kinda cruddy energon fuel. You tech types might wanna look at it, see if it's safe for consumption. As for the natives, got them in the Steelhaven brig for now, but we're probably gonna have to release them. I mean, what the frag are we supposed to do with them? Don't know about their ship, either. I suppose we could blow it to bits but that wouldn't be nice, now would it?

On second thought, let's let the ship and its crew go. But in case they decide to work for the Decepticons again, let's put a tracking device on their ship. That oughta be fun. Heheh.

-- KUP

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/37                     Posted        Author OOC: Lobby Desc Contest Reminder  Thu Apr 16    Rodimus Prime -- Just a quick reminder that the deadline for Metroplex Lobby @desc submissions is the 18th. That's Saturday. Get 'em in, folks!

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/38                     Posted        Author Pz-Zazz: Tunnel System            Thu Apr 16    Red Alert -- It seems, at first, as if the video portion of this audio/video report is missing, but once the camera's been adjusted properly, one can tell that Red Alert is just in a very, very dark location.

"Autobots, this is Red Alert. Nightbeat and I discovered the entrance to some tunnels in the uptown Pz-Zazz area, an alley in the upper east district, near Zonth Street. As it turns out, the entire city is riddled with tunnels, most of them part of what looks to be an abandoned subway system. These could be useful in getting around unnoticed... and may already be in use by our opponents as such. There are quite a few other entrances, but they can be pretty hard to find without the correct sensor equipment." (OOC: Radar or E_Senses) "Unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to map them all out properly; I'll have to get back to you on that. Red Alert, out."

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/39                     Posted        Author Incident report                   Thu Apr 16    Fanfare --

*typewritten* THe other night I was on a beach with miss Lassiter and her friend, Sam. They were having coffee and I was just hanging out with them, talking about a possible upgrade option with miss Lassiter. Then the sand beside us started sinking and two decepticon cat-bots came out, yelling about claiming the beach. I moved between them and Miss Lassiter and Sam of course, and the large one - I think I heard his name was Avalanche - came up and started bothering me. So I punched him right in the face, he returned and dented my armor a little bit, trying to goad me into getting angry. It didnt work, and he got bored and went off with the other cat. I filled in the hole in the sand and we let the Belgium forces know about a possible tunnel, then returned to Autobot City. Fanfare out.

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/40                     Posted        Author Trypticon And Ol' Rusty           Fri Apr 17    Rodimus Prime -- Rodimus Prime appears on screen. He appears to be... in a space-capable garbage scow?

"The short version: Trypticon and his handler, Full-Tilt, are back. They were residing on 'Pirate Island' in the Pz-Zazz ocean. They don't seem to be currently integrated into the Decepticon forces, but don't count on that to last. Ol' Rusty has been destroyed. In light of that and the Golden Age's condition, I'm having the Alpha Trion relocated to the Orion Pax, and making the replacement of the Golden Age's engines a priority. Oh, and we're going to need to build another shuttle to replace the Ol' Rusty. I'll be taking name suggestions. Twin Twist was pretty badly damaged after trying to go one-on-one against Trypticon, but otherwise, we got out pretty light."

"That's the short version. You want the full story, ask Kup."

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/41                     Posted        Author Me Grimlock 'vestigate! Sat Apr 18   Grimlock -- "Me Grimlock do VESTIGATING today, since him Nightbeat and him Red 'Lert no tell me Grimlock where septi-cons are! So me Grimlock start looking!" "Me Grimlock go to one place in dive market, and me find SEPTI CON! One of thems sweeps. Me Grimlock not care which one is. Him run 'way, but not 'fore me Grimlock light hims on fire! Haw haw haw!" "Anyway, me Grimlock learn stuffs. Him sweepguy say there be lots Septi-cons on planet. Also, him say them have lots of energon-making-thingies. It sound like them septi-cons no just BUY thems stuffs, them make it now! Me Grimlock think that 'portant." "Ooooh! Them Septi-cons also say them is looking real bad for pilots n' spaceships n' stuff. Me Grimlock bet this 'portant too!" "Me Grimlock say you Autobots keep optic open for septi-con doing stuffs! Me Grimlock bet them septi-cons be scared now that they know me Grimlock coming, so me think they try to move them stuffs." "OH. One more thing! Me Grimlock almost forget! If you Autobots see anybody in big sombrero hat, PUNCH THEM IN FACE. Is probably septi-con in disguise! And, uh...if not, then they prolly deserve get punched anyway. Sombrero is stupid hat." "Me Grimlock done now!" *Blip!*
 * Blip! It's Grimlock! He appears to be in a bar somewhere- or, well, what's left of a bar. Bits of smashed furniture are visible in the background, some of which appear to be on fire.*

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/42                     Posted        Author Metroplex Lobby Complete          Sun Apr 19    Rodimus Prime -- Rodimus Prime stands holding a datapad in an unfamiliar location. Oh, wait! That's the Metroplex lobby! But where is the scaffolding? Where are the indications that it's under construction? WHAT'S GOING ON?!?

Rodimus Prime himself is grinning.

"I am pleased to announce that reconstruction in the Metroplex lobby is finally complete. Hopefully, this'll help improve our quality of life, as such a busy and vital transit point is simply now that much more pleasant to travel through. And to complete the work, it only took..." Rodimus glances down at his datapad and his smile fades as his optics open in shock. "/HOW/ many /YEARS/?!" he exclaims. All good humor is now completely replaced with irritation as he looks back up at the camera. "Ultra Magnus, please take note: we are /never/ going with those particular contractors again. Rodimus, out."

OOC: Big thanks to Quickswitch for providing the new @desc for Metroplex's lobby. As the contest's only entrant, he's the default winner, but it's a damned fine @desc, anyway. Much appreciated!

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/43                     Posted        Author Me Grimlock am great at detectivin Mon Apr 20   Grimlock -- "Me Grimlock find septi-con spaceship! It one that on fire and have dead guys on it. Them septi-cons try to get 'way, but me Grimlock chase! Me Grimlock have, uh, 'borrow' some other guy's spaceship for doing it, though." "So me Grimlock smash septi-con shuttle lots, and me Grimlock SMASH him stupid flag-tape 'bot. Some other septi-con jets jump out of shuttle, though. Thems get 'way, but then dead guy ship crash into ocean! It crash 'cuz me Grimlock break it so much! Me good at that. So yeah. Me Grimlock pre-vent smuggling or somethings. Me Grimlock great!" "Oh, and if some angry guy want know where him spaceship is, me Grimlock not here." *Blip!*
 * Blip! It's Grimlock! He looks a little...scorched right now, but that's okay. He looks pretty smug, at least.*

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/44                     Posted        Author Pz-Azz Raid                       Mon Apr 20    Hardstrike --
 * Text Burst From Hardstrike*

Late last local cycle, Roadbuster and I followed a tip I ran down in Pz-Azz's scummier bars looking for places the Decepticons were hiding their goods. We busted in on an Aerospaceport warehouse, only to find lost luggage. Turns out it was a trap, with Sunder and Avalanche waiting for us. Roadbuster got beat up pretty bad, so I beat it-wasn't going to let some Terrorcon tear him up. Watch out for any information you gather from the locals-looks like the Decepticons are spreading false info.

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/45                     Posted        Author Grim Situation                    Wed Apr 22    Ultra Magnus -- 

The screen comes into focus with Ultra Magnus's stately mug. "My Fellow Autobots and assorted allied units, last cycle a event transpired that can be understated as unexpected occured... One of the native populace of Pz'Zazz has requested that Grimlock accompany her on what is known as a 'date'."

The City Commander pauses, waiting for such a thing to sink in, his own diplomatic visage hiding the depth of his concern.

"This event was brought about by actions taken by our Dinobot Commander himself, Grimlock having reportedly comendeered a civilian shuttle craft that was the property of one Miss Fatale. This craft was then destroyed during a pursuit of the Decepticon craft Invictus. Sufficed to say, we owe this woman."

"There is, as usual, a hitch however. During this initial meeting we were under surveillance by Buzzsaw meaning that it is highly probable that the Decepticons are now aware of the situation. I trust that you all understand what this implies... I encourage any available units to shadow Grimlock on this date and ensure the safety of any nearby bystanders in the event of Decepticon hostilities."

"And for Primus' sake, if it doesn't belong to you or isn't general property of ours, keep your hands off of it!"



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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/46                     Posted        Author Safehouse Raid                    Thu Apr 23    Turntail --

The image of Turntail appears, sitting up on a recovery bed in the Orion Pax. A gumby medic appears to be finishing up on a new, freshly blue paintjob on the scout. Catching his optic, Turntail looks to the camera, and bares a modest smile.

"Just to report in formally, the raid on the Decepticon Safehouse was a success. Myself and the raiding-team encountered some pretty heavy resistance, but nothing we couldn't deal with. My thanks to Grimlock, who sent the survivors packing at the last.."

Here, a grin.

"One less scrap of safeground for the Decepticreeps, eh?"

For a moment, Turntail appears distracted, before looking to the camera again.

"Casulties were pretty significant.. and there was extensive damage to the street outside.. I can't apologise enough to the locals, so if we could get a cleanup team in that would be great.. And Prime? Clutch, Dee-Kal, Steeljaw, Steeltread and Cosmos deserve some sort of commendation.. without them this mission would not have been a success."&r&rWith this, a little nod of thanks.

"Turntail out."

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/47                     Posted        Author Blockade Failure                  Fri Apr 24    Rodimus Prime -- Rodimus Prime appears on screen. He looks somewhat battered, one shoulder sports several deep acid burns in the shape of clawmarks, and there are a few spots of rust around some blast-wounds that suggest an oxidizing laser.

"Earlier this evening, the Decepticons made an attempt to break through the blockade, using one of the gaps between the areas where the Orion Pax and the Steelhaven cover. A small team consisting of myself, Focus, Foxfire, and Ace were nearby in the shuttle Pride of Iacon. We attempted interception and then pursuit, but unfortunately the Decepticons had a surprisingly large force with them, including Cyclonus, Catechism, two Sweeps, and one of those gloomy jets..." Rodimus snaps his fingers trying to remember which one. "Darkwing. That's the one. Between dealing with numerical superiority and the fact that of us, only Foxfire can fly, we were unable to both defend ourselves, keep our shuttle in-tact, /and/ pursue the Decepticons, so we opted for two out of three. The shuttle needs repairs, but it's still in one piece, and the same can be said for all of us, but the Decepticon ship made it through the blockade."

"The good news is, if this is the kind of force they're having to use to get by us, it suggests that we're successfully eroding away whatever it was that made their relationship with the locals workable and profitable. So everyone? Keep it up. Maintain vigilance in the blockade, and continue to investigate the safehouse locations. Put, and /increase/ the pressure on the Decepticons, and eventually they'll lose interest. Prime, out."

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/48                     Posted        Author Jetfire reports in                Sun Apr 26    Jetfire -- The screen flips on to the red visored head of Jetfire.

"Autobots,

"I have returned from my scientific mission to P3X-584. I see that we have some new opportunities due to some changes that have occurred. I'm going to begin working on basic plans for some solar panels and other energy absorbing technology.

"We have a chance to give ourselves a technological edge against the Decepticons. We need to capitalize on the fact that we have superior strength in designs, technology, and know-how. If anyone has any further ideas for getting energy from our planet's new home, I'll be happy to assist.

"Rodimus, if you have some other projects for me, I'll begin work on them immediately. Jetfire, out."

And the screen goes black.

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/49                     Posted        Author Operation Orders                  Mon Apr 27    Jetfire -- The blank screen flashes into various colors as the white face of Jetfire appears on the screen. The blue optics of Jetfire shine brightly as the Air Guardian begins to speak.

"Greetings, Autobots. Rodimus Prime has placed me in charge of Operations. We have a lot of things to do. First and foremost, we need to check out all of our shuttles. We don't have a lot left and I want the ones we have in tip top shape.

"Second, this blockade of Pz-Zazz isn't doing our reputation across the known universe a lot of good. I want Operations to begin doing some good will repairs around the planet. The police station was just damaged in a fight. So let's do them a favor. Not only repair the police station, I also want it improved. Top of the line forcefields and other security systems to keep the prisoners in. Also, security systems to keep people from breaking others out.

"Red Alert, could you assist in this?

"The slums would be another good place to do some work. Considering how bad the planet has gotten, it could use some urban renewel. I'll have some basic plans loaded into the mainframe's database.

"I'm also working on another project so be ready. Jetfire out."

Screen fades to black.

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/50                     Posted        Author Mining Operations                 Tue Apr 28    Jetfire -- Text message only:

Participants: Jetfire, Monstereo, Red Alert, Nightbeat, Fanfare, Talazia Keldahoff, Gears

Report: Mining Operations complete. Returned early due to Raptor's SOS; however, enough ore of various metals was mined to allow for construction of a new shuttle. Ore is currently being stored at Metroplex. Operations are to begin construction of a new shuttle immediately.

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/51                     Posted        Author Report                            Tue Apr 28    Crosshairs -- OOC: Much good RP to be had by all, was a fun scene. But had to have the grumpy old man make a post about it. <3

An Autobot spinny fades to Crosshairs' face. He's standing in front of the camera with his arms crossed and the battle shield that normally covers his face is withdrawn to expose what looks like a grumpy expression, though it fades slightly as he begins to speak.

"Bots,

This is half a report, half an explanation and half a complaint. First the report. Roadbuster, Fireflight and I recieved a distress call from Raptor and the computer indicated that he went down in Antarctica. He went down real hard too, at the end of somebody's cannons it looked like.

Roadbuster and I stole a cargo drone to get down there, and Fireflight was good enough to provide recon. It. . went downhill from there. We got Raptor back, and got him patched up thanks to the intervention of Crash and a bunch of others.

Therein lies the complaint. Lotta you folk had to witness me gettin' a real burr in my aftplate over this. The reason for that was that when I called for a shuttle, I was mocked. Fine an' dandy. C'ept others -- and I'm not naming names -- were too distracted by everything else to help. I'm not being down on the one in particular, who's goign to think that I am down on, I know you were carrying him. . . but. . in the middle of a medical emergency the channels were flooded with talk about Penguins, various mocking etcetera.

Now, maybe I'm just old.

I've been around since before there were Autobrands and Deceptibrands, and I've seen a lot of bots go offline. And we nearly had it happen today because people were too busy being stupid. If Raptor were only slightly more damaged, or human, he'd be offline or dead right now."

He pauses, to let that sink in.

"I'm old, like I said, and I've seen a lot of bots go offline . . so, trust me when I say I know what I'm talkin' about. I just wanted to apologize for my layin' into you all on the broadband and ask, officially, next time we have someone down, out and possibly dyin' . . pay attention, please?"

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/52                     Posted        Author Communications Training           Wed Apr 29    Rodimus Prime -- Cue one annoyed-looking Prime.

"So apparently we're going to have to hold a training session over the right and wrong time to use the frequencies for casual conversation and what should and should not be talked about over open frequencies. Look for that, but the short version: when someone's /life/ is in danger is the Wrong. Time. Second... would it /kill/ you people to socialize in person instead of clogging up the radio with that stuff all the time? On the other hand, if you're doing it over the radio because you're in the middle of something physically, how about consider focusing on the task AT HAND instead. Now, I /can/ guess at one reason people might want to use the radio instead of saying something directly to someone else - the radio gets used for general mockery waaaaaaay too often, and it's safer to make smart afted remarks from a distance. Well you know what? That's just flat cowardice. If you don't have the internals to say it to the person's face, don't say it to them over the radio, and if someone's in the middle of organizing a /rescue mission/, you shouldn't be mocking them at all. Act. Like. Autobots. Yes, even over the radio."

Cut to spinny.

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/53                     Posted        Author Escalation                        Thu Apr 30    Rodimus Prime -- Spinny to Rodimus Prime. Light battle damage peppers his frame, his expression is severe. The backdrop if the Orion Pax medical bay.

"Autobots, looks like the Decepticons have stepped up action. Last evening Dirge announced that the Decepticons would destroy three civilian shuttles for every one of their ships we turned away, and in demonstration, the Decepticons staged an attack on one of Pz-Zazz's aerospace ports while another group attempted to run the blockade. Grimlock, Ultra Magnus, and I met the force in space, and although we caused considerable damage to their defense, we were unable to prefent the vessel from going through. The Wreckers responded to the Spaceport attack, but, well, if you haven't beeen looking into the news reports on that, you need to.

"We're Autobots. We don't back down in the face of threats. We step up.

"First, the blockade remains in place. Try to cover as much of it with the Steelhaven and the Orion Pax as possible. No vessel they've been running can stand up to those two. Should they come up through a gap, pursue as best you can. Second, we have the location of one of their safehouses, one in the Industrial zone. I want that place down yesterday. Third, monitor the news frequencies for reports of their attacks, and be ready to respond to protect the Pz-Zazzians. Fourth, as soon as we have the bodies to spare, I want a team at the spaceport to assist in the rebuilding. Fifth, keep in mind that with their latest move, the Decepticons are unlikely to have much in the way of allies left on this world. Try to take advantage of that. These are not humans. Most of these aliens are our size, some are larger, and reports say that some of those gangsters are packing enough firepower to be a threat to me. The 'Cons may well have shot themselves in the foot with this move.

"I realize that the Decepticons' move is disheartening, but remember: pulling out only gives the Decepticons free reign to destroy whatever they feel like, /and/ increases the likelihood that they'll leave better supplied than they arrived. If we have any hope of salvaging this situation, it's not in bowing to Decepticon threats, but in removing their ability to carry them out. Get in there. Sniff them out in their hiding places. And take them out. They're making sure that we pay dearly for our victory, but that's still nothing compared to the cost of backing down. Prime, out."

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/54                     Posted        Author Retrieved Lasercore               Thu Apr 30    Steeltread -- Steeltread reporting. First Aid, Clutch and I were patrolling the west side of the Cybertron Swamplands when Clutch detected a distress signal. Upon arriving there, we discovered Hun-grr, Swindle and later, Gnaw. thankfully, Clutch and I provided enough of a distraction to Hun-grr and Swindle for First Aid to retrieve the Laser Core. Though we didn't see Gnaw until it took off First Aid's foot. The Laser Core is in the Pax's med bay. On a lighter note....I lost my rifle. Crosshairs, Jetfire.....if I could get your help....I'd like to.....upgrade if at all possible. Other than that....I can't wait to see this new guy's new form. Steeltread out. *Spinny!*
 * spinny, no spinny, Steeltread's mug*

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/55                     Posted        Author RE: Steeltread                    Thu Apr 30    Crosshairs --



I've got just the ticket, Kid.

Here goes triple shifts, again.

-X-Hairs.

Message ends.

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/56                     Posted        Author Growl, Grumble, Grumble           Sat May 02    Crosshairs --

Crosshairs' face appears on the screen.

"Since none of ya bucket-headed kids knows how to use the report computer and camera:

That mech that was recovered the other day responds to Arsenal by the name. I managed to find him in our files, though the information was a bit corrupt. Just like his core, but I'll get to that. He's been offline at -LEAST- since we, bein' Fort Max's crew left Cybertron with Scorponok.

The good news is, he's back from his 'con induced nap. He was some sort of bombardment platform for an altmode, that was buried in the sludge near Darkmount. Technology's come a long way, and thanks to First Aid and his crew, we built him down to a smaller scale. I happened to be walkin' around a Terran war museum a bit back and found an altmode that works wonders. So we built 'im down into something that doesn't suck energon like a turbo-pig at the cost of a bit of durability but no real loss in firepower.

Now, the bad thing. His laser core seems to have suffered some memory damage. So, I want everyone to take Arsenal under their wings as best they can. He's goin' to be a mighty confused fella for the next little while.

So. Welcome back to the fight, Soldier.

Crosshairs, Out."

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/57                     Posted        Author Life Altering Experience          Sun May 03    Sideswipe --

Sideswipe blips onto the screen. He is covered in small scratches and has a somewhat sheepish look on his face. Unusual for Sideswipe.

"So, uh. I went to Monacus a bit back and went into this bar called Last Rites. I was already pretty hammered and I asked the bartender why the place was called Last Rites. He said it was because of this drink they have that's supposed to be a life changing experience, even for Cybertronians. Called the Last Rite because you leave your old life behind and all that yadda. So, I told him to give me six of them.

We-lllll. . . next thing I knew I come-to three months later with these furry humanoids crawling all over me and saying I was a kindred spirit, they loved my company and I should stay forever. Took me a week and the last of my Galactic Credits to get a ride home.

I'm all caught up as best I can though. I'll get my aft over to Pz-Zazz as soon as I get a good surface buff. Those things are scratchy."

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/58                     Posted        Author Mentorship                        Sun May 03    Rodimus Prime -- Spinny, cut to Rodimus. Looks like he might be in Grapplebee's.

"I've recently received a request by one of our more experienced members that he be allowed to take one of the younger troops under his wing, so to speak, and it got me thinking. I... maaaaaaaaaay have witnessed positive results from mentoring programs in the past," here he offers the camera a good humored smirk, as though sharing a joke, "though it wasn't really anything so formal. And I'm thinking that the mentoree in this one case probably isn't the only Autobot we have who could benefit from having a mentor. So, anyway, I'd like to encourage some of our more experienced-and-or senior members to look into a similar arrangement for themselves. Just keep an eye out for someone whom you think could benefit from your instruction, and, well, instruct them. Since arrangements like this often work if the mentor's in a position where they can actually give orders, this may call for a transfer, and if it does, let me or one of the other officers know. Anyway, that's it. Rodimus, out."

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/59                     Posted        Author Industrial Safehouse              Sun May 03    Red Alert -- Red Alert appears on screen. Those portions of him that are visible when he's a vehicle have been painted white. His chest has been crushed in, there is some sort of fluid leaking from his mouth, and he's covered all over with dents, stress fractures, and burn marks. The Orion Pax medical bay can be seen in the background. He coughs.

"Red Alert reporting. Industrial Zone safehouse is no more. Met heavy resistance in the form of Catechism and Rumble. I'm conscious still, at least. Blaster wasn't so lucky. He's been relocated to medical on the Orion Pax. That's all."

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/60                     Posted        Author Red Report                        Sun May 03    Sideswipe --

Hey, look. It's Sideswipe. And hey, look! He's beat to hell. He's been stripped of paint down both sides, his torso looks like he's taken several shotgun blasts and there is a huge hole dribbling fluid in his side. But he looks pleased!

Sideswipe glances at his wrist chronometer. "Let's see here." He says. "Three hours off vacation, thirty minutes on Pz-Zazz and I managed to find me some Decepticons. Boomslang, Fusillade and Mindwipe were trying to smuggle some guns and ammunition in a van, heading for the spaceport. Tailgate and I kicked them around, made them blow up their own van, and Mindwipe even tried to shoot himself. Now. I don't know -NOTHING- about a pileup on a major highway in case anyone asks."

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/61                     Posted        Author Trypticon's Bath                  Mon May 04    Rodimus Prime -- Rodimus appears on the screen. His Autobrand symbol has clear gouges through it, but it's hard to tell this, considering the armor on the upper left portion of his chest, combined with his left shoulder and upper arm, are missing. If someone is looking closely at the footage, they can just catch the upper left edge of the Matrix's handle, but there is a notable lack of the blue glow that once marked the artifact. Besides that, he looks generally battered, with a dent in the side of his face and burn marks all over. He also looks rather pleased.

"From orbit, the Pax's sensors detected that Trypticon, who, as you remember, was found on Pz-Zazz's Pirate Island, had started to move. I rounded up a crew to take advantage of it, since he was approaching the edge of the island. The plan was for Twin Twist to tunnel in - once there, the rest of us would keep Trypticon and whatever other Decepticons showed up distracted while Foxfire set off enough explosives to knock the big lizard off his feet and into the water. This doesn't mean that we can count him out for good, I know, but we didn't have the firepower on hand to do that. It does mean that the Decepticons will have to expend resources getting him /out/ of an ocean where they don't already have a giant submersible city-shark, though."

"In addition to Twin Twist and Foxfire, we also had Warpath, Steeltread, and fresh returnee Arsenal around." So... the tank squad. "In addition to Trypticon and his little buddy, Full-Tilt, Decepticon forces included Scourge, some other Sweep, Dreadwi- no, Darkwing, and Thrust. Despite heavy resistance, the plan went almost exactly as it should have. Also, Trypticon was shouting about going after a 'magic chicken.' I assume that means the Pz-Zazzian's sacred bird, so as soon as the bomb went off, I ordered Foxfire to withdraw down the tunnel and meet up with Nightbeat to look into that. I expect a report on that soon. As for the rest of us, we stayed until we could make sure that Tyrpticon really was sinking, then I ordered a full withdrawal. Several of us are heavily damaged, but we all made it out in repairable condition."

"One final thing. Foxfire. Twin Twist. Warpath. Steeltread. Aresenal. The five of you charged /eagerly/ into a situation that, by rights, should have seemed hopeless: a battle against Trypticon without the backing of Metroplex. There were no complaints, there were no questions, and the only concerns were that there wouldn't be anything there to hit. The situation would make most mechanoids think twice. Now, either the group of you are incredibly stupid... or incredibly brave." Rodimus's dented face brightens into a full, beaming smile. "I'm going to assume the latter. For your bravery tonight, you have all been awarded the Star of Recognition. Congratulations."

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/62                     Posted        Author The Bird's the Word               Mon May 04    Nightbeat -- Nightbeat appears, wearing a trenchoat and fedora. He reports, "Grimlock, Foxfire, Swoop, and I checked out the Bird. It was a fake. Was. Swoop destroyed it. No loss, there. Thanks to tall, dark, and scary, we got a a local priest to squeal - a man with many faces came took the real Bird away decades ago. Local lore says the Bird brings peace... take the Bird away, and it all falls to /pieces/. Explains a lot, don't it?" Nightbeat shakes his head. "He said his only lead on the whereabouts of the genuine article are, "Look to a sun not our own, a sun without a name of its own, and search its eight planets and the spaces between." Riddles. Gotta love 'em!"

Nightbeat blips out, replaced by an ad for Corn Flakes.

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/63                     Posted        Author Cybertron revitalization          Mon May 04    Jetfire -- The Autobot symbol stops spinning and then breaks appear in the middle revealing Jetfire from shoulders up. He blinks a few times before he begins to speak:

"Operations staff,

"There is an opportunity that has been made available to us on our home planet of Cybertron. Last year, Cybertron was moved by a makeshift spacebridge to the system of Alpha Centauri. Besides the 3 stars in the system, there is a lot of asteroids, comets, and planetary debris from Procul's collapse.

"We need to start looking for resources we can use. I've already started a project that could substantially help our energon resources; I still have some more work to do on the designs before I unveil my project. I'd like to hear of some other ideas from other Autobots. Doesn't have to be people from Operations either; but, I want Operations to get to work on this.

"Finally, we collected the resources for building a new shuttle. In the near future (OOC: Wednesday night), we will finish construction. We also need to name our newest addition to the Autobot fleet. Red Alert has already volunteered to assist. Any other assistance would be appreciated.

"That is all."

The screen collapses quickly towards the middle until all that is left is a black screen. The Autobot symbol grows out from the middle and then begins to spin again.

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/64                     Posted        Author Blockade Over                     Tue May 05    Rodimus Prime -- Text only.

"Due to the fact that the locals of Pz-Zazz are no longer actively supporting, assisting, and hiding the Decepticons, I'm calling an end to the blockade. The whole reason we had the planet blocked was because, with local support for the Decepticons, there was no way to be sure what ships leaving were civilians and what ships held Decepticon supplies. Due to the Decepticon preference for trickery, we still can't be positive that a departing ship doesn't have them on board, but the same applies to Earth or Cybertron or anywhere else, which means we are standing down our readiness to more normal levels. It is still our duty to oppose the Decepticons wherever in the galaxy they can be found, and to seek them out when they can't be found, so we'll continue to watch Pz-Zazz, just like we have to be vigilant anywhere else in the galaxy, but for the moment, our primary duties are now elsewhere."

"Particularly, I want everyone to pay attention to Nightbeat's report. Trypticon and Full-Tilt apparently thought that thing was worth going after, and now that Full-Tilt's back with the Decepticons, they may hear about it as well. There's no way to be sure whether the stories about the bird are true or a myth - though that would certainly explain the situation on Pz-Zazz - but on the off chance it might be true, we'd better get the thing before the Decepticons find it. That means as soon as anyone has an idea what that riddle about where the thing was taken means, let someone in command know. Prime, out."

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/65                     Posted        Author Mimas Melee                       Sat May 09    Ultra Magnus -- 

Ultra Magnus, still in a state of slight disrepair appears in the viewscreen, the background appearing to be that of a hastily constructed outpost, origin of the report seems to be the surface of Mimas.

"Autobots, by now you have all heard of the confontation on Mimas. We ourselves were lucky to be so nearby when the call went out. Quick flying by Jetfire who was carrying us back from Pz'zazz assured that we arrived befor the skeleton crew stationed there could be harmed. The conflict was difficult and costly with Kup, Nightbeat, and Arsenal suffering heavy injuries. I would like to commend all involved for their courage in the face of such deadly opponents. This attack struck me as not their usual attempt of looting or pillaging. To complicate matters, Nightbeat, shortly befor being taken offline divulged the answer to the question of the whereabouts of the Pz'zazzian Great Bird.. This statue is presumably located somewhere within the Sol Solarsystem. This of course creates complications... With the Decepticons in posession of this knowledge aswell one can only believe that they will seek out this bird. If the legend of the bird is true then the only hope for Pz'zazz becoming a world of peace is that we find that bird first and return it to the people of Pz'zazz."

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/66                     Posted        Author Sweeps in the Shipping Lanes      Sat May 09    Clutch -- 

Clutch has minor scuffs and scrapes but no serious damages. He starts talking right away.

"This is Clutch, reporting another Decepticon encounter in the Sol system. Sensors covering the region of space around Earth showed multiple Sweeps in the shipping lanes. Turntail and I took the shuttle Sarikus to investigate. I guess it's a newer shuttle, and because it doesn't exactly look like other Autobot vehicles," Clutch keeps a carefully straight face as he says this, "The Sweeps mistook it for a normal shipping transport. At least two of them attempted to stop and board us. Turntail and I thought we could take advantage of this and let them into the cargo bay." He hesitates, then continues. "I'm actually not sure who had the advantage, but in the end we triggered an emergency decompression of the cargo bay to get them off the shuttle."

Clutch frowns slightly. "The whole encounter wasn't what I would call conclusive. I wouldn't be surprised if the Decepticons tried to attack the shipping lanes again. Clutch out."



=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/67                     Posted        Author Me Grimlock save Uranus! Sat May 09   Grimlock -- "Me Grimlock save Uranus!" "...whut everybody lauging at?" *later!* "So...uh, me n' Swoop n' Gears get in spaceship and go to that energy collection thing in that one gas planet. 'cuz me Grimlock figure them septi-cons need energon to do...whatever it is them's doing. But thems not get it so easy!" "Coupla thems jets show up. And, uh...us beat thems up. Oh! And thems bring stupid fake-dino tape guy. Us beat him up too! And...uh, yeah. Not much else to say 'bout it. Yay us!" "Oh, and somebody might want go look at Golden Age shuttle. Her Catechism sorta drop bomb on it." *Blip!*
 * Hey look! It's Grimlock!*

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/68                     Posted        Author Long Ranged Satellite Images      Sun May 10    Marissa Faireborn --

*** TEXT ONLY ***

I just completed a meeting with the head of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration concerning something one of their satellites picked up. Hermes II, a sub lightspeed probe that passed by Jupiter snapped several pictures and long ranged scans of the gas giant and several of its moons.



NASA technicians noticed an unexpected object in this picture and investigated.



Four hours later NASA redirected the probe's scans onto the moon in question, Io, and picked up various long ranged transmissions of Cybertronian origin. Hermes II conducted as many scans of Io as it could before passing out of the effective range of its sensors, but ultimately discovered what appears to be a base on the surface of Io. This following image has been enhanced and modified using a computer, but the original scan is available and involves methods that are too technical for me to really understand.



We suspect this is a Decepticon outpost on Io, likely to produce energon and serve as a base of operations for the recent attacks they've been carrying out in that region. Earth Defence Command will be receiving new orders within 24 hours, but to make a long story short we'll be stepping up our security efforts in the solar system and bringing the Michael Briar back into active service. Autobots, please keep up the good work on defence.

- Colonel Marissa Faireborn

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/69                     Posted        Author Orders                            Mon May 11    Rodimus Prime -- Choice of text or voice, but no video.

"Jetfire, Operations, we need to set up better defenses for our in-system holdings. Military, Intelligence: increase scouting and patrol missions in-system. The more people we have out there looking, the better the odds of us catching the Decepticons when they're just starting their trouble, and if we're already on the move in the solar system, the response will be faster. Grimlock, have your people ready to move on Friday. Turntail has an interesting plan; you may want to contact him about it. Everyone, continue to look for opportunities to track down New Crystal City. More to come."

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/70                     Posted        Author Europa Evacuation                 Mon May 11    Blaster -- It's Blaster!

"Hey guys, I'm makin' this report on board a slow shuttle from Europa. The short version is, Abominus smashed up the place real bad and trashed Computron. Long version's still in post-production. Sorry, guys, I know that water station is important, but it was the best I could do to make sure everybody made it out in one piece. Whoever draws up the plans to take it back, I want to be the first one back on the ice. Don't forget! Y'all take it easy, and peace out."

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/71                     Posted        Author Red Report : Luna                 Wed May 13    Sideswipe --

Sideswipe's face appears on the screen. His head looks normal. The rest of him looks absolutely and utterly beat to hell. His chestplate is dented and scratched, his back is shot up. But the most horiffic injury is his left arm. It has been chewed and mangled down to the ferro-titanium bone. It is sparking and twitching under the infulences of the jolts and there is no armor left on it. Even the 'bone' has been mangled by toothmarks. He's covered in his own energon and seems to be still leaking it from multiple wounds as well as copious amounts of an acrid yellow slime.

"The Decepticons attacked our station on Luna. We beat the slag out of them. They beat the slag out of us. One of the better fights I've ever been in. I can barely stand up, Hardstrike isn't much better, Tailgate . . seems to be okay. We dropped Blot unconscious, beat the slag out of Excise and hurt Mindwipe some. They retreated after Blot dropped and Excise was about to.

Props to Tailgate. Little guy might be crazy, but he's f-g hardcore."

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/72                     Posted        Author Mimas Super Laser                 Thu May 14    First Aid --

*** TEXT ONLY ***

Hello all!

With the help of Earth Defence Command we've upgraded and brought online the so-called 'super laser' weapon located in Mimas. Its targeting software has been brought up to current 2030 standards and its power couplings have been reinforced so they aren't quite so vulnerable to enemy attack. I think the Decepticons will be in for a surprise if they try to take the moon again.

- First Aid

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/73                     Posted        Author Copernicus Station Upgrade        Thu May 14    Marissa Faireborn --

*** TEXT ONLY ***

Two things.

1. Earth Defence Command has upgraded Copernicus Station's offensive capabilities by adding missile batteries.

2. We had an intruder on board in the form of Hinder, though we chased him or her off the station. She or he was picked up by Cyclonus, so the Decepticons are probably aware of the upgrade.

- Colonel Marissa Faireborn

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/74                     Posted        Author Space Lanes Lost                  Fri May 15    Red Alert -- A voice recording by Red Alert. He sounds considerably more slurred than he normally does. "Spacelane patrol. Run in with the 'Cons. They boarded Golden Age. Uhm. Whirl and me fought Sharkticon and that gloomy jet. No, not that one. The other one. Outside, Catechism against Jetfire and EDC. Bailey. Catechism beat Jetfire and he ran. Gloomjet beat Whirl and he got knocked out. Bailey's metal suit got beat and he ran. Still had Decepticons on the Golden Age. Uhm. Erm. Yeah. Couldn't run, figured I'd take 'em with me. Found the high grade that Nightbeat left in here. Tried to crash the vessel into an empty spot of Mars. Take 'em with me. Erm. I missed. Prolly a good thing, 'cos they bailed."

"Anyway. Anyway. They have the lanes. We gotta get them back. Count me in. I'll show 'em. Hic."

Finally, mumbled, "...need more rockets..."

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/75                     Posted        Author Test flights succesful! Sat May 16   Fanfare --

Much gratitude tae Miss Lassiter an' Bitbuckit fur assistin' wi' mah new upgrades. As of today, Ah am now a prop-jet hybrid wi' JATO rockets installed, cuttin' mah tak' off distance frae two miles tae... weel, a lot less. I'll be practicin' launchin' an' usin' the new hover-slash-vtol, which Ah /think/ Ah can use tae lessen mah landin' distance, but 'at will be practiced far from anythin' damageable. Cheers also tae Twin Twist, mah test-co-pilot, an' Skydife fur givin' me advice. An' Blaster? Cheers fur th' idea of an Iron Maiden test flight, thocht after 'at first Ah think we shoolda gain wi' 'Bat it ay Hell'. Fanfaur it!


 * spinny*

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/76                     Posted        Author Shipping Lanes                    Sat May 16    Rodimus Prime -- Voice only.

"High priority. Get them back."

OOC: But don't break any Risk rules to do it, obviously. ;)

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/77                     Posted        Author Quick Report                      Sat May 16    Kup -- (Text only:)

Quick update here. Was inspecting Harvest One, trying to determine safe evacuation points on that big rock. Powerglide kinda helped, I guess. But then, two Sweeps hit us. They tried pretty hard to take us down, but eh, they didn't have anywhere near enough firepower to beat us. Looks like Harvest One is safe for now, but something tells me the Decepticons aren't going to pass up all those minerals, especially when there's mining equipment conveniently already in place.

-- KUP

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/78                     Posted        Author Europa Taken! Sat May 16   Turntail --

It's Turntail! Handsome and wonderful. Shame about the bullet-ridden armour..

"Thanks to Grimlock, Scorch and Redfield's diversion," He speaks, modest and humble, "A small strike team led by Rodimus Prime was able to infiltrate and capture the Decepticon holdings on Europa. We met some resistance, but it wasn't long before the 'Cons fled the scene."

The Autobot smiles at this, the scene behind one of a starting blizzard. The scout raises his voice accordingly.

"Additionally, I'm gonna need Operations around - we need to get a monitor base up here ASAP!"

With this, the weather interference fuzzes out the picture and speech, the transmission finally ending in static, and blackness.

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/79                     Posted        Author Driver's Exam                     Sun May 17    First Aid --

*** TEXT ONLY ***

Hello all.

I'm due to have my space pilot's license exam and I need an instructor to review the piloting skills I've been working on. I have my learner's permit but am going for the full license now. If anyone has the time, please let me know.

Thanks!

- First Aid

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/80                     Posted        Author Fish Are Biting                   Mon May 18    Rodimus Prime -- Voice only. Rodimus sounds both tired and happy.

"We were able to locate the Whalicon when it swallowed a small fishing boat off the coast of Africa - luckily, the fishers made it off alive. Intelligence - mostly satellite imagery of an unusual amount of Decepticon activity - showed that New Crystal City was probably in the Arabian Sea, so Fanfare, Quickswitch, Ace, and I attempted to lead the Whalicon to the giant shark and let our two underwater problems take care of each other. Oh, which reminds me. Jetfire? Magnus? We'll need a clean up crew for some fuel spills, if possible."

"The plan went pretty well, all and all, despite the fact that we and several Decepticons, including Cyclonus, Shockwave, and that pest, Hinder, were swallowed by the Whalicon early on. As we battled inside the beat, Grimlock eventually found his way to us in order to aid. We actually stuck around as long as we could, trying to keep the Decepticons from doing more damage to the Whalicon than it was doing to their city, but were eventually forced to withdraw. Between the internal damages and the counterattacks from New Crystal City, the Whalicon was completely destroyed, while New Crystal City seemed to suffer from a fair bit of damage as well, though it's hard to say just how much.

"In summary: one underwater danger isn't a danger anymore. The other one's effectiveness is currently hampered. All of the involved Autobots came out alive. All in all, an excellent job."

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/81                     Posted        Author Jovian Relay Station              Mon May 18    First Aid --

*** TEXT ONLY ***

Hello all, sorry for the belatedness of this report. We've sort of been stuck here without communications. Focus, Clutch, Gears and I ventured to the Jovian Relay Station to check up on it. It's a good thing we did because Scourge and Motormaster were rampaging through it. We fought them as best we can and managed to defeat Scourge. It was at that point Motormaster decided he had enough and took off. Unfortunately the relay station took extremely heavy damage and we've been working around the clock just to get this message through. Still, it is technically under our control now.

- First Aid

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/82                     Posted        Author Decepticon Outpost Raid           Wed May 20    Springer --        It's a short visual report, and it clearly shows a battle-scarred green triplechanger tolerating someone out of the picture checking his vitals with a scanner. He's sporting most notably a smashed optic.

"Springer delivering an update on the 'Assessment Mission' to the Glass Abyss and the Decepticon outpost there. I took with me both Whirl and Broadside to scout then attack the post to guage as per standing orders how well equipped and responsive the Decepticons were. Initial impressions were that the hostility of the environment gave them a false sense of security, there was little else we encountered..."

He paused for a moment before grimacing, "That is till we descovered Galvatron there with another Decepticon identified as Shadow." Neatly provided by Whirl. "It seems they were attempting to retrieve the contents of a metal container that carried...an Autobot by the name of 'Swerve'. As to why he was locked up by Galvatron, or why the latter bothered to dredge him up again /now/...I'll leave that to Intelligence to find out. The rest of the mission objective was aborted."

"As soon as I'm patched back up, I'll continue with the raids, and have a further detailed report when it is completed. Springer, out."

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/83                     Posted        Author Attack On Harvest One             Fri May 22    Red Alert -- Text only report from Red Alert.

Received a report that an unidentified shuttle was drifting towards Harvest One. I thought something was up, and Magnus agreed it was a possibility, so we took the Golden Age along with Mirage EDC Acting Corporal Jayson Redfield to investigate. We arrived on scene at about the same time as Captain James Bailey, who was on patrol in that area of space. An attempt to hail the shuttle proved fruitless, and when the Decepticons exited and initiated attack, pointless as well. Enemy forces consisted of Ransack, Dreadwind, Rampage, Boomslang, and were lead by Shockwave. Combat was heavy, with all engaged taking significant damages. Ultra Magnus took the worst of it, and had to be dragged off the field, and my own injuries were severe as well. Despite it all, we were able to force a retreat on the Decepticons part at the last moment. Our success was... frankly a surprise. I think it's due to the teamwork displayed among us and our allies, as humans and Autobots stepped in to aid one another when overwhelmed, not to mention the heavy use of targeting information provided by myself and others. However, as stated, damages taken were still heavy, and I would encourage an increase in the defenses of the Harvest One, if it's going to be the center of so much attention.

As a final note, I would like to remind you all that in a critical situation, the unknown that can't be identified as a friend should be assumed to be a foe. Even the most basic human-built transponder is capable of sending a 'communications out' code. It's possible to damage both the radios and the transponder, but it's not likely, and depending on what's at stake... well, sometimes it comes down to reply or die. That is all.

- Red Alert

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/84                     Posted        Author Decepticon Raid In The Spacelanes Sun May 24    Rodimus Prime -- Text Only report from Rodimus Prime.

"Attempts to stop a raid in practice against a human cargo ship. Faced off against Scourge, Mindwipe, Blitzwing, Excise, and Sharkticon. I couldn't stop them all."

"We still need those lanes back."

"Out."

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/85                     Posted        Author Martian Mash                      Fri May 29    Rodimus Prime -- Text only.

"Decepticon attack on Mars during an inspection of the defense systems. Huge offensive force lead by Cyclonus and Shockwave, to include Ramjet, Dreadwind, Brawl, the little purple guy that hangs around with Trypticon, and more Seekers than I can count. Scattershot, Nosecone, Arsenal, and I fought them off with the aid of EDC forces, including Corporal Jayson Redfield, who fought closely with us. We won the day, but damages were severe, both to our forces and the EDC base. Massive repair effort is required. Commendations to all involved."

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/86                     Posted        Author Arizona Con-on-Con                Mon Jun 01    Dee-Kal -- It is June - the countdown to my friend Sam's birthday begins! But May has brought terrible things - the fate of our wonderful Copernicus space station among others. I have seen some terrible things myself today. It was odd that a major bout between two Septics was broadcast over Earth airwaves, but a tip-off from a fellow Junkion sent me to Arizona to see for myself what was going on. I am both glad and sorry that I did. This was no practise spar between two combiner team leaders, but a full-on fight between Hun-Grr Terrorcon and Motormaster Stunticon! The most visceral savage assaults that I have ever seen took place in what was clearly a fight to the bitter end in the Arizona desert. What made this worrying was the Septic audience that had assembled to watch as if enjoying pro-wrestling on TV. Needless to say it was Swindle broadcasting the events - presumably to score a few bets on the side (I suspect a few unwitting customers were from my own factions). Motormaster lost his battle to stay online - I am amazed at how long he apparently managed to survive - but then Hun-Grr and his fellow creatures began to DEVOUR the fallen Stunticon's chassis! I have seen wildlife shows on Earth TV and detritus beasts on Junk do this, but never a Transformer's creature-altmode do so. It is a very disturbing sight. I know I will be reprimanded for putting myself in danger, but I must confess an impulse at that point. I saw some prize components among the scattered carnage that were too good to pass up, and when I saw a chance - the Terrorcons were occupied - I flew in hovermode as fast as I could smurf in order to salvage some parts for an upgrade that I have had in mind for a long time now. I did not get off lightly for my efforts. I have damage from Sinnertwin's fire breath and horn-charge, Hun-Grr himself managed to hinder me with a stun blast in standard mode that I was not quite smart enough to dodge. It proves that even if weakened, he is still very dangerous indeed! Thrust made more than one attempt to stop me, although I was able to avoid his attacks. On recollection, nobody was in any particular hurry to save Motormaster from his (further) fate, until Soundwave took advantage of the fact that the Terrorcons were chasing me to do so. Thrust radioed to threaten me afterward. I am not afraid of him, but obviously I will take heed and avoid any further confrontations, in spite of his 'invitations'. Among other things, he said "We WANTED Motormouth to die."

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/87                     Posted        Author Decepticon Personel Update        Mon Jun 01    Red Alert -- Quick text report.

"The Decepticon position of Aerospace Commander appears to have passed from Catechism to Ramjet. Along with one of her legs."

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/88                     Posted        Author Intel Orders                      Tue Jun 02    Nightbeat -- Text Only

Jetfire's got a lil' job for us, boys - you too, Raindance. Someday, you'll be a real boy. Anyway. Jetfire needs us to do a bit of scouting work. Consider yourselves at his disposal. I can't go into details, 'cos Jetfire would skin me if I let the cat out the bag, but make yourselves useful to him.

End of File

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/89                     Posted        Author AAR: Distress Signal              Tue Jun 02    Jetfire -- The Autobot face spins and spins and spins. Apparently, this isn't one of those reports with visuals. The silence is broken by Jetfire's voice.

"A few nights ago, both EDC and Autobot frequencies were filled with an automated distress beacon from the UNCS Highroad Jump Shuttle #1132. Myself, Jayson Redfield of the EDC, Kup, and Scattershot arrived on the edge of the Sol system to assist."

At this point, the Autobot face disappears. It is replaced by a slow video survey of the shuttle. Lots of carbon scoring and pot marks. Several spots that have been chewed on are easily seen.

"We discovered 4 human survivors in the shuttle, including one Noah Wolfe... along with some other creatures which were identified as Scraplets. Scraplets are an organism that sustains itself on any form of metal and reproduces quickly from indigestion of metal. Once they dug into something, they are nearly impossible to get out. So, if you see any of the little creatures do NOT let them get inside you. Previously, they appeared to die quickly in salt water."

Still shots of a metallic spider and a small metal humaniod (about the size of an 8 oz. can) are shown on screen. One of each half of the screen.

"However, according to Noah Wolfe, these new ones appear to not be affected by salt water. At least, not as much as previously seen. Apparently, the Highroad and its convoy were attacked by these new scraplets in the Pluttdevici system. Wolfe reported that it appeared they were caught in some weird gravity well and attacked by the scraplets. He seemed to believe it was a trap of some sort. The Highroad, her 2 freighters, and her fighter support were quickly consumed by the Scraplets.

"Wolfe and the remaining survivors managed to make it back to Sol system making short jumps. He reported they did repairs and cleaned off the Scraplets as best they could between jumps. After Redfield moved all the survivors on board my alt mode, Scattershot destroyed the remains of the shuttle. Prior to that, Scattershot did destroy one of the Scraplets and I recovered some samples.

"I want any space-capable Autobot to check the systems surrounding Pluttdevici for survivors. Be careful not to pick up any Scraplets while doing so... and stay clear of Pluttdevici until further notice. While I plan on discovering a way to get rid of these... parasites, I'd rather not have to work under the gun. Also, I want all the scientists working on options for defeating or controlling these pests.

"One last thing. I've checked out both myself and Scattershot. Neither of us seemed to have been infected. Several EDC engineers checked us out as well. So, unless First Aid or Perceptor state otherwise, I am returning both of us to active duty.

"Jetfire out."

And the Autobot emblem returns to its visually stimulating spin.

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/90                     Posted        Author Tourist Ship Rescue               Thu Jun 04    Kup -- (Audio report:)

"Got this distress signal from some tourist ship in the solar system. I expected trouble, so I brought myself, Swoop, and Foxfire and took a shuttle out to investigate. Sure enough, when we got there, Decepticons were swarming all over this ship. Opposition consisted of Shockwave, Weirdwolf, ehh, some guy I never seen before (OOC: Kup attached a picture of Fragment to this report, however), and Rampage. I was doin' pretty good against Shockwave, at least at first, then when I followed him into the ship he started to really total me. I was worried for a moment that I'd be wakin' up in the med bay after this scrap.

"Well, anyway, despite that, the other Autobots managed to keep the Decepticons at bay and save the civilians. There's this female, Be-A-Trid, who was apparently leadin' their expedition, and she told me sumthin' interestin'. She said that the Pz-Zazzian Bird--the planet's icon or some such--was supposed to be somewhere in Earth's solar system, but apparently not on Earth itself. Maybe it was in a fountain, or some ruins. And... she said sumthin' about the Bird having some weird supernatural powers like it could, I dunno, make you younger or sumthin'? Man. I dunno if I believe that, but I'd give about anything to be back in my prime.

"Eh, well, I think that covers it. Kup out."

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/91                     Posted        Author Garbled Transmissions             Mon Jun 08    Jetfire -- The Autobot spinning face expands out until it completely fill the screen and then falls back into the distance, revealing Jetfire's face looking over a computer console; Eject can be seen in the background. Jetfire continues typing away at the computer console as he begins to speak.

"As some of you might know, we received a very garbled transmission last night. It was a non-coded transmission; however, it was on a very old Cybertronian frequency. According to our database, the last time this frequency was used was about 11.3 million years ago. At that time, our people had just been enslaved by the Quintessons."

Jetfire gives a small smile as something comes across the screen and then frowns slightly. "The transmission did use FTL technology, so I couldn't understand why it would take so long to get to Earth. Then, I realized the transmission had some odd code underneath it. Thankfully, Eject was able to explain it to me. Its coding to tell a relay station where to send the transmission next. Unfortunately, due to the number of relay stations used, the age of the transmission, and just being garbled, we can't make out where it came from or where it originated from." Jetfire looks over at Eject and who gives him a thumbs-up.

"Okay. We managed to clean up the message." Jetfire stares at it and mumbles something under his breath. "What in Primus is a..." Jetfire shakes his head. "I'm sorry. The message reads as follows:

"The final hour of the Universe approaches. The revered project is complete. All wayward Apocalytions are to return to their cradle of worship so that the great cleansing may begin."

Jetfire simply stares at the screen for a moment. "The database has no information on anything really mentioned here. I'll continue to look for more information, but I have a feeling this is going to take someone who has a better understanding of history..."

The Autobot spinny returns.

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/92                     Posted        Author RE: Intel Orders                  Mon Jun 08    Jetfire -- The Autobot spinning face expands out until it completely fill the screen and then falls back into the distance, the scene shows Jetfire standing in front of a table with several sensors on it.

"To those Autobots in the Intelligence division, I've finished producing the equipment I needed for the assignment Nightbeat mentioned." He waves his hand at the table. "These sensors are set up to record your location on Cybertron and the amount of energy that could be produced through solar energy.

"I need Cybertron's surface checked for where the highest levels of energy are produced over the day, so you'll need to sit in one location for a few hours so I can extropolate the overall energy through out the day. Thankfully, I have some programs that can do that, so you aren't out all day at one location. I'd like to get information from easily defended locations and thus why I need your help.

"You can pick up the sensors in Iahex and then return them when you are done. I'll have someone in Operations pull the data off the sensors when you return. Each sensor can hold up to 12 hours of data. I need about 3 hours of data from each location. Also, while I won't go into further detail, do NOT let the Decepticons know what you are doing.

"Thank you for your assistance. Jetfire, out."

The screen goes black and the spinning Autobot symbol returns.

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/93                     Posted        Author Rammstein                         Tue Jun 09    Rodimus Prime -- Voice Only.

"By now you've no doubt heard the reports of the attack on Rammstein Airbase. Unfortunately, they're all true. Gears and I were in the process of accompanying an EDC detachment consisting of Marissa Faireborn, Noah Wolfe, Jayson Redfield, and Talazia Keldahoff to the Airbase for a routine inspection. We were nearly there when we got word of the attack. We were overwhelmed. We attempted to hold out as long as we could while the Airbase was evacuated, but eventually were beaten back. There were severe damages to all involved, or to their exo's, as the case may be, and, as you've no doubt heard..." Rodimus's voice is strained as he records the next bit, and a bit halting, as though something is caught in his throat, "Marissa's been captured. I- I thought she had evacuated with the rest of the Airbase. I... was mistaken."

"Rest assued, we will retake Rammstein, and we will get Marissa back. Intelligence, I want to know where she is, yesterday. That is all."

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/94                     Posted        Author The Apocalyticons                 Tue Jun 09    Jetfire -- The Autobot spinning face expands out until it completely fill the screen and then falls back into the distance, the screen shows a head shot of the Autobot Air Guardian. Jetfire's calm voice begins to speak, "Crosshairs managed to remember something relating to that garbled message we received.

"Apocalyticons were Cybertronians driven insane by either Quintesson experimentation, the horrors of war, or something else. Apparently, they worship destruction. Not small scale, either. End of star system, end of universe level destruction.

"The myth goes on to explain they left Cybertron looking for bigger and more powerful weapons. Apparently, they vanished into deep space and developed a weapon that would make Unicron uncomfortable: the ability to detonate the fusion core of a star. For those who aren't well versed in the sciences, that means a supernova, which can easily destroy a good portion of a star system, including the habitable zone required by non-mechanical life.

"In the hands of the Decepticons, this weapon would be dangerous. In the hands of fanatic beings trying to destroy the universe... I'd rather not think about it. Regardless of who's hands its in, we need to locate one of those relay stations and see if we can follow the trail back to where its located. Then we need a means to stop and/or destroy it.

"I realize we have a lot on our plates right now. The Pz-Zazz bird needs to be found, the Highroad situation, Project: Sunblaze, and now this. Right now, there is a lot going on. Several of those situations are worsened by the fact we are likely racing the Decepticons to end said situations. We need every Autobot out there to do their duty and maybe even some extra. I'm sure Rodimus will have more to add later.

"Jetfire out."

The screen goes black and the spinning Autobot symbol returns.

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/95                     Posted        Author Intel Report - Black Forest       Wed Jun 10    Turntail --

**SPINNY!**

Turntail appears on screen, its dark, and it appears he's in the woods.

"Turntail here, reporting in from the Black Forest, Germany. Myself and a small team of Autobots observed the Decepticons on their newly captured base. We observed Soundwave and a number of tapes clearing away the.. uh.. the debris.."

He pauses, taking a moment to let that idea sink in.

"It wasn't long 'til we had a Conehead arrive, name of Ramjet. He let slip that the Decepticons are planning an attack on the European states, using the airbase as their base of operations. Even more worrying, it seems they have plans in motion to infiltrate and sabotage Metroplex while he's in the area. Advise stepping up security, lay a trap. No use running without leaving them a little surprise, eh?"

A smirk.

"Other than that, we've no clue as to the location of the EDC personell captured by the Decepticons in the attack.. one things for sure, though. I don't think there's much of the airbase left for the 'Cons to use for a base. All in all, not too bad a mission. Well done to those of you who joined me. Deatils of the report will be filed soon. Red Alert? I'm going to need your help with that."

It looks as if he's about to switch off the camera, but frowns, and continues.

"Uh.. and we lost Swoop.. claimed he was on an 'Important Mission'. Can we have someone check on his status? Turntail out."

*SPINNY SPINNY!*

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/96                     Posted        Author Rammstein Sortie                  Thu Jun 11    Ultra Magnus -- 

The screen befor the viewer is that of a fully armored Ultra Magnus ensconced behind his desk. Usualy cluttered with reports, his workspace is now meticulously clean and well organized. His elbows ar propped up upon the desk, hands joined and fingers interlaced, he seems to study them for a moment befor lifting his gaze to the viewer and settling into a upright posture in his chair. His features are decidedly crest-fallen.

"Late into the previous cycle I took it upon myself to scout out the recently invaded EDC airbase. My trailer was left behind for the sake of mobility in the close confines within the forest surrounding the airbase. Dogfight was enlisted as aerial subbort and diversionary tactics."

"Upon Arrival we found the Terrorcon; Blot stationed at the exterior of the base. Dogfight engaged Blot while I used the created distraction to penetrate the exterior fence and made my way into the base where I was met with the Horrorcon Headmaster; Snapdragon. While Dogfight fought bravely against Blot, a Decepticon of noted resilience and combat-capability, I debated the value of life with Snapdragon. This debate soon became a proposition. My freedom for that of Marissa Faireborn. I readily accepted. Ramjet was called in to further negotiate the matter. I thought myself wise to stipulate that I would not turn myself over until Colonel Faireborn was put into the care of Dogfight. This was rebuked and I was informed that the Colonel was no longer on the planet.." he explains, reaching slightly off camera and drawing a report disk into view. "This claim was backed up by a report from the associated press. One that was in due course filed and submitted to me for viewing not moments after it was issued to the general public on the 8th."

He goes silent, his dour expression imparting a great dissappointment in himself. Moments pass on as he gathers his thoughts befor he speaks once more.

"Through the grace of Primus himself we were allowed to depart without further violence. I am undamaged but Dogfight suffered heavily in his engagement with Blot. I submit that I myself am guilty of gross negligence and conduct unbefitting of a officer. Through the dereliction of my duty I not only endangered myself but the well being of Dogfight aswell. Were the situation to have escalated it could have ended with the destruction or capture of either of use. In light of these actions that, are at best monumental idiocy on my part, at worst treason, I will freely turn myself over to internal security and await the due processes."

His confession and report given, Magnus leans his broad frame back into his chair, finger moving to the button on his armrest and ending the feed.



=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/97                     Posted        Author Re: Ultra Magnus                  Thu Jun 11    Rodimus Prime -- Voice Only.

"Concerning Ultra Magnus's attempt to have himself tried, I have only this to say: Magnus? Get back to work. If we brigged every Autobot who's ever done something stupid while trying to save lives, there'd be no one left to fight the war. Sheesh.

"I would like to remind /everyone/ that it's not just Marissa that was taken. She's a personal friend of mine, but we can't forget about the other humans captured as well. We know they're off planet. We know we can't expect help from the Decepticons. Find some other way."

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/98                     Posted        Author Re: Re: Ultra Magnus              Thu Jun 11    Turntail -- Voice Only. What a copycat.

"You couldn't of put it better, sir. Advise we get the Orion Pax moving around the system, we need to check the Decepticon holdings taken in their latest campaign in the Sol System. This shouldn't be too hard, most of the rocks in orbit are lifeless, or at the very least lifeless enough to count the species on one hand."

"I'd like any space-capable Autobots to get in touch with me and we'll arrange a search party to examine the outlying planets. So help me, Pz-Zazz is looking like a viable target. Turntail out."

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/99                     Posted        Author Re: Turntail                      Thu Jun 11    Rodimus Prime -- Voice Only. Again.

"You guys are going to force me to say, 'Make it so,' aren't you?"

"Okay. Fine. Make it so."

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/100                    Posted        Author Since all the cool kids are doing Thu Jun 11    Dogfight -- Voice only. "Dogfight here. To add to what Ultra Magnus said: Blot sucks, and I'm shooting Ramjet in the face the next time I see that pointy-headed scrap-heap."

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/101                    Posted        Author Venusian Venture                  Sat Jun 13    Ultra Magnus -- 

The viewer is once more treated to a view of Ultra Magnus, the broad form of the City Commander sits enthroned behind his desk.. which is slowly returning to it's natural state of clutter and disorganization.

"In cycles past we recieved information leading us to believe that the Bird Or Pz'zazz was located on the second planet from the sun, Venus. The Technobots, a shuttle crew, and myself made our way to investigate."

"There we encountered a race of draconic disguised in.. ponchos.., sombreros.., and fake mustaches." there is a pause here, Magnus seeming to chew his words very carefuly. "In a mindset that could have only been brought on by the extreme heat of being so close to the solar system's sun, myself and the Technobots donned similer disguises and infiltrated the group. Befor our eventual discovery we made several discoveries. Here they are in bullet points."

A box graphic appears in the top right corner of the screen.


 * -The race of dragons is also in search of the Pz'Zazzian bird to rstore theit own home world.
 * -The Pz'Zazzian Bird is now believed to be located on Mercury.
 * -Both this strange race of dragons as well as the Decepticons are now aware of the location of the bird.

"Preperations need to be begun immedietly." strange that he would say that after waiting two cycles to make the report... "With not only the Decepticons, but this third-party involved aswell, we must act quickly in order to secure victory, and in doing so, peace for the people of Pz'Zazz."

"Remain Vigilant."



=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/102                    Posted        Author Mercury                           Tue Jun 16    Rodimus Prime -- Voice only. The sound of several young Autobot bickering in the background can be heard.

"Rodimus Prime speaking. After reports of a Terran probe going offline near Mercury, I took a party consisting of Kup, Ultra Magnus, Foxfire, Whirl, Nightbeat, Strafe, and Grimlock. When we arrived, we found what appeared to be a metal liquid covering a wide area. Nightbeat identified the metal as nanites, and they appeared to be focused in a crater - in the same co-ordinates that the probe went down in."

"We made our way to the source, encountering more and more complex metal lifeforms along the way. Eventually we ran into these... four legged... handed... centaurish?... things that lead us to a fountain that constantly poured out the metal-water. In it we could see both the wrecked probe and the Bird of Pz-Zazz statue. Meanwhile, the... creatures had gone from four legged to two legged, and as we watched started resmbling... us. Transformers. More and more. It was about this time that shots behind us alerted us to the fact that Decepticons were on scene."

"The details immediately following are pretty fuzzy, but I do remember a flash of light, and when it was over, several of those present were dramatically altered. Kup, Ultra Magnus, Nightbeat, and the Decepticon Thrust were behaving in a much more... youthful manner, their appearances altered to fit. Meanwhile, Foxfire, Grimlock, and Whirl have been behaving older, or at least differently, as well. I believe I saw Reflector on the scene, as well as one of the Sweeps, but I haven't been able to tell how they've been affected. Either way, I /don't/ think they were the only ones affected, and I need everyone who's noticed a change in their usual way of thinking to report it immediately. If you notice a change in someone /else/, report that. We need to figure out how wide-spread this is."

"Jetfire, Nightbeat has the Bird of Pz-Zazz right now. Contact him, study it, figure out what happened and how we can fix it. Once that's been done, we need to return the thing to the Pz-Zazzian people. Everyone, be on guard: the Decepticons will no doubt want this thing, and even if they don't, they're likely to try and take advantage of the situation."

"That's all for now."

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/103                    Posted        Author LEGO                              Thu Jun 18    Red Alert -- Voice only report by Red Alert, slightly slurred. "Right. Whoever replaced the contents of supply closet four-one-six-six-eight-charlie with LEGOs? I'm onta yah."

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/104                    Posted        Author Administrative Changes            Fri Jun 19    Rodimus Prime --
 * Text Only *

Until a means of reversing the recent age changes has been found, Ultra Magnus and Kup have both been releaved of their command duties. Ultra Magnus is now a Corporal and has been assigned to the Military division. Kup is now a Soldier, also assigned to the Military division.

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/105                    Posted        Author Rammstein Air Base Liberated      Sat Jun 20    Grimlock -- Several hours previously, I (with some assistance from Kup) staged an operation to drive the Decepticons from Rammstein Air Force base. They had already grown lazy and complacent- it was a simple matter to catch them off guard and route them. I engaged the Horrocon Snapdragon in combat, and sent him running...though I didn't get the chance to beat him as well as I'd like. Regardless, the base is now free of Decepticon interference- someone tell the humans they can have it back. *Blip!*
 * Hey look, it's a Grimlock! He's in robot mode- and looking a bit battered, with various laser burns in his armor, and a couple large, bite-shaped chunks on top of that.*

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/106                    Posted        Author Grimlock, Whirl, Foxfire          Sat Jun 20    Rodimus Prime -- A text alert sent out to the system.

"Grimlock, Whirl, Foxfire. Contact me ASAP. No, you don't have to do it as a group. Prime, out."

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/107                    Posted        Author Administrative Changes            Sat Jun 20    Rodimus Prime --
 * Text Only *

Until further notice, Grimlock is hereby promoted to the rank of Commander and will be acting as my second in command. Foxfire is promoted to the rank of Lietenant Commander. Both are re-assigned to Command division. This is expected to be a temporary measure.

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/108                    Posted        Author Age Jumps                         Tue Jun 23    Rodimus Prime -- Voice only.

"For some reason, probably because he's currently a mouthy little punk, Kup decided to pick a fight with the Decepticons in the middle of Paris. I showed up, but had to spend my time protecting the humans nearby from the damage those idiots were doing. The French government may not be friendly towards us, but that doesn't relieve us of our responsibility to their individual citizens."

"Anyway, while the fight was in progress, Kup suddenly de-aged /again/. Reports over the radio suggested that similar was happening elsewhere, with those who had been aged getting older and those who had been, well, younged getting younger. Operations, we have no guarentee this is over with. Figure out what's happening and stop it. Reverse it if you can, but priority goes to stopping it. Oh. And someone make /sure/ Kup checks back into base."

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/109                    Posted        Author Night at the Carnival             Wed Jun 24    Hound --
 * AUTOBOT SYMBOL SPINS***

<The familiar image of Hound pops up on the video screen. As usual, his background shows him in the great outdoors.>

"Greetings Autobots. Hound here submittin' this report from the field. Last night, I was out with Decibel making a scoutin' run through the Southwest. After coming across a carnival, the two of us decided to stop and have a look around. We weren't there but two minutes when out of nowhere, Sunder came out of the sky, flying in with an attack run."

<Video from the the carnival scene replaces the image of Hound. Don't worry about where the video came from. The show's writers would prefer you wouldn't ponder such things. Anyways, a ferris wheel can be seen as can a few humans walking around. As the Sweepcraft comes down from the night sky, purple laser fire peppers the ground.>

Hound continues talking, "While Decibel worked on getting the humans evacuated, I held off Sunder as best I could. Once the area was clear, Decibel and I setup our Decepticon friend with a trip through the Hall of Mirrors."

<The video cuts to the image of the Autobot scout running away from Sunder. Decibel can be seen waiting in the shadows with a large machine in his grasp. As the Decepticon passes, Decibel tosses up the machine that lands perfectly on Sunder, covering him in a mess of cotton candy. A video cut moves the action forward to the sweep staring at 12 Hounds in the mirror maze. Sunder leaps for one of the images, crashing into glass. Another cut shows Hound picking up Decibel's mp3 player form, before driving off into the night.>

"We were able to pull a fast one on Sunder, leavin' him covered in cotton candy and glass. With no one else in harm's way, Decibel and I hit the road before any other sweeps could arrive. All in all, great team work helped us take Sunder to the carnival for the first time. That's all for now Autobots. Back to my scoutin' of the area here. Hound out.


 * AUTOBOT SYMBOL SPINS***

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/110                    Posted        Author Aging Analysis                    Thu Jun 25    Decibel --
 * The standard Autobot symbol flashes one and is then replaced by Decibel who fills most of the screen making it difficult to tell where this was recorded.**

Recently a small number of us were granted access to the Bird of Pz-Zazz to run tests in an attempt to understand the current unnatural changes in age that are effecting select individuals. We have also conducted extensive examinations of those both being aged and those being rejuvenated. Now while the results of these scans are fascinating on their own they are most dire for those that are currently undergoing alterations to their age. As best we can tell there is a distortion of the entropic energy fields surrounding each individual effected. Those getting younger have an increase flow of this energy while those aging have a decreased flow. While there is no direct match between any two subjects, once all the data of scanned Autobots and the limited Decepticon data we have was entered there seems to be an almost equivalent net gain to net loss of energy.


 * The screen changes to display some of the scan results as well as color coded changes in energy between where people should be and where they are based on new ages.*

As you can se it seems apparent that those who are being rejuvenated by this change in energy are in fact doing so at the expense of those who are suffering from advanced age. If we can not find a way to reverse or at least stop the continued changes I fear we shall loose all those that have been altered by this energy disruption. I shall endeavor to find a solution while time remains to us. Decibel out.


 * The screen goes blank a moment before the standard Autobot spiny returns.**

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/111                    Posted        Author Chronophage                       Fri Jun 26    Red Alert -- Red Alert appears on the screen, although by 'red' we mean, 'kind of dingy, de-saturated reddish color' and by 'alert' we mean, 'feet kicked up on the security room desk, flask being lowered from his lips, a slump to his posture inidating he's been indulging for awhile.'

"Right. So. Last night I overhead a call for help from the Decepticon frequencies from Mindwipe, who was yellin' about something odd in Cambridge, England. I wasn't too far from the area, so I figured I'd have a look at it. Arrived on scene, and wouldn't you know it, the Chronophage from the top of the Corpus Clock was latched onto Mindwipe, chewing on him. I always knew there was something screwy about that damned clock, but would anyone believe me? Nooooooooooo. It's always, 'Oh, Red Alert,'" as he 'speaks' on behalf of others, he notches his voice into a higher pitched, mocking register, "'you're just too suspicious!' 'Oh, Red Alert, you're just being a paranoid pr-'" then, suddenly, he cuts himself off, turns in the direction of the exit, and shouts, "DAMMIT, SCORCH, DON'T THINK I CAN'T HEAR WHAT YOU'RE DOING!" Then he settles back into his seat and grunts.

"Anyway, where was I? Oh. Chronophage. I hear you asking, 'What's a Chronophage, Red Alert?'" This done in the same higher-pitched tone as before. "'Least, I /will/ hear you asking that, when you view this report. So I'm attaching a link to this report. Damn thing just gives the 'official' story, but it'll show you a picture of what I'm talking about."

"So. Eating Mindwipe. Aging him and... I don't know whether it was younging him or he was younging himself because of this Bird nonesense. Some 'Cons showed up and tried to study it, attack it, capture it... I don't remember the order. Mindwipe set the damn thing on me, and /I/ started to age, worse than I've been. The Technobots showed up and tried to help. Went after them. Then it grabbed Americon and possessed him, ranting about how it was here to deal with those of us who won't stay our right age. By making us not our right ages even more, I /guess/. Oh. And while this was going on, Ramjet and the Combaticons arrived on scene and formed Bruticus, which /really/ made my day. Well. Ramjet didn't form Bruticus. You get what I'm talking about. Meanwhile, the Technos were suffering from the Chronophage's attacks bad enough that they couldn't merge. Great, huh?

Continued...

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/112                    Posted        Author Chronophage pt 2                  Fri Jun 26    Red Alert -- Still Red Alert.

"Next thing, the 'Cons drove it out of Americon by spamming him with Headmail, so it grabbed Scattershot and managed to /force/ a merge instead. So I had one 'Con combiner on-scene, a 'Bot combiner possessed by a crazy evil time bug on-scene, and some other 'Cons about. Maybe I made the mistake of thinkin', 'Oh, hey, at least it can't get any worse,' when I found out that the Techno's couldn't combine a moment before. Maybe I was a 'Con in a previous life and I'm gettin' my karmic punishment. Dunno. Whatever.

"So Ramjet, calling the shots, ordered Bruticus to destroy Computron. While they fought, I snuck around to where I could fire on /Computron/ in an attempt to hit that damn bug. Now, mind you, the bug was skittering around /inside Computron's head/, so I was having to target by ear, but hey, that's been about the tone of the night, anyway. Computron did a fair amount of damage to the area, somehow youngening up the Earth enough to spout some lava pits right in the middle of Corpus Cristi, but Bruticus avoided that and his other attacks and started crushing Computron's head. It was then enough of a crack formed for me to make my shot, which I did. Bug fell out, seemed to be dead. I pointed out to Computron that we were in an inhabited area, so we began a slow withdrawal, making sure the 'Cons were following. They did, and once we got 'em far enough away, we booked it out of there big time, 'cos hey, after having our ages screwed every which way, we weren't doing so hot. So anyway, any of you guys who had your ages mucked with? You may now be a target of weird time monsters! Have fun!

"By the way, add Americon and Mindwipe to the list of 'Cons known to be affected. Oh, and Nightbeat? If you don't replaced that booze you dumped out, I'm gonna find a way to make your life as miserable as mine, and that's a promise. Red Alert, out."

Attached Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corpus_Clock

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/113                    Posted        Author Houston We Had A Problem          Mon Jun 29    Hound --
 * AUTOBOT SYMBOL SPINS***

<In about the last 10,000 reports Hound has logged, one thing has been a constant; an outdoors background. However today, there is something noticably different. The scout sits on a large, metallic table inside Autobot City's repair bay.>

"Greetings Autobots. Hound here reportin' from the Auto-Hospital. I'd like to apologize for the tardy report, but I've been undergoing some repairs over the past few days."

<You see Bitbucket enter the background with a large drill-like device. The medic proceeds to shove the device into Hound's backside. After wincing with pain, the scout continues, obviously annoyed by having to sit in the repair bay.>

"Alright, I'll get right to the point of this report. The other night, Chopshop was up to no good near Houston. While on a patrol of some oil derricks, I came across him trying to get away with some parts. With no available backup in the area, I engaged the Decepticon, only to see Rampage enter the fray. With my back against the ropes, good ol' Colossus showed up just in time to turn the tide. In the end, we were able to force a Decepticon retreat. Besides some minor damage to an oil derrick, things are back to normal in Houston.

<Bitbucket returns into the background, this time with a pair of cables. Call it a gung-ho attitude or call it crude, but the gumby latches the cables onto Hound's shoulders. After jolting with shock for a few seconds, the Autobot scout swings around and fans the medic away.>

"Anyway....that's my report. I'm just about done getting back in working shape. I'll be back out in the field as soon as I can. Hound out.


 * AUTOBOT SYMBOL SPINS***

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/114                    Posted        Author Bee News: Special Report!! Tue Jun 30   Bumblebee -- Bumblebee appears standing in front of a corridor with a purple Decepticon insignia on it. He looks rather wary, always looking behind him both left and right very quickly He is also whispering,

"..oh Processors, I hope Blaster's machine works." He taps several times on the screen. Tap tap tap. "I think this is working. Bumblebee here, on location at a secret Decepticon facility. I was following a lead after I overheard some Skuxxoids on Bar Moon about Decepticons hiring outside labor to drive their asteroid mining colony. They mentioned getting a new shipment of slaves from Earth.. so I took it upon myself to go get more data.."

Bumblebee pauses to look over his shoulder again. Did he hear something!?

".... so I snuck into one of their lesser-known, poorly-secured bases and hacked into their network. The Decepticons took Marissa Faireborn and the rest of the EDC prisoners to be slaves at their mining colony! It's located near the Alpha Centauri System, in the Midoran Asteroid Fi---"

Someone off screen shouts,

"HEY! IDENTIFY YOURSELF OR PERISH!"

Bumblebee gulps as he looks back, whipping out his laser pistol on reflex.

"..jumpin' jets, they're onto me! Time to roll, friends!"

Bumblebee turns and fires his laser pistol off-screen before running away. Moments later, a Sweep runs past the camera and immediately after, the feed goes to static. Yikes!

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/115                    Posted        Author Jail hijinx                       Wed Jul 01    Penumbra -- Audio report submitted by Penumbra: "Okay, long story short. Nebuloids, these gaseous life forms. They run a prison. They contacted us... through open frequency so the cons heard it too... We went to go pick up a couple Decepticon prisoners. Redshift and Blueshift. Turns out it was a trap for all of us. The Nebuloids intended to jail us all... something about flying through their nebulas. Lots of fuss, lots of muss and not long after we got out by the chrome of our teeth." End of audio file.

=
================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/116                    Posted        Author Age Update                        Wed Jul 01    Rodimus Prime -- Voice Only.

"From what I'm hearing, the age business is corrected. Anyone know any exceptions, let me know. Ultra Magnus, Kup, Grimlock, and Foxfire are all being restored to their former positions. Someone locate Nightbeat and make sure he's all right. I also want Bumblebee's rescue team to check in as soon as they return. Kup? Grimlock? Get started on drawing up plans for the EDC prisoners' rescue. Work with the EDC on this."

"Longer explanation to come. Probably."

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/117                    Posted        Author Ungodly Actuator                  Thu Jul 02    Red Alert -- The timestamp on this report suggests that it was submitted last night, but was help up in the system for processing. As it begins, Red Alert, old Red Alert with lines on his face and a well-faded paint job, sits at the desk in the security room, leaning back, right leg pulled up so his foot rests on his left knee, a flask of some sort held in one hand. He takes a swig.

"Right. So, a couple nights ago Crosshairs fell down a hole in the Cybertron Razor Hill area, got himself stuck, and, brilliantly, sent out an /unsecure/ distress signal. Hey, no problem, it's not like we gotta worry about Soundwave dogging our every radio footstep, right? So, anyway, Scorch, Kup, and I responded. Got there and the 'Cons started crawling outta the woodwork, including, /of course/, Soundwave. The guy we ain't gotta worry listening everytime we're saying something sensitive over the radio? Guess he didn't hear this time, either! Things went from bad to worse, though, when Galvatron showed up on the scene and... I've got no idea what the blazes he was doing there besides firing on /everyone/, I was underground when he arrived, but there was some sort of weird organic goo over /everything/ by the time I got back up there that smelled... like whale? Anyway, Galv's a madman, we know that, he went off on pretty much /everyone/, and seemed pretty convinced that those of us who weren't our right ages were Quintesson imposters." The next words are said completely deadpan. "Boo-hoo, Galvatron doesn't believe I'm really Red Alert, my fuel-pump leaks in sorrow." Then he takes a swig from his flask.

"Anyway, this all came to a head when the machinery Crosshairs had found triggered and sent out some sort of signal. I got a recording which I'm still analyzing, along with destination, but since Soundwave was /right there/ you just /know/ he's working on the same th-unh!"

Red Alert cuts himself off and leans forward against the desk for support, as though suddenly in pain. The visual field of the camera is briefly distorted, and when it clears, Red Alert, returned to his normal age and looking abjectly /miserable/ (as opposed to the whole 'don't give a damn' attitude he'd been affecting before). Apparently this was being recorded when the energy wave set people's ages back to normal! He groans faintly, then gives a confused stare at the glask in his hand. He sits up enough to screw the lid back on, then gently places the thing at the far side of the desk, giving it a wary look as though it might bite him. Then he remembers that he's still recording. He shakes his head, looks back at the viewer, and finishes with, "As I said, I'm still decrypting and tracing the signal, but with Soundwave working on it, we'll have to act fast once we have the full details. I'll, uhm... get back to work. Red Alert out."

As he reaches to turn off the recording device, he can be seen clutching his head with his other hand and can be heard to mutter, "Great Primus, I think I've got a hangover..."

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/118                    Posted        Author Energy Wave                       Thu Jul 02    Carly Witwicky -- Carly appears on the screen! She's still the same age she was during Season Two, and still wearing her blue headband. Uh-oh! Shouldn't that be fixed by now? Still, she seems, in general, to be pretty chipper as she reports.

"Carly Witwicky speaking. As most of you have noticed by now, some sort of energy wave similar to the one that caused the whole age mess was triggered last night, originating at... Mount R'lyeh?" She seems to be glancing at a monitor to confirm something. Then she shrugs. "It's done two things." She counts off on her finger. "First, it seems to have reset people back to /about/ their proper ages. Second, it's returned our /rate/ of aging to normal. That is, nobody's getting younger still, and nobody's getting older any faster than normal." Then she leans on a nearby counter - looking behind her, one can tell that the scale of the room is set to someone much larger than her, but she seems adept at operating in a super-sized world. "So why do I still look like this? Well, I said 'about'. See, there seems to be a /slight/ energy excess. Like, when the entropic fields of one person were drained to another when the whole thing begin, we weren't /quite/ even, something from the outside was feeding /more/ energy into the equation - probably the Bird Artifact! And now that things are done, some of us still have some lingering traces of that excess. Of course, nobody's going to notice if, say, Kup or Ultra Magnus are suddenly fifty years younger. Fifty years isn't going to make any kind of an impact on you guys! But if /I'm/ fifty years younger, people tend to notice!"

"Anyway, while I'm not getting any younger anymore, there are still some lingering energy traces, and they're not completely stable. What it comes down to is this: I'm younger than I was, looks like I'm going to stay that way for awhile, but there's a chance it'll wear off." She shrugs. "Really, there are worse fates! There are a few... personal complications, but I'm sure that those of us affected will be able to work through them. Now, if you don't mind, I've got to go track down Spike and Daniel!" With that she scrambles forward, hits a large sized button, and the recording shuts off.

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/119                    Posted        Author So I was visiting Paris when.... Fri Jul 03   Dogfight -- Spinny

"Dogfight here. So....I don't have one hundred percent confirmation on the reasons for this, but the Sweeps are hunting me. I suspect it is because I threatened to shoot Ramjet directly in the face the next time I see him. Just so the chain of command is aware of it. Also, I think a Sweep may believe he's Hound in disguise. I worry about his sanity."

Spinny Again.

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/120                    Posted        Author Not Foxfire                       Sat Jul 04    Rodimus Prime -- Voice only.

"No, it's not Foxfire, and no, no Autobots are to try to turn Foxfire in for the reward. Foxfire, be careful when you're outside of Autobot bases - you could be easily mistaken for that Robot Space Fox, and that reward's pretty high."

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/121                    Posted        Author Foxfire Captured                  Sat Jul 04    Rodimus Prime -- Voice Only.

"The bad news: Foxfire's been captured. The good news: we know exactly where they're taking him. He was 'mistaken' for that missing Robot Space Fox and turned into the Carnival for the reward. Luckily, as a 'star attraction', Foxfire should be safe - until it's time for his act. We'll need to go sort things out before then. I'll be organizing a team to head there tomorrow, before someone tries to make Foxfire balance a black hole on his nose."

"So yes, I'm looking for volunteers to accompany me to the circus."

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/122                    Posted        Author Package from PepsiCo Inc.         Sun Jul 05    Excise --

A gigantic crate is mailed to Metroplex with the Pepsi logo on it. The return address is the PepsiCo Headquarters in Detroit. Inside is tons of free swag of PepsiCo's various products. There's huge T-shirts with the Mountain Dew logo on it, sweat bands with Sierra Mist written on it, to baseball hats with the Chester Cheetah (the Cheetos mascot), 7up coloured watches, and car flags with Gatorade: Quench Your Thirst scrawled on both sides.

The swag comes in the form of both human-esque things such as T-shirts, running shoes, hats, bags, and other good stuff in various Transformer sizes and shapes, from small Cassettibots to Omega Supreme sized. Even odd shapes like Foxfire and Raindance are taken into account. In addition to this, they've included vehicle accessories to go along with it, such as window flags, car mats, and logo decals. There's even an adorable stuffed Chester the Cheetah doll that attaches to the inside of a window via suction-cups so it looks like he's climbing up. It's really cute. There's even several cases of 'Gatorade flavoured' energon cubes.

A handwriten note is included with the swag:

Dear Autobots,

Thanks for all the great world saving. Please have this awesome stuff as a show of PepsiCo Incorporated's appreciation. Feel more than free to wear this in public. Sponsorship money will be given to those that do, naturally, as I realize your endorsement won't come cheap. If you require additional stuff, you just go ahead and let me know. Lastly, if any of you are interested in a commercial deal, don't hesitate to phone me.

Porter C. Powell

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/123                    Posted        Author EDC Rescue                        Sun Jul 05    Rodimus Prime -- Voice only.

"My thanks to Bumblebee for risking his neck to get the location of the missing EDC personnel, and a welcome back after /his/ rescue from the Midoran Asteroid Field. Now we can get to /theirs/. We'll be organizing a strike team with the EDC ASAP to get them out of there and back home, so be ready to roll out at a moment's notice."

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/124                    Posted        Author Metroplex Move                    Sun Jul 05    Rodimus Prime -- Voice Only.

"Okay, guys, time to prep Metroplex for another relocation. We'll be moving him to Germany this time, near the site of the Rammstein Airbase. This'll make it easier for us to help the EDC in their reconstruction efforts."

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/125                    Posted        Author Copernicus                        Sun Jul 05    Rodimus Prime -- Voice only.

"Intelligence: Copernicus space station. We need an update in what the 'Cons are doing with it. Find out, let me know. Everyone else, if they ask for your help on this one, give it."

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/126                    Posted        Author Trinity Starbase                  Sun Jul 05    Rodimus Prime -- Voice only.

"Those who keep track of EDC message traffic will have heard by now about the proposal for the new Starbase tentatively named, 'Trinity.' This is intended to be a joint venture between ourselves, the EDC, and the Junkions. The primary purpose is to serve as a way-station as close to midway between Cybertron, Earth, and Junk as we can get it, to provide both a refueling point and a place allies can run to if they run into trouble out there. It will also be serving as a generalized trading post, meaning you can plan on a /lot/ of civilian traffic through the area, so keep that in mind in the planning and design. It may be advantagious to seek," he pauses and sighs, "corporate sponsership to help defray the costs a bit, and make sure you run any contracts through Command, and we'll make sure our allies get a peek at them as well. Anyway, Intelligence and Military, I need you guys out there scouting out the best possible location, and Operations, you're to contact Sam of the EDC to aid in the design of this thing. I'll be providing more information as it becomes available. Prime, out."

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/127                    Posted        Author Sponsorships                      Sun Jul 05    Rodimus Prime -- Voice only.

"Some of you may have already heard about the Michael J Briar Memorial Mall that the EDC has commissioned and is helping to build. They're scaling this thing to accommodate us as much as possible, and the memorial wall they're putting in the park will include the names of fallen Autobots. This is a nice gesture on their part, and I think it'll be a nice gesture on our part to aid them in construction as much as possible. For the most part, this is a spare time project, but I'm willing to let a few folks volunteer their time on that in place of standing a couple of watches or running a patrol, as long as people don't go too crazy on this."

"The EDC has managed to dig up some sponsorships to pay for the project, and one of them, a tire company known as Greatyear, has offered to keep us in tires. I'm not going to tell anyone /not/ to accept this, but I am going to warn that you guys need to be looking for hidden strings attached."

"This brings us to another topic. Sponsorship. I imagine it's kind of on a lot of people's minds, considering that business going on with PepsiCo. Now, I'm not going to stop anyone from selling ou- I mean, accepting their offer, but give it careful consideration first and again, /make sure you read your contract/. We're not on this planet to shill goods and make money - we're on this planet to save lives and defeat the Decepticons. Remember that, and remember what it might do to our reputation if you accept this or any other spokesman offers."

OOC: The Autobots have confirmed IC offers from both Greatyear Tire and PepsiCo. Feel free to put up posts on board nine featuring your characters doing a commercial or two! Got an idea for something else that would make for a funny commercial? Claim to have received an offer from them while working on the Mall, and put that up instead. Knock yourselves out. :)

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/128                    Posted        Author Scouting Mission Expansion        Sun Jul 05    Rodimus Prime -- Voice only. Again.

"Oh, hey, an expansion on those scouting mission orders from before to find a good spot for the station. I also want you guys running scout missions inside the Cybertron system itself, both on planet and off, particularly the moons. We're looking for a defensible location that gets a lot of sunlight. Report findings to Jetfire. That's it."

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/129                    Posted        Author Crate O' Swag                     Sun Jul 05    Red Alert -- "The crate of PepsiCo products has been temporarily confiscated until we can check every item for bugs, explosives, or other hidden devices. The items will be made available once that's done."

OOC note: Red Alert's telling the truth. Feel free to grumble about him now, but anytime you want to pose running around with one of those objects, just claim that it's been checked. Or, you know, complain about Red Alert. :)

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/130                    Posted        Author Sixshot                           Sun Jul 05    Red Alert -- Voice.

"Apparently Sixshot has a seventh mode. We need to find out what it is. I'll see what I can do from this end."

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/131                    Posted        Author My Return                         Sun Jul 05    Foxfire -- Foxfire appears onscreen, looking somewhat tired and slight irritated. "As you should know," he begins, "yesterday I was kidnapped by Decepticons and given to the Cosmic Carnival, whose personnel easily mistook me for Flash, the Space Fox. They wouldn't listen to my protests. In any case, Red Alert, Grimlock, Monstereo, and Talazia Keldahoff of the EDC came to my rescue. Powerglide was there too, but he doesn't count. It was quite a bit of effort, but we managed to get out of there with some help from my holograms and the fact that the Cosmic Carnival people are stupid enough to keep a black hole around. No, I don't know how that works. Anyway, the real Flash showed up at the end. So...yeah. Never speak of this again. Foxfire out."

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/132                    Posted        Author Oh, Yeah                          Mon Jul 06    Rodimus Prime -- Voice Only.

"I don't care if you guys don't like his movies, someone figure out where the Decepticons are holding Michael Bay so we can rescue him."

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/133                    Posted        Author Down Mexico Way                   Tue Jul 07    Hound --
 * AUTOBO SYMBOL SPINS***

<It's the perfect pair. Hound and the great outdoors. The familiar image of the Autobot scout appears on the screen with a barren landscape behind him. Covered in a coat of dirt, it's apparent Hound's been out in the field. A few blast marks across his frame show signs of recent battle.>

"Autobots, it's Hound reportin' from the field. Earlier today, a scouting party comprised of Sandstorm, Decibel, and myself came across a band of Decepticons along the US - Mexico border. When we first spotted them, they were giving a Border Patrol agent a pretty rough time. Soundwave ended up crushing the human's vehicle, sending him running. We jumped in soon after to rescue the Border Patrol Agent.

Thanks to some of my usual tricks, Grimlock made an appearance and distracted the Decepticons just enough to get Sandstorm in position to lower down his life-line. Once Soundwave caught on to our plan, Decibel and I tried to keep the Decepticons busy while Sandstorm kicked up a...sandstorm to cover his rescue of the human. Luckily, we were able to get out of the area safely with too much damage.

The Border Patrol Agent has since been returned to his base, but he's still shaken up a bit from the most action he's seen all month out here. There's something else you should know though Autobots."

<Hound emits a small map onto the screen with his shoulder-mounted turret. Taking shape in the air, you now see an overhead image of North America. A few dots light up on it, marking locations.>

"We've recently been coming across more and more Decepticons in this area. I'm not sure exactly what our foes are up to, but it's safe to say, they've definitely got an interest in the US - Mexico border. Over the past months, energon signatures have spiked in this region. Our scouting team will continue to monitor this area for more details on the matter. That's all for now. Hound out."


 * AUTOBOT SYMBOL SPINS***

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/134                    Posted        Author Bee News: Re: Copernicus          Tue Jul 07    Bumblebee -- Bumblebee appears, standing in front of a blown-up image of Copernicus Station. It was shot from Metroplex's long-range sensors.

"There's a big laser-cannon on it!"

Bumblebee points at the tip of the space station.

There's a big laser cannon installed on it.

"Bumblebee, out!"

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/135                    Posted        Author Marissa Rescued                   Tue Jul 07    Rodimus Prime -- Rodimus, sitting on a berth in medical. The armor on his upper body has been blasted off in several places, and there is an uncolored and flat slab of metal covering his chest, an awkward and hastily placed patch.

"The joint EDC and Autobot mission to rescue the lost EDC personnel from the Decepticons went down yesterday, and I'd like to say it went down without a hitch, but it turned out there was a very big hitch in the form of Galvatron there. Between him, the Decepticon guards, and the Skuxxoid slavers, there were quite a few hitches about, but despite this we were able to rescue not only the EDC personnel, but several Junkions and other aliens who had been taken as slaves as well. Sadly, there was no sign of Private Ilse Eichele, and the other EDC soldiers reported that they hadn't seen her for several days at the time of the rescue. Marissa, could you please pass my condolences on to her family? And if... if you want me along to help deliver the news, I would be honored.

"To those who were on the mission, Nosecone, Ace the pilot, and EDC soldiers Bailey, Wolfe, and Redfield, well done. Also, another thanks to Bumblebee, for getting us that location.

"Oh, and speaking of Bumblebee: good catch on the giant space laser. Magnus, Kup, Grimlock, contact me on getting a plan in place to deal with that. Marissa, Briar, Bailey, I imagine you guys want to be in on this, too, so I'll let you know when we're talking. That's it."

He leans forward, wincing a bit at his injuries, and shuts off the recording.

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/136                    Posted        Author Thank you                         Wed Jul 08    Marissa Faireborn --

Dear friends,

I wanted to take the time to thank you all for the hard work involved in my and the others' rescue from the Planetoid Brandt labour colony. I've met with the other EDC personnel and our Junkion friends who were also held in the camp and they asked me to pass along their gratitude to you as well.

I can't tell you the feeling we had when we heard the Decepticon proximity alarm go off and saw a shuttle incoming. We were getting close to losing hope. The Junkions had been there for much longer than we were, and I saw the toll captivity had taken on them.

As you know by now, I have been asked to take over as General for Earth Defence Command. I am going to take some time weighing my options, but know that I'd consider it an immense honour to lead you into battle as your Supreme Commander.

I'm going to take several personal days to clear my head, rest up, and visit my family. I'd like to meet with as many of you as I can to thank you personally for your efforts in the past few weeks.

- Marissa Faireborn

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/137                    Posted        Author NONE OF YOU IS AS GOOD AS ME GRIML Thu Jul 09   Grimlock -- "NONE OF YOU IS AS GOOD AS ME GRIMLOCK!" *He...certainly is to the point, isn't he?* "Me Grimlock am toughest and strongest and fightiest and best looking Autobot. EVAR. But that no mean you other chump-bots no can't GET BETTER. If you try real, real hard, maybe you be like half as good as him Swoop or something. Maybe." "Us Autobots no have good stuffs to smash on here earth- 'cuz ME GRIMLOCK drive them 'cons 'way from humie base when me Blue and me Grimlock talk funny. But now me Grimlock say you LAZY!" "So me Grimlock say is time for TRAINING STUFFS. Is MANDATORILY! That mean you have to go there 'cuz me Grimlock say so! You go, or me Grimlock DRAG you there!" *Blip!* OOC: Yes, Grimlock's gonna run some training stuff. Page and/or E-mail Grim with times you're available-ish!
 * Blip! It's Grimlock!*

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/138                    Posted        Author Septi-cons is dumb! Sat Jul 11   Grimlock -- "Hnn. Him Avvy-lanche and, uh...some Helicopter guy and Sharkticon thing show up while ago. Thems showed up AT METROPLEX. THey stupids." "Thems run 'way 'fore Metroplex explode them, though. Me dissapointed. Me Grimlock smash him Avalanche good, though! Also, him Whirl and him Decibel and him Hound run off other 'cons. Good job n' stuff." *Blip!*
 * Blip! Grimlock!*

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/139                    Posted        Author Michael Bay                       Sat Jul 11    Rodimus Prime -- Text only.

"Re: Michael Bay

Magnus, Kup, Grimlock, see me about plans to rescue this guy. We'd better get him out of Decepticon hands before they make a sequel."

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/140                    Posted        Author REVIEW: My Actions                Sun Jul 12    Nate Briar --

TO: EDC and Autobot Command FROM: Nathaniel Briar SUBJECT: My Actions Regarding Unidentified Flying Object

This is a strange request coming from a Colonel asking for a peer review but giving light of the situation, I would prefer to have this reviewed by both Autobot Command as well as EDC Command.

Last night in San Fran, an object known only as Anubis was sighted. Sam and I engaged the object without combat. As per EDC protocol, I offered the object several times a chance to surrender peacefully and the Anubis refused. Autobot Vigil engaged as well in assistance on this issue. Anubis is claiming to be under the will of a master and is here to be a judge and bringer of death for whom it judges. I informed the target that I have to detain it due to several violations and suggested that we transfer it to the Autobots for a proper trial. Unit then proceeded to assault Sam in which case Sam and I responded with firing a round. Sam missed his shot and I went for one of my heavier hits which was to attempt to paralyze the unit.

Now, I would like ask for a review being that Andi Lassiter believes that my actions were inappropriate on the issue. So much that she referred to me as a jackass. My review is not about insubordination but on the fact that an unknown and unregistered mechanoid is attempting to be a judge and bringer of death. Witnesses involved would be Jayson Redfield, Sam, and Vigil. I am seeking counsel on this issue and I believe if I did anything wrong, I would like to know what the proper protocol in handling an unknown flying weapon is.

-Colonel Nathaniel Briar

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/141                    Posted        Author TARGET: Anubis                    Sun Jul 12    Nate Briar --

TO: EDC Personnel and Autobot Command FROM: Nathaniel Briar SUBJECT: Capture the Anubis

With my review going on, I am still issuing the assignment to bring the Anubis to justice. Proceed with extreme prejudice. Unit is armed and has taken an aggressive stance on the EDC by hitting Lieutenant Sam's exo. Unit is not afraid to fight in heavily populated areas and has a fast speed. Target is able to be damaged by heavy firepower. However I am issuing the command to have the target taken in alive and detained. After being detained if Rodimus Prime allows for it, the Anubis will be transferred to the Autobots for review and evaluation. This is a high priority as the suspect is now being classified as a Level Five Terrorist. Also, any connections found to this unit will be considered as a threat as well. Obviously someone is fueling, armoring, arming and repairing this. If the Anubis believes it can bring people to justice, then let's give it a taste of its own medicine!

-Nathaniel Briar

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/142                    Posted        Author Re: Anubis                        Sun Jul 12    Rodimus Prime -- Rodimus, sitting at his messy, messy desk.

"Nate, I take it you want us reviewing this Anubis guy due to his suspected alien origins? Fair enough. One way or another, we do need to clear this nonsense up, and the only way we're going to be able to do that is if we can actually question this 'Anubis.' Right now, according to Nate's incident report, we've got an unidentified war machine claiming to work for an unspecified 'master', threatening to kill whoever it 'judges' based on an unknown set of criteria, who's now attacked one a member of the EDC who was seeking answers. Vigil, get with me to confirm events, but based on what I've heard, I'm inclined to agree with Briar's assessment. Autobots, if the EDC needs help in bringing this joker in, give it. If you encounter the exo, alert the EDC and then attempt to bring him in yourselves. Prime, out."

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/143                    Posted        Author Anubis, Cont                      Sun Jul 12    Rodimus Prime -- Rodimus Prime, at his desk, again.

"I've received more information concerning this 'Anubis' person... machine... whatever. First, Vigil suspects that Cybertronian technology might be involved. This is unconfirmed, but it definitely makes it our business. Second, he was reportedly spreading anti-Autobot rhetoric. That by itself isn't much of an issue. Whatevers-he-is doesn't like us? Fine, people - or whatever - are entitled to their own opinions. Whatevers not liking us, using Cybertronian technology, flying unauthorized war vehicles through EDC airspace while resisting arrest and making proclamations of judgment and death? A bit more of a problem. Third. Both Andi and Jayson claimed to be able to 'vouch' for them. Nate, honestly, I'd suggest you start your investigation there. Nightbeat, if he wants help from your division, get on it. Also, Vigil, specifically, has been assigned to aid in this case, and Grimlock appears... eager to help. That's all, again. Prime, out."

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/144                    Posted        Author Re: Anubis                        Sun Jul 12    Nightbeat -- Text Only

Colonel Briar, consider my services and the services of Autobot Intel to be at your disposal in this matter. Sure hope this joker ain't Quintesson-related. Hear they're real big on judgement an' all.

For his sake.

Us Autobots ain't really big on Quintessons.

End of File.

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/145                    Posted        Author Contaminants                      Sun Jul 12    Nightbeat -- Nightbeat appears, grimacing. He reports, "So, uhm. Some of our energon supplies are contaminated. I've put a pull order on the contaminated energon, so don't worry about running into it now. Shotglass and Sixpack'll handle it. As for the contaminants, looks like a mix of uppers. Gonna get to the bottom of this bottle, mark my words."

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/146                    Posted        Author Bee News: Confidential! Sun Jul 12   Bumblebee -- Bumblebee has prepared a report to Autobot Command!

"Rodimus,

"I've begun investigating this Anubis debacle. The more I dig into this, the worse it is getting. I fear we are treading into a situation in which once light is shed upon the truth, the consequences of that truth may shake our friendship with the people of Earth. I have a lead but I am afraid this lead may be inappropriately be leaked and I am not ready to lay all of my cards on the table. However, I apologize in advance for any .. incidents.. that may arise with Powerglide and Tailgate, who are assisting me in this investigation. I will deliver a more detailed explanation in person, hopefully after I've checked into one more source."

Signed, BUMBLEBEE

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/147                    Posted        Author Space Laser Copernicus            Mon Jul 13    Rodimus Prime -- Voice only.

"The Decepticons have got their laser operational, and that means taking it out is now top priority, meaning more important than this Anubis nonesense. We're going to avoid blasting it from a distance, because that increases the risk of knocking the whole space station into the Earth without a lot of contol over where it lands. So we're going to be forming a crack insertion team to get onto the station itself and disable it from the inside, with blasting it out of space from the outside being an emergancy last resort sort of thing. Either way, be ready to move on this at a moment's notice. In the meantime, I want teams out there helping to evacuate the expected path of the laser. Luckily it's moving pretty slow, but that doesn't mean we should just sit back and let the Decepticons chop apart pieces of the Earth as they see fit. Prime, out."

OOC note: We'll be posting a +tpinfo date for the actual attempt on the space laser, but folks can RP out evacuating people from the danger zone (border between the US and Mexico) any time they want.

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/148                    Posted        Author El Mexico Campo de Batalla        Tue Jul 14    Tempo --                ** Written Message **

From: Tempo To: All Subject: Field Report in Mexico

Gears, Decibel, and I meet up with Vigil in Mexico. We were taken on by several Decepticon forces. Dropzone, Snapdragon, and two others I believe. We were able to evacuate most of the town and everyone did a great job. However for part of the battle, I was knocked out by Snapdragon, when coming back online, I found that two members of EDC(I think two members), were also in the fray. Both shortly left and I went to help one so that they could leave before getting killed by Snapdragon.

Snapdragon and I continued our battle; I was the last member apparently still in combat, at least from what I can remember. I believe Vigil went off to go take care of something. Gears and Decibel continued to move civilians out of the location. By the end of the battle both Avalanche also showed up, though I am not sure where he came from, and stood by to watch Snapdragon. I was defeated by Snapdragon, but I made sure he got his aft-whooping before he took me down.

Fireflight-came to my rescue, and I believe a few others were also in that aid. We lost the battle, but human lives were saved, so I call it a win for life.

- Tempo

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/149                    Posted        Author SECURITY: Dee-Kal is Banned       Tue Jul 14    Nate Briar --

!!!URGENT MESSAGE!!! FROM: Nathaniel Briar TO: EDC Personnel, Autobot Command SUBJECT: Dee-Kal is Banned from the EDC FLAG: Urgent BODY:

Due to a public attack on a radio frequency, Dee-Kal has been now lost all privileges to the EDC. She is no longer welcomed on our base unless she is with Rodimus Prime and there is a reason of why she is being there. Her actions in the past have been questionable and she has been on a thin line for quite some time. Now with the most recent personal attack on me, I am revoking the rogue Autobot. If she is seen near the EDC facilities, she is to be escorted off the property and Autobots are to be notified that she is trespassing. If she continues this behavior, we will be forced to treat her as a rogue and escalate into a more aggressive method.

She is banned from all EDC communications and access points as well. She is no longer a welcomed guest to our faction. Thank you for your cooperation on this issue. Autobots, I am sorry to have to do this but I cannot tolerate insubordination.

Attached Audio File: <Earth> Auto-Junk Dee-Kal says, "Sir Nate you are rude and stuck up!.."

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/150                    Posted        Author The Truth is Out There            Tue Jul 14    Decibel --
 * Spinny fades to black replaced by Decibel sitting at a terminal in the Intel Center of Metroplex **

Last cycle while doing my usual scan of the airwaves I overheard some rather unexpected news. The Decepticons are reporting that Cyclonus is dead. Yeah, you heard that right dead, gone, poof. Word is he exploded someplace and has already been recovered with his remains scheduled to be recycled on Friday. Now I'm not sure I buy all of this but it's something worth looking into. I'll update if I manage to uncover anything further. Any additional outside intelligence as to the veracity of these claims would be greatly appreciated. Decibel out.


 * The spinny returns**

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/151                    Posted        Author Me Swoop Kick Butt! Tue Jul 14   Swoop -- Swoop appears! And he looks like crap! His face is battered and he waves to the camera with half an arm.

"Hello! This is me Swoop! Me want to let you Autobots know that me beat up Deceptycon! Me never got his name, but he turn in to sub-thing and jet-plane."

A few seconds of static and a shot of a pile of Pepsi products and busted vending machines appears. Offscreen, Swoop continues.

"Him was after soda stuff. Not sure why. Maybe he really thirsty? Oh yeah, me not know if you know this, but soda machines turn in to mean robots now. Anyway, that all!"

The video stops abruptly.

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/152                    Posted        Author Attack on Metroplex               Wed Jul 15    Rodimus Prime -- For a period of time around 9:30 PM on the 15th of July, Metroplex received a blast of enormous power from the Decepticons' orbiting space station. It was swiftly restored to back-up systems, but currently Teletraan Two is offline and the computers are being run remotely from AUNTIE, the main computer system on the Orion Pax (Primus help us all). It is on these systems that this report appears. Rodimus Prime is in the damaged area of Metroplex, working his way through the wreckage and lit by the emergency lights. He appears to be searching, possibly for injured personel.

"I'm making this short and sweet. Station Copernicus is being dealt with tomorrow. We've got permission from the EDC to destroy the base if that's what it takes, and if that's what it takes, we will. Damage Control teams are working around the clock, repairs are already in progress. Initial reports show that casualties are, thankfully, light. Chromedome is working on cleaning Teletran Two's systems - says the virus was more show than anything, but I want to be sure. Either way, Magnus, Kup, Nightbeat, Jetfire, Grimlock. You've all got a lot of work to do. Watch and patrol schedules, supply lines, all of that should be assumed compromised. Make new ones. We also need new cryptographic keys and firewall procedures. Everyone else, if you get tapped to help with this, do it.

"But tomorrow, the Decepticons are learning that there's a long way down from orbit.

"Prime, out."

OOC note: You can assume Teletran Two is back up as soon as tomorrow.

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/153                    Posted        Author The Break In                      Wed Jul 15    Decibel --
 * No spinny. The screen is infact nothing but stactic at first fading to black before finally Decibel appears on camera. He appears to be in the Command Center of Metroplex, though it is hard to tell. The roof is missing and the crews are moving all ablout to repair and tarp it. Behind him is Teletran Two now flashing a virus warrning non-stop across all monitors. **

Decibel here reporting from what was once the command center. Due to a glaring security error the Decepticon Fleet managed to infiltrate not only the outer perimeter of Metroplex but he made it into the lobby. I just happened to be passing and discovered his ruse.

It doesn't end there. He was a diversion, his objective seems to have been to deliver a trio of tapes into the city. This unit managed to elude capture long enough to reach Teletran Two. *Images of Americon, Frenzy and Wiretap flash across the screen* As Rodimus Prime has already reported the system was compromised. Until Chromedome is done and we're back online there is know way to know what if anything they were able to gain from their hacking. All three were able to make good their escape thanks to the hole blasted through the roof thanks to the Copernicus Station.

I would like to thank all of those that responded swiftly to the priority alert when the infiltraion was first discovered. *The screen slowly displays Eject, First Aid, Vigil and Raptor* I would also like the thank Colonel Briar for offering EDC support. A special thanks also goes out to Fred the technician who was willing to give his arms to defend Metroplex. *A gumby tech is shown who looks very much the worse for wear*

**Blip**

** The screen goes black before the Autobot symbol returns **

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/154                    Posted        Author Teletran Two                      Thu Jul 16    Crosscheck -- /***The Autobot spinny disappears and is replaced by Crosscheck's face**/

"This is Crosscheck reporting from Autobot City command center. I took the liberty to give a hand to Chromedome and we completed the repairs on Teletran two. I quickly analyzed the virus and indeed he does not seem particulary dangerous. I reprogrammed Teletran's anti-virus to detect the kind of algorithm the Decepticons used. So Teletran two is back online."

"Crosscheck out."

/***Spinny!***/

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================================================================= ================================== Autobot =================================== Message: 3/155                    Posted        Author Bee News: Investigation Update    Thu Jul 16    Bumblebee -- Bumblebee has prepared an update to his report to Autobot Command!

"Rodimus,

"I have met with Andi Lassiter and was able to confirm our concerns. This is a delicate matter and we will need to discuss this in person before you formulate your next step."

Signed, BUMBLEBEE

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