Hephaestus: Hostage Rescue

Summary: As the Decepticons sail the captured supertanker Hephaestus back to NCC, the Autobots mount an organized response. Priority one is to free the human crew still on board, now being used as hostages. A close second is to stop or recapture the ship. Two Autobot strike forces head for the Hephaestus - one to keep the Decepticons main force occupied, the other to infiltrate the ship...

 Rodimus Prime says, "Autobots, it's time."

You move north to the Landing Pad...

Landing Pad 

''The smell of heated tarmac hits you first as you survey the landing and liftoff point for all flights to Cybertron. The wreckage of previous battles here are off to the back in a jumbled heap. To the southeast is the massive form of Autobot City itself, a bit battle-scarred, but still operational. Surrounding you on all other sides are forests of large conifer trees.''

''The spaceport absolutely sparkles with a new shine - in fact, it's almost blinding in direct sunlight. Spots are a thing of the past, and each building has a brand new coat of paint. Even the *scrap* piles look like they've been cleaned off and straightened up.''

Room Contents: Quickswitch Sopwith Camel 2F1  Scorch Frostbite Rodimus Prime Penumbra Autobot Shuttle < Ol' Rusty > Autobot Hovercraft  Autobot Hovercraft  Autobot Shuttle  Autobot Sensor #6596 Shuttle Terminal - Autobot City

Kup has arrived.

Penumbra is up a ladder doing touch up paint work on a shuttle hull. Hearing the call, however, Penumbra puts away his airbrush and climbs down. "I've always wanted to get a closer look at the ocean." *repose*

Sopwith Camel 2F1  touches down and transforms almost too quickly, having to put one emerging hand down to avoid faceplanting in front of the gathering group. "Do you want an escort, or you want everyone all together?" From the Aerialbot's glances up and around, it's apparent he'd prefer to fly under his own power.

The F-4's nose and tail fold up as white arms and legs emerge from the jet's underbelly. The landing gear retracts as Fireflight's head pops up from the robot torso.

Scorch wanders in having nothing better to than follow the masses that seem to be gathering. Of course he has no idea what is going on so just sort of stands around nodding now again as if to make himself look like he's paying attention..despite nobody saying anything.

Kup is here, being quiet and ready to go to work. He's checked and rechecked his weapons and systems. He's not saying a whole lot - this is work time. He's keeping an audio circuit peeled for Rodimus' orders, but besides that, he's just waiting to move out.

Blaster flashes a cheerful grin. "All right! It's gonna be some party." He walks over and joins the others. "Frostbite, Quickswitch...you boys ready for some delicate work?"

Quickswitch enters the landing pad, at a slower pace. He looks uncertain, from time to time looking decisively resolved, but once again unsure of joining this particular battle, but, he is needed here. A slight smile.

Quickswitch says, "Yeah.."

Frostbite enters the landing pad alongside Blaster, remaining largely silent as his blue optics peer around at the other mechs assembled. He makes a low sound in his throat as he stretches, then answers the Autobot Tapemaster with a simple, "Yes, sir." To be honest, though, he's more than ready to get going on this mission.

Rodimus has been sequestered in the meeting room all afternoon long, going over schematics for the ship, escape routes, and attempting to time this operation down to the second. In such a short span of time, perfection is impossible but the lives of those crewmen still on the tanker are important. As the time for the assault approaches, the Autobot leader makes his way from the command center up onto the landing pad. Each Autobot present is greeted with a nod of recognition as he climbs up onto a hovercraft ramp and turns to address the group.

"Sky Spy reports that 1/3 of the crew have been executed or killed in the short time since the Decepticons took over the tanker." He begins. "We're not going to allow them to kill even a single human this evening. The tanker itself is likely still loaded with oil, so keep check on your weapons fire, we don't want to cause structural or catastrophic damage that would sink it and cause an ecological disaster. Group b will be making their way down to the engineering section after we distract the main force of defenders. Until then, keep your targets distracted and your minds on task."

Penumbra makes a triangular glance about his weaponry. Rapier: check. Laser: check. Arm-mounted dart launcher: check. Yup, nothing here that might put a hole in a boat... or a Decepticon for that matter ;)

Blaster speaks in a lower voice to Frosbite and Quickswitch while Rodimus briefs the others. "So we're gonna be the Group b that Rodimus is talking about. Our job is to make it down to the engine room, and then plant some of these explosive charges that Foxy and the Jazzman cooked up. Word on the street is that nothing bigger than 7 feet tall can fit through some of the bulkheads and doorways down there. Frostbite can make it easy, but I'll have to stay in Boombox mode most the time. Quickswitch, word is you might be able to come along with us too."

Blaster confers quietly with Frostbite and Quickswitch, then looks up at Rodimus again. "Group B is standing by, boss." He tosses a small explosive device up and down in his hands. "Just get us onboard, we'll take care of the rest."

Scorch the wellspring of intellect that he is keeps on nodding as everyone gathers up them promptly stops as soon as Rodimus begins to speak. Half listening he perks up at 'weapons fire' 'catastrophic damage' and 'targets' paying little attention to anything else that's said. Knowing he has all the important information he gives a short reply of, 'Me Scorch am ready to do ready to be done stuff.'

Quickswitch whispers to Frostbite and Blaster: That won't be a problem. I've got a pistol mode about that size. Self propelled.

Rodimus Prime nods slowly, smiling at Scorch's reply. "You Scorch, smash lots of Decepticons. No humans though." Taking a moment to check his own weapons he finally says. "Everyone, load up."

Foxfire has arrived.

Frostbite nods once to Blaster as his ears twitch. Apparently, from what Rodimus says, it's time to get this mission underway.

Catastrophic damage? Fireflight's done that before... he looks vaguely worried as he checks his usual sidearm. Maybe he should practice with sharp objects more often for times like this?

Exo-suit Glaive Unity  has arrived.

Penumbra nods to all with a confident and charming smile. "Here's to staying dry and bringing humans home alive." He rechecks his arm-mounted dart launcher and then unholsters his sidearm blaster.

"Oy..." A voice comes from Blaster's chest. "Did I miss anything?" The tapedeck opens, and a cassette ejects, transforming in midair and revealing itself to be Foxfire. He lands gracefully on his paws. He flicks his ears, glancing around at the assembled Autobots. "Guess not." He then yawns.

Frostbite gives Foxfire a grin. "Just in time," he greets his fellow tape before he trots towards the Defender II. "Come on, we've got to get going."

Rodimus Prime enters the Autobot Hovercraft .

Penumbra enters the Autobot Hovercraft .

Kup enters the Autobot Hovercraft .

Scorch enters the Autobot Hovercraft .

Exo-suit Glaive Unity  enters the Autobot Hovercraft .

Frostbite enters the Autobot Hovercraft .

You enter the Autobot Hovercraft .

Autobot Hovercraft <Defender II>

''The interior of the hovercraft is cramped, yet spacious enough to accomodate a few Autobots at a time. At the front of the vehicle is a pair of seats which overlook the area through a wrap-around windshield. There are many control panels and monitors which survey the area and adapt the hovercraft's systems to the surroundings. In the middle of the hovercraft is a pair of benches lined against the wall, for the other passengers to sit if they choose. At the very rear is a cargo hold to store any necessary equipment or anything that is discovered.''

Quickswitch has arrived.

Penumbra looks around the interior. "Um, hey. Can I drive?" He winks.

Foxfire has arrived.

Fireflight has arrived.

Quickswitch hrms, looking around at the inside of the hovercraft. Why come along like this when he can go as himself?

Because Quickswitch is an elitest that thinks he's too /goooood/ to ride along with his fellow Autobots? ;)

Rodimus Prime moves aside. "If you'd like to pilot the craft, feel free."

<Decepticon> Astrotrain says, "Anybody ever tells you not to touch the big red button? Don't touch the big red button."

Penumbra nods and grins. He takes the pilot seat and goes through the system check and warm up.

From Exo-suit Glaive Unity <Michael Briar>, Michael Briar steps into the hovercraft with his rail rifle resting on his shoulder. He says, "Someone said something about an assault with an approperate size of force? About damn time I'd say..

Foxfire bounds into the hovercraft after the others. He starts toward a passenger seat, then stops, musing for a moment. "So if we crash and die, we get to blame Penumbra. Fair enough."

<Decepticon> Arachnae says, "Better not be *MY* big red button."

<Decepticon> Mother Goose Fusillade says, "But Galvatron let me and Blitzwing mash the button that launched a grenade to Torqulon! It was awesome."

<Decepticon> Astrotrain says, "What!?"

<Decepticon> Blueshift says, "Arachnae's big red button isn't actually that big. Or red."

<Decepticon> Fulcrum says, "I was not aware you had a big red button, Arachnae."

<Decepticon> Astrotrain says, "Blitz you suck!"

<Decepticon> Mother Goose Fusillade says, "I...I..."

<Decepticon> Thrust says, "Wait wait wait wait wait."

<Decepticon> Fulcrum says, "Hrm. Where did I leave those blueprints.."

<Decepticon> Arachnae says, "Well, if Galvatron let you push that button, that's fine. Just leave mine alone."

<Decepticon> Thrust says, "What were you doing mashing Arachnae's button, Fusillade?"

<Decepticon> Thrust says, "Or -- wait, no, question stands."

<Decepticon> Scavenger says, "Time to cut off all you energon drunks."

<Decepticon> Arachnae says, "Ooh, South Pacific..."

<Decepticon> Astrotrain says, "Yeah why not. I'm recovered from various button-related incidents."

<Decepticon> Arachnae says, "Wait, no, labwork. Ive got some paperwork here.. and.. and.. Oooh.. what's this.. Hmmmm... oh.. wow.."

<Decepticon> Blitzwing says, "It was a great button, Astrotrain, you would've liked it."

<Decepticon> Astrotrain says, "Shaddup!"

Rodimus Prime takes a seat near the front of the cockpit. "Foxfire, those explosives we talked about, are they ready?" He asks as he straps himself into the chair

Blaster taps the side of his head. "That reminds me...from here on out, let's keep our voices down on our command channel. Anything we say there could be intercepted by the Decepticons. I've got an ear out for them too, but if we encrypt our channel it'll be a dead giveaway that we're on our way."

Penumbra glances back. "Explosives secure? Afts strapped in?"

Frostbite glances over at Foxfire with a smirk, but curls up in a chair and waits for them to get going.

Fireflight looks very much like he'd rather be flying there under his own power, but nods in Blaster's direction as he braces himself against a wall. Some afts just aren't made to fit in chairs easily.

Foxfire hops into his seat before nodding an affirmative at Rodimus. "They're all set and ready, chief."

Rodimus Prime says, "Blaster, once we get close enough to the tanker, encrypt the broadband channel."

Quickswitch is not an elitist. He can just perform to quite a varied capacity. He sits back, observing attentively, waiting to see what this hovercraft can do.

Scorch takes a seat and tries to get comfortable with much fuss.

<Decepticon> Galvatron says, "... I'm going to pretend I'm not hearing this. And where is Soundwave?"

<Decepticon> Blitzwing says, "Last I saw him he was monitoring his tapes so they made sure to let the humans out occasionally for gases or solar radiation or whatever it is they need that keeps us from just putting them into the crude cryostorage vault they have attached to their fuelling center."

<Decepticon> Astrotrain says, "Oooh hey boss! Ya out ta blow a bot to smithereens tonight!?"

<Decepticon> Fulcrum says, "Vodka."

<Decepticon> Fulcrum says, "Humans require vodka."

Outside, You cruise the vast distance south to the East Central Pacific.

 ( travel spam... ) 

- Outside, West Central Pacific

Outside, ''Huge, ominious cumulus clouds block out the sky in a climate of heavy, year-round rainfall, the brisk winds stirring the gray waters into choppy waves. Lightning flashes, forked tongues of fire reaching down from the heavens to strike at the dull, heaving ocean below. Though, in less than a few hours, the wind sweeps the clouds away to reveal the bluest of skies above, bringing the ocean back to sparkling blue life again. The seas are prolific with sharks, tuna, marlin, rays, and even turtles, attracting deep sea fishing and reef diving.''

Outside, Room Contents: Decepticon Shuttle Inexplicably VTOLized F-15 Eagle <Thrust> A Freakin' LION <Razorclaw> MiG-25 "Foxbat" Snapdragon Fulcrum UNS Supertanker Hephaestus Marshall Islands

<Decepticon> Blitzwing says, "Thanks, I'll make sure to get some of that the next time I take a hostage... hey, I have an enemy shuttle on my radar."

<Decepticon> Galvatron says, "Depends on the 'mech... and if the Autobots are coming soon or not."

<Decepticon> Galvatron says, "Speak of the slagheaps, and they doth appear."

<Decepticon> Astrotrain says, "If ya go all 'Starscream' on one of em, can I have the ashes? I got an art project in mind..."

Outside, Several of the aerial Decepticons are circling the perimeter of the Heph on Combat Air Patrol. As they call in the approaching bogie, the few humans on the deck are quickly ushered back down into the ship by the tapes who are assigned to handle the hostages.

Kup has left.

Exo-suit Glaive Unity <Michael Briar> has left.

Rodimus Prime has left.

Scorch has left.

Fireflight has left.

Penumbra has left.

Blaster transforms into boombox mode.

Almost completely silent, the small saboteur Foxfire shifts into his tape mode.

Frostbite crouches and folds into a small white cassette.

Quickswitch shrinks down into his seriously pistol mode.

Quickswitch has left.

<Autobot> Blaster has encrypted this channel.

Outside, Inexplicably VTOLized F-15 Eagle <Thrust> is, in fact, part of that combat air patrol.

Outside, From inside > Ravage strolls along the deck infront of the main bridge. Gazing around at who is where. Hey! The mighty lord Galvatron has come to check on their progress no doubt he is very impressed with the flawlessness of my work. The jaguar is content on staying there watching, seeing and being seen.

Outside, Fulcrum hangs in the air high above the deck of the huge human ship, surveying the horizon with arms folded across his chest.

<Decepticon> Scavenger says, "My policy on the Autobots. The three R's. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle."

<Decepticon> Thrust says, "Well, I have the three S's. Shoot, scrap, and... um... sss... er, sss-kill."

<Decepticon> Thrust says, "Shoot, scrap, and skill."

<Decepticon> Thrust says, "Wait."

<Decepticon> Scavenger says, "It's okay, Thrust."

<Decepticon> Thrust says, "No, I'll get this eventually."

<Decepticon> Thrust says, "For now, let's skill these Autobots."

You leave the Autobot Hovercraft <Defender II>. West Central Pacific

From inside > A few of the humans were indeed on deck, which are soon filing past Airwolf. For the most part, they're in fairly good shape, with relatively few injuries -- it seems to have been all or none when the ship was initially commandeered. Glances ridden with fear and hatred are levelled in Airwolf's direction.

Several sets of Seekers, mostly MiGs and some American aircraft, are scouring the skies as distressingly erratic intervals that make it nigh impossible to predict a good time to insert spies. At least, that's the theory. Fusillade is on deck, reporting in to an irate looking Galvatron, even as Ravage pads up. "I'm sure none of the casualties were a result of this particular unit's work, however." She tenses visibly at the Emperor's commentary on radio, and begins to glance about on the ocean horizon.

Decepticon Shuttle cuts across the sky, coming in from suborbital altitudes. Is he at the scene yet? No...but the Atrain is on his way, that's for sure, blazing down from above with all the subtlety of a hurtling comet about to destroy an entire city while Bruce Willis screams, "NOooooo!"

<Autobot> Rodimus Prime says, "No way to be subtle now. Get us up to the deck as quickly as possibly Foxfire, hide until the opportune moment. On my signal Blaster will release you to go below deck"

<Autobot> Saboteur Foxfire says, "Got it."

Brawl enters the UNS Supertanker Hephaestus.

From inside > As Blitzwing's transmission comes through, Galvatron looks around. "Well... the time has come. Let's go see what force the Autobots have brought our way, shall we?" He moves further up the length of the supertanker, looking around and shaking his head slowly. "All Decepticons, prepare for battle! Fire the moment they come into range!"

From inside > Airwolf hears word of the Autobot arrival and immediately heads to her station, the kitchen, the few prisoners being herded before her. Apparently her suggestion to Rodimus will come true a lot sooner than expected. Oh well, that's fine. She slips inside and begins a VERY quick lecture on what the humans have to expect for themselves, and of herself. She's both guard and protector, and in return for the latter, she must fulfill her duty as the former. How long has it been since she's actually used her rifle? Can't even recall offhand... Don't damage the hull, she reminds herself, remembering some comments she'd overheard.

Galvatron emerges from the UNS Supertanker Hephaestus.

Galvatron moves majestically into the area.

Scrapper emerges from the UNS Supertanker Hephaestus.

Brawl emerges from the UNS Supertanker Hephaestus.

Since there is so much open ocean, hiding the approaching hovercraft is nearly impossible. The only defense the Autobots have on their side is speed and the element of surprise. Rodimus begins issuing orders as soon as the tanker is within sight. "When we arrive, fire the grappling hooks and get up on deck. We'll evacuate the crew as quickly as we can. Once we've got a clear path, Team B will make their run down below deck and disable the engines. I'm told that Governor Airwolf is on board, if she fires at you then you may return fire but be careful. She is guarding the humans. Wherever she is, they're nearby."

Currently sprawled along the southern side of the supertanker's deck, the massive lion known as Razorclaw has been prone for a long number of hours now. Since the middle afternoon he's been here, laid out and what one could only assume is basking in the sun that he can't really feel nor need. In fact, given his complete lack of mobility and the dull ebb of his eyes, the Predacon Commander seems to be -napping-. This all changes when Galvatron's voice booms out those commands, however; as the Decepticon forces rally, Razorclaw's head lifts up in a slow, lazy cant, optics drifting towards the sky. His body lifts, slow as molasses, and a mechanical yawn of sorts escapes his lips. "... hrrrmf..." Those glowing red eyes narrow ever so faintly. "Autobots? So much trouble..."

Penumbra smiles and one of his hands retract into his arm, replaced by a grappling hook. He nods to Rod and goes, "Arrrrr." His laser blaster in his other hand, Penumbra looks to the supertanker. Whole lotta con-specks growing bigger.

MiG-25 "Foxbat" turns and burns back towards the tanker, transforming to touch down near Galvatron and point off into the distance across the water. "They're approaching on a hovercraft, across the surface. Gonna be quite a few if they're using the heavy craft, no doubt." He transforms again, taking his tank mode to settle down onto the deck.

Falling to the ground, Blitzwing folds himself inwards, armor locking into place and cannon snapping down as he becomes a battle tank.

From Exo-suit Glaive Unity <Michael Briar>, Michael Briar frowns as he's standing next to the exit, "If she's in my way...she's a target and she knows it." Though he does not like the idea, well, this is war and he knows Airwolf really has no choice in the matter. He'll just have to put her down easily if it comes to it. He takes in a big breath and hits the open hatch. No time like the present as he steps out and launches into he sky.

Decepticon Shuttle blazes a path across the clear sky, a glowing trail of heat left in his wake as he dips down towards the battle about to take place. "Aw yeah..." The triplechanger mutters, his form practically shaking with excitement as his superheated underside panels dissipate the glowing embers of re-entry as they were designed to do. "I ain't shot somethin in WAY too long. Look out Bots! The Train's gonna rooooooll over ya!" He proceeds to cut off his forward velocity in a dramatic ignition of retrothrusters, his entire form dipping up as the 'flying brick' decelerates at a rate that would kill a human passenger if he carried any. A dramatic forward flip follows as he transforms, parts spinning and interchanging, his rifle blasting from his back with a faint *BOOM* and snatched out of mid air in such a cool looking fashion that Neo would be sent crying home to his momma if he had one. Completing the flip, Astrotrain comes hurtling straight down to land all dramatically on the hull of the Supertanker, prepared for his mere presence to change the tide of battle! Or at least he was going to. Except he misses the tanker entirely and disappears into the ocean water with a thunderous *SPLASH*.

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

From inside > Ravage upon hearing of the approaching Autobots, Ravage dashes back into the bridge area, transforms into tape mode and enters the computer console. Taking command of the ship's various functions.

<Decepticon> Astrotrain panics. "Ahhh I can't see there's water everywhere!"

<Decepticon> Mother Goose Fusillade says, "Go UP you ninny!"

<Decepticon> Blitzwing says, "Grab the bottom of their hovercraft or something, Astrotrain."

<Decepticon> Astrotrain says, "Who you callin a ninny!?"

Scrapper is standing on the deck of the UNS Supertanker Hephaestus. The Constructicon did some research on the name. Hephaestus. The guy was known for building stuff. This is a good omen, Scrapper figured, given what the Hephaestus's ultimate fate may end up being. Scrapper idly plays around with his laser pistol, drawing it out of its hip holster and twirling it around his finger like a cowboy before aiming it. He's gotten pretty good at this, and so he looks pretty stylish now. He sees the Autobot hovercraft but isn't particularly worried. They have Galvatron here, after all. In fact, that calls for a, "Hail Galvatron!" Scrapper calls out at the order to prepare for battle.

<Decepticon> Darkwing says, "You missed the deck, Astrotrain? How is it you are even still alive after all this time?"

<Decepticon> Lord Scourge says, "I believe that would be you, Astrotrain."

<Decepticon> Astrotrain says, "I'm calling me a ninny?"

<Decepticon> Blitzwing says, "He spends a lot of time in space, not all of that time counts."

<Decepticon> Astrotrain says, "That...I don't..."

<Decepticon> Astrotrain says, "My head hurts."

<Decepticon> Scavenger says, "Water pressure?"

<Decepticon> Blaster says, "Do me a favor A-Train...if you see Bumblebee and Depthcharge down there then go easy on them, okay? I promised 'em they'd have the easy part!"

<Decepticon> Mother Goose Fusillade says, "Blow that hovercraft out from underneath their... oh, hello Blaster."

Inexplicably VTOLized F-15 Eagle <Thrust> maintains his flight pattern in the Air Combat Patrol until the Autobot shuttle approaches. "Autobots!" he crackles over the radio, as if half the faction weren't already noticing them. He dips and turns into an attack pattern, cruising toward the shuttle with the rest of the patrol. Missiles armed, of course.

<Decepticon> Mother Goose Fusillade says, "Sigh."

<Decepticon> Mother Goose Fusillade says, "Aerial units, close in on them."

<Decepticon> Astrotrain says, "Go easy! Go EASY!? I'll show ya 'easy on em!'"

<Decepticon> Astrotrain says, "...if I could find em. It's dark down here."

<Decepticon> Lord Scourge says, "You should be used to that."

Red Alert has arrived.

From inside > Airwolf keeps a careful optic on her charges, not only for their safety but for anyone who feels inclined to try to use the confusion to escape. She may not like this duty, but she committed to it. If any Autobots get this far, she hopes they're powerful enough to take her out quickly, but she doesn't intend to make it easy for them. What an odd, odd perspective, she muses to herself. While waiting, which is pretty nervewracking in of itself, she tells the humans that she bargained for their safety, and come what may, they should survive this unharmed. That's a lot of faith she's putting in Galvatron's word, isn't it? Well, in the unlikely case that he breaks his word to her, she's entitled to take action on her own.

<Decepticon> Arachnae says, "Watch out for the architeuthidae architeuthis."

<Decepticon> Blaster says, "Hmm...well maybe they ain't made it out here yet. They told us swimming underwater was slow work. Might as well come back up A-Train. Just watch for bubbles, and then swim in the other direction."

From inside > Making a face at the rather obvious chatter from Blaster, Fusillade shakes her head, and then finally takes to the air, transforming to her bomber mode, and sends a sharp IFF burst off. It gets the attention of a lot of folks, although it's intended for the wayward triple changer.

<Decepticon> Mother Goose Fusillade says, "Astrotrain, follow that squawk."

Fusillade emerges from the UNS Supertanker Hephaestus.

T-72 MBT mutters something about how he's not going to go pull out Astrotrain, he's got other fish to explode. His cannon elevates and fires a ranging shell towards the approaching Autobot hovercraft.

Blitzwing strikes Autobot Hovercraft <Defender II> with Long-Distant Shot.

T-72 MBT hits it! Wooo he's so awesome. He spins his pintle-mounted roof MG around for fun.

Penumbra frowns as Blitzwing's fire strikes the hovercraft. "You'll walk the plank, ya scurvy Decepticon dog!" As they come within range, Penumbra simultaneously starts firing his laser up at the tank and aims his hook for the edge of the deck.

Penumbra misses T-72 MBT with his Laser attack.

Astrotrain emerges from the waves just off the Port side of the supertanker a moment later. Or is that starboard? He never gets those right. His anti gravs humming steadily, he lifts into the air, coughing water for some strange reason, given that transformers don't exactly need to breathe. There is also a rather large octopus trying to make love to his arm, and he swats the amorous creature away with an irritated, "Shoo!" At this point, he rises up, just off the deck right next to where there other triplechanger is taking his pot shots. "So, who with the what now? I been outta the loop for a bit. Not that I care if I get to shoot some bots..."

<Commando> Blaster has joined this channel.

<Commando> Frostbite has joined this channel.

<Commando> Quickswitch has joined this channel.

<Commando> Red Alert says, "This is Red. I'm moving into position...I'm a bit slow, I'm not designed for water movement and these low sound emitting water thrusters...don't move me too quick. I should be able to find a place in the hull to break in within a few minutes.  How are you all doing on your end?"

<Commando> Foxfire has joined this channel.

Several Seekers tail after Thrust and Blitzwing, engines screaming as they bear down on the hovercraft. Hack and Slash go hot, peppering the whitecaps and the surface of the Autobot ship, just waiting for Autobots to show their face. Fusillade, in bomber mode, circles tightly around the supertanker, waiting to pounce on any interlopers. << GO SHOOT THEM! >> She barks out at Astrotrain.

Meanwhile, back in the kitchen, Willie Burns makes a face at Airwolf. "You expect us to believe that?! The moment Autobots get anywhere near us, you're just going to squish us!" He snorts unhappily.

A faint smirk appears on the face of Galvatron's as the Autobot hovercraft comes onward. He knows the Autobot leader has to be on board... and the chance to take down his old foe once more is all too compelling. "Decepticons... leave Rodimus Prime to me. He is mine!" (last repose, swear to God)

"The Autobot hovercraft," replies Blitzwing, swinging his turret over just a teensy bit to track Penumbra, who is returning fire from the deck of the Autobot ship. "It's full of Autobots," he explains. "We gotta kill 'em before they come steal our fuel and our hostages and blow up our loot."

Blitzwing strikes Penumbra with 125mm Smoothbore.

The moment Blitzwing strikes the hovercraft, Quickswitch slips out of the floating vehicle under a concealing spray of waves, as a very small object. A laser pistol. Balanced along his muzzle and chamber, is a boombox hanging by a shoulder strap. He raises back slightly under the weight and pushes internal, self-propelling thrusters toward the ship, keeping as low to the water as possible as he heads up one side of the mile long tanker, searching for a port-hole.

<Commando> Blaster says, "The music's started up here Red. We're about to make our move. You ready Switch? Once we get inside Frost and Foxy are in charge of planting the bomb. They can go places the rest of us can't. Remember buys, we gotta stop this thing, but not sink it. Red, you want to take charge of rescuing the hostages?  I'll be run interference and help out any way you guys can think of."

<Commando> Red Alert says, "Roger that. I am about to make my entrance."

<Commando> Foxfire chuckles. "No worries. These charges couldn't sink a rowboat.  Might leave a few dents, but they'll take the propulsion system out quickly."

Taking a slow step backwards, Razorclaw takes a long, silent moment to observe his surroundings. Unlike his fellow Decepticons, he doesn't seem too gung-ho about causing damage. Not in the traditional sense, at least. Instead, like any good predator, Razorclaw patiently observes his surroundings and his selection of prey. Without even the slightest hint of movement from the Predacon Commander, glowing crimson optics watch everything unfold around him. "... Hrrr. Not yet," he muses. He makes no move; the timing isn't ideal yet, and he's yet to find his perfect prey. He is, if anything, a patient creature.


 * BOOM* adds Blitzwing's cannon, a shell streaking out towards the Autobot craft to nail Penumbra. Good shot!

Red Alert is actually underwater. No, he can't naturally swim. He has a waterjet backpack on...and it's starting to run out of power. He's going to have to find a good spot...and soon. He's had himself painted a blueish green, so that he blends in with the water as best he can. He's underneath the supertanker, using the backpack to manuever to a good location. He checks the battery gauge and sighs, "2 minutes left...that should be enough." he thinks to himself. He's looking for a good spot to cut a hole. A hole that will create a diving bell effect which will let him enter the ship, but not flood and sink it. He keeps moving, remembering the plans he memorized. "Almost there..." he checks his rifle, making sure the silencer is firmly attached and then looks up. He's reached his location. A laser cutter extends from his wrist and he starts to go to work...slowly, so as to draw as little attention as possible if anyone is inside.

Rodimus steps out on the lip of the hovercraft, ducking as artillery fire erupts all around the approaching vehicle. Pressing a button on the edge of the door, several grappling hooks fire up and arch over to clasp the main deck rail. "Grab a zipline and move out Autobots....." Grasping the nearest line to him he gives it a firm tug and the line retracts up into the hook, pulling the Autobot leader up onto the boat. "Galvatron....release this prisoners and evacuate your troops and this battle won't be necessary..." Yeah, like that's going to happen.

<Commando> Quickswitch says, "Just looking for a porthole or somewhere... convenient to..."

<Commando> Red Alert says, "Acknowledged. Be certain you place them on the engine control emplacements. It will minimize damage, but be sure the job is done.  I'm about halfway through cutting my hole."

<Commando> Foxfire says, "Got it, Red."

<EDC> Michael Briar says, "All EDC units, we are approaching the supertanker. Move in and attack.  Beat those cons off the boat and free our men!"

From inside > Airwolf points out, strangely calm now that the fighting has started, "If the Decepticons wanted you all dead, you would be dead. Strategically speaking, you gentlemen and ladies? are hostages to prevent any full-powered attacks." Being unable to lie ensures that these people are getting a straight story, at least as she sees it. She listens to the roar of gunfire reverberating through the hull, loud clanks, and faint voices, fingering the trigger of her laser rifle. "I know it's a stretch, but I must ask you to trust me."

Scorch waits for the hatch to open and prepares to have some fun, especailly since he has no idea why they are where they are. Ignoring the idea of ropes and hooks he simply steps out the door and drops about a foot before his systems kick in and he takes to the air. Who needs sissy ropes when you can fly anyhow? As he races up along the side of the hull Scorch pulls his weapons from their magnetic clamps. "Me tink dis going to be funs. Me not gots to do smashing ting in long times." Taking a few pot shots at random Decepticons as he goes he heads for a nice spot to land and join the party.

<EDC> Aya Jones says, "I am in route Sir."

Chromia has arrived.

Penumbra spins as the round pierces him and goes right through his torso. Smoke waifs out his mouth in a puff before subsiding. A slight stagger and then recovery. His laser drops to his holster. His hook launches and latches onto the vessel. Penumbra zips up the line and flips over the edge onto the deck floor, the arm-mounted dart launcher points at the tank as he aims for the ridiculously impossible shot of shooting shock darts down the barrel of Blitzwing's cannon. Unlikely, but hey, Penumbra reaches for the stars, not just the clouds.

Penumbra misses T-72 MBT with his Shock-Dart attack.

Scrapper nods to the Decepticon Commander, "Aye aye, boss." He was going to leave the Chosen One to Galvatron anyway. Scrapper knows what his limits are, and the flaming avenger is many levels too high. Like Razorclaw, Scrapper is not too keen on causing insane amounts of damage. His reasoning is different, however. The Constructicon inches towards the edge of the supercarrier, takes aim at the hovercraft, and lets loose with a light laser blast.

Scrapper strikes Autobot Hovercraft <Defender II> with Laser Pistol - Low Setting.

Shockwave soars down into view from the skies above.

Shockwave has arrived.

Astrotrain floats off for a moment as Bliztwing gets into a shooting match with Penumbra, not so much as to give the other triplechanger a wider shooting range as to just avoid any chance that he's going to get caught in the crossfire. "Yeah yeah!" he grouses towards Fusillade's orders, priming his rifle and turning to point towards the hovercraft...and the various Autobots starting to arrive. Now who...?

With a loud clanging and clunking Blitzwing rearranges himself into his imposing humanoid form.

<Autobot> Security Chief Red Alert says, "This is Red-1. Operation Sneaky Ferret is commencing.  Red-1, out."

<Autobot> Penumbra says, "Got a thing for rodents, huh?"

<Autobot> Saboteur Foxfire audible suppresses a laugh. "First weasels, and now ferrets?"

<Autobot> Security Chief Red Alert says, "We'll talk about that later. Work to do.  Let's get to it."

<Autobot> Saboteur Foxfire says, "Yes, sir!"

Blitzwing tries to follow Penumbra with his turret as the Autobot invader boards their stolen vessel, darts pinging and spangling off of his thick turret glacis, but Penumbra lands heroically before Blitz can shoot him down. Not to be daunted, Blitzwing transforms, rising up to his full height of over thirty feet, and grins broadly, charging across the deck towards Penumbra fully intending to crack him across the face with one mighty fist. "You know what we do to pirates in the Decepticon Empire?"

Blitzwing misses Penumbra with his Left Hook attack.

From Exo-suit Glaive Unity <Michael Briar>, Michael Briar flies just above the water moving at about mach .5. Water surges up behind him as he pushes forward. He's there to cause damage, and by gum, he'll do it. Michael clicks off his weapon safeties causing them to hum with power. He lifts a rail rifle and takes a few pot shots at cons sitting around up top as he goes screaming by the side of the tanker.

Per Fusillade's orders, Thrust soars toward the decamping Autobots, his fans thrumming and rumbling loudly as if trying to compete with the booming roar of his engines. As if his assault on the ears were not enough, Thrust decides that more physicality is in order -- not to mention more noise, as a searing whine fills the air, of a missile headed toward Quickswitch!

Thrust misses Laser Pistol <Quickswitch> with his Missile attack.

<Commando> Blaster says, "Ready boys, we're almost in..."

<Commando> Red Alert says, "Making my final cut now. Once inside...I'll try to get a bead on the hostages."

<Commando> Foxfire says, "Ready as I'll ever be."

Dipping one wing low, Fusillade growls to herself as the hovercraft nears. Hack and Slash tail closely behind her, and break wide the moment they notice Autobots emerging. With a whoop, the two Su-27 Flankers surge forward, and wrecklesslu set upon Rodimus Prime and the Dinobot Scorch.

Fusillade unleashes her Over-Excited Redshirt Seekers attack on Rodimus Prime and Scorch, striking Scorch.

Penumbra ducks and weaves agiley under and around the mecha-golem. "Let me guess, you try to hold musical productions with them at sundown?" Penumbra swings his own fist around towards the 'small' of Blitzwing's back.

Penumbra misses Blitzwing with his Mr Fist attack.

Still smirking slightly, Galvatron levels his gaze on Rodimus Prime. "I could, Rodimus... but what would be the point? I savor our inevitable conflicts... unfortunately for you, this battle will be mine!" He leaps into the air towards the Autobot leader, rearing back his arm to deliver a backhanded blow.

Galvatron strikes Rodimus Prime with Backhand.

Red Alert finishes with the cuts he was making and a piece of the underside of the ship starts to fall to the ocean floor. He looks around him, making sure he hasn't been noticed. He reaches into his hip compartment as his faceplate slides in. He pulls out a flash grenade. It isn't a flashbang. No noise involved. Just a flash. He raises his arm into the hole and tosses it. FWHOOMP! It quietly emits a huge flash that would blind optics and eyes alike temporarily. He hits the water thrusters, using the last of the power, and pulls himself up into the boat. He rolls on the ground, staying low...aiming his commando rifle left and right. He sees nothing. He's in one of the underside bays and it's deserted. He leans down and whispers into his wrist, "This is Red-1. I am a go. Repeat, I am a go. Assessing situation."

Laser Pistol <Quickswitch> flies parallel along the hull, searching for a place to dissapear inside of it, when a high pitched whine crackles his circuits. He utters a nasty explaitive that ends in peals of laughter as he twists and dodges Thrust's missile, which collides with the hull above him. Once the fire and smoke clears, the sixchanger is... gone.

<Commando> Red Alert says, "This is Red-1. I am a go. Repeat, I am a go. Assessing situation."

<Commando> Quickswitch says, "We're in."

From inside > Airwolf is still barricaded behind the kitchen door/hatch. Being a ship, these doors seal very nicely, though it's pretty cramped in the room due to her size and the 24 EDC crewmen sharing this sanctuary. She's crouched by the door, rifle at the ready. She instructs the humans to overturn tables for additional protection. "Though I doubt any potential rescuers will use heavy arms that might endanger you. No, this is in case the fighting comes down here, and we get involved in a crossfire between the factions."

Blitzwing is receiving a reach-around! Although that usually goes from the other direction, so Blitzwing is confused. He blocks the attempt with his right hand and raises his knee sharply towards Penumbra's chin. "No, we make 'em walk the plank! Eheheh."

<Commando> Red Alert says, "Roger that. Any sign of the hostages on your end?"

<Commando> Foxfire says, "Sweet."

Blitzwing misses Penumbra with his RISING BUSTAAA WOLF attack.

Space-Gun <Shockwave> approaches the supertanker returning from a patrol. Granted his rank should exempt him from such tasks but logic dictates doing his share of the crappy work increases respect from fellow Decepticons by 6.32% He heard th e call on broadband about Autobots attacking his precious supertanker. He runs a threat assessment routine as usual, classifies and prioritizes targets.

Red Alert enters the UNS Supertanker Hephaestus.

Laser Pistol <Quickswitch> is suddenly surrounded in darkness as he travels through a duct, following sounds travelling along the pipes.

Quickswitch enters the UNS Supertanker Hephaestus.

You follow Quickswitch.

You enter the UNS Supertanker Hephaestus.

UNS Supertanker Hephaestus ''This is the EDC supertanker Hephaestus. It's three times the size of most supertankers and is able to carry millions of gallons of fuel. As well as tons of parts, and supplies for the ever hungry EDC army. Just because it's a supertanker, does not mean it's completely defenseless. Several laser cannons dot the deck as well trained gunners guard the ships precious cargo.''

Thing Contents: Laser Pistol <Quickswitch> Red Alert Airwolf

From outside > Rodimus Prime staggers back as he's struck by Galvatron's well-placed backhand before quickly rolling aside to evade the missiles fired at him by Fusillade. "Seems your troops can't follow orders. Too bad...." Prime stands quickly, bringing his rifle to bear against his age-old adversary to fire a low-level blast in his direction. "Much more of that and this tanker will be at the bottom of the ocean. What kind of prize is that?" The muzzle of his weapon glows with a faint blue hue as the bolt of energy discharges toward Galvatron.

From outside > Rodimus Prime strikes Galvatron with Photon Eliminator: <Warning Shot>.

From outside > Scrapper steps right up to the edge of the carrier. He caught a glimpse of some flying Autobot pistol, but then nothing. <<Oh oh>> he transmits, <<Quickswitch got through into the ship. Be on the lookout for him>>. The Constructicon isn't agile enough to go after him, but if the others end up calling for help, he'll head back inside to do so.

<Decepticon> Scrapper says, "Oh oh. Quickswitch got through into the ship. Be on the lookout for him."

From outside > Penumbra backflips, simultaneously moving his face quickly out of the way of the driving knee and attempting to swing his feet up around to kick the Blitzmeister in the tall standing head of his. "I already used the plank line you glitch-aft motherboard fragger."

From outside > Penumbra misses Blitzwing with his Das Boot attack.

From outside > "Where did he go?!" Thrust grunts, as far as a plane can really grunt. After a quick pass that turns up nothing, he decides to take his displeasure with being ducked out on the shuttle, intending to buzz it so closely that his fans make the windows rattle, if not explode.

From outside > Thrust strikes Autobot Hovercraft <Defender II> with compressed_air.

<OOC> Airwolf says, "Is everyone okay with turning off the stuff from the outside?"

<OOC> Blaster says, "Yes, please. :)"

From outside > Scorch hits the deck like a ton of bricks and has no sooner gotten himself all ready to play when he is fired upon. Slurring out a number of colorful metaphors he takes a few steps forward as more shots rain down upon him. Looking to his rifle he shrugs and takes aim at the trio that just took a pass at him. "Hmm me no tink dat was nice. Time me gets to doing da fun stuffs." Moments later his rifle is at the ready as he fires off a quick shot at the lead craft, Fusillade.

From outside > Scorch strikes B-1B Lancer with Pulse Laser Blast.

From outside >         Lowering himself into a hunkering crouch, Razorclaw's sharp gaze sweeps across the skies, eventually coming to settle on a single form streaking in from beyond. Not Transformer, but mechanical -- an exo-suit. The Predacon Commander snorts as Michael Briar approaches the supertanker. His body tenses, feeling the hull of the ship assaulted as Briar's rifle blazes. "... Now." His target selected, Razorclaw hardly wastes time. Instead of leaping after his prey and taking the fight airborne, Razorclaw opts for something else: his gaze focuses in, and without a second's hesitation, he fires off two rounds of concussive shells from the blasters mounted on his shoulder. His intent is to peg Briar with twin concussive bursts and send him veering off track in a most unpleasant way, should it connect.

From outside > Blitzwing and Name here are kung-fu fighting! They're fast as lightning! In fact it's a little bit frightening, but fortunately they have perfect timing. Blitzwing blocks high with his right wrist to stop the kick and and steps in, punching with his left. "Oh, sorry, I wasn't listening to your chatter, you people all kind of sound the same to me after a while."

From outside > Penumbra, that is.

This room is no longer broadcasting.

<Commando> Quickswitch says, "You're not as heavy as you look, sir."

<Decepticon> Blitzwing says, "Shockwave, Scrapper and Astrotrain, could you go inside and check on the humans? The Autobots are probably sending their tapes to go steal them."

<Decepticon> Galvatron says, "Yes, do make certain that Governor Airwolf is not left alone, would you?"

<Decepticon> Scrapper says, "Alright."

Boombox dangles from his shoulder strap. He manages to use an extendible antenna and the automated respooling mechanism on his strap to turn this way and that. :)

Red Alert raises from his laying down into a combat crouch, still pointing his rifle anywhere he hears a sound. He reaches out with his e-senses and scanners. He nods once, "This is Red-1, I have human life signs. Moving towards them." he starts to move through the underbelly of the ship slowly, rifle always at ready, aiming left and right through every cooridor he passes through. "ETA to location: 25 seconds." he continues moving down the pathways, headed towards the hatch.

One disadvantage to being barricaded in the kitchen is that Airwolf can't see or hear what's going on outside, other than the distant sounds of fighting. She's monitoring broadband, of course, but that's been mostly quiet. Last she heard was that Quickswitch was aboard. Hmmmm. He was one of the people she intended to speak with about the prison planet, but now's obviously not a good time. Shooting at him isn't likely to help, either. *Now*, she's starting to get nervous. Ah hah, something new over broadband. She listens, uncertain as to what it means outside of reinforcements en route.

Astrotrain descends into the bowels of the ship on a large freight elevator, his rifle raised and sitting casually on one shoulder as he looks like he's taking care of something irritating for someone else. Which probably isn't far off from how he feels to put it lightly. The flashing red warning lights aren't even finished before Astrotrain has stepped off and is soon walking down the hallways towards the direction of Airwolf's position. Rules don't apply to Astrotrain!

Scrapper enters into the ship along with Astrotrain, meeting up with him in the freight elevator. Scrapper taps his foot along with the elevator music and idly checks out his pistol's fuel cells, ensuring that they're fully charged. He isn't going to make /that/ mistake again! As the elevator reaches the end, Scrapper charges down the hallway behind the triplechanger, possibly planning on using Astrotrain as cover in case he gets shot at.

Laser Pistol <Quickswitch> floats through the internals of the tanker in the dark, zeroing in on the objective, keeping an optic out for any they might run into. Somewhere in the ship lurks a Six-Changer... Be very afraid.

Ravage enters the UNS Supertanker Hephaestus.

The small black tape unfolds into a cybernetic Jaguar.

Well Ravage was here all along it was just an animation error. The Jaguar prowls the ship's interior following the scent left by the Autobots, the spent fuel Quickswitch exhausts while he flies around in gun mode and such give the hunter a good clue as to where they are heading. He minimizes the noise and stalks forward towards not-quite-so unsuspecting preys. I mean...they must expect company if they attacked the ship.

Ravage silently moves out of sight.

Red Alert continues moving down the cooridor towards his destination...the human life signs. He reaches the cooridor that will lead him to the kitchen hatch and leans up against the wall. He leans around the corner, checking for anyone with his rifle...he sees no one but his enhanced hearing hears some clangs...he hmmms and speaks into his wrist, "Either you've gotten sloppy, Blaster, or we're not alone. Be weary." he looks back down his cooridor. One can never be too sure. He reaches into his hip compartment and pulls out another flash grenade. He tosses it down the cooridor and leans back to his cover. FWHOOMP! A giant flash emits down the hallway leading to the kitchen, blinding anyone and anything in sight.

Boombox pops open his casette deck. "Okay boys, time to do what we do best."

"Yeehaw!" shouts the platinum-colored cassette as he ejects from Blaster's chest, promptly transforming in midair and gracefully landing on his paws. "Let's do this!"

"Quiet!" hisses the laster pistol!

Foxfire transforms from his cassette mode to his fox form.

White Cassette <Frostbite> ejects from within the boombox's tapedeck after his 'brother' and transforms, landing on all fours at a crouch with a low growl. He narrows his optics as he glances around, checking their surroundings as his short tail twiches from side to side.

The white cassette springs up and unfolds into Frostbite's smilodon form.

Airwolf whispers a quiet update to the humans of what the status is, warning them once again to stay behind the overturned tables should anyone break through the doors. Whether or not the Autobots are there to rescue them, there could be weaponsfire that would be dangerous to them. She begins fidgeting, the waiting bothering her. No, not the waiting, the uncertainty. Is there even anyone out there? She listens as intently as she can from the wall beside the sealed hatch, cautious in case someone fires at the door while she's in the line of fire. Her precaution is rewarded as she hears something, and *close*. Her voice takes on a note of command, even though it's still barely above a whisper. "Take cover *now*."

The shadowy form freezes like a statue perking it's ears up as he hears the noise of the flash grenade echo off into the hallway. He picks up the pace and creeps up on the Autobots. Ravage observes them for a few seconds biding his time. He knows he cannot take them all on at the same time. He remains for now hidden in the shadows, observing silently until backup arrives and provides a well-timed distraction. <No attack for now>

Astrotrain wanders the hallways, heading towards Airwolf's position. Or at least that was the intention. The ship is nearly a mile long, so it's hardly a surprise that he gets lost.

Scrapper continues running with Astrotrain, drawing out his laser pistol. They must have lost Shockwave somewhere. Too bad - they could haved used his strength depending on how many soldiers got through. Scrapper only saw the Sixchanger, but Quickswitch is scary enough by himself! Having gone over the holographic schematics of this ship that Fusillade provided several dozen times by now, he knows the ship quite well as he heads towards where the prisoners are being stored. Does anyone intercept him?

Foxfire waves a dismissive paw at Quickswitch. "I ain't bein' loud," he tells the laser pistol quietly. Turning to Frostbite, he nods before running off toward the propulsion system. Hopefully it'll be easy for the two cassettes to reach it, them being small and everything.

Frostbite returns the nod to Foxfire and runs after him, staying alert. He knows little to nothing about explosives or the like--the explosions that result are /far/ too hot for his liking--but someone needs to watch Foxfire's back.

Red Alert looks down the hallway, coming from the opposite direction of Scrapper and company. He aims his rifle down the hallway and waits for a moment. He nods once, speaking into his wrist, "Repeat, we aren't alone. Be wary." he moves down the hallway and stops at the hatch, reaching into his hip compartment where he pulls out four things. He attaches them to the hatch and hits a few buttons. Small lasers begin to slowly cut through the hatch as Red falls down into a combat crouch, aiming left and right down the hallway as he waits for the safety door sheers to do their magic. Airwolf will see sparks starting to fly inside the area and lines appearing on the door. Someone is cutting through.

<Decepticon> Galvatron says, "What is the status within the tanker?"

<Decepticon> Scrapper says, "Not good. Astrotrain and I have split up. We might be the only ones inside here."

<Decepticon> Blitzwing says, "What about the tapes? There's supposed to be tapes."

The Sixchanger pauses a moment. Back up Red Alert, or provide backup for the tapes? The chamber dips in thought for a second only. Those tapes are the ones that decided to fingerpaint Autobot city. Still, he is restless. Quickswitch replies suddenly, "I'm going to back up Red Alert. If you guys run into any trouble, gimme a shout," with that, the laser pistol disappears down another corridor.

Scrapper is moving at a brisk jog. Although he isn't particularly loud or anything, Scrapper's no stealth expert. His metallic footsteps can be heard as he approaches the location of the prisoners. The trip from his location to where Red, Airwolf, and the prisoners are is a far one, however, and Scrapper has to traverse numerous hallways. Rounding one corner, Scrapper jolts backwards he practically runs right into Frostbite and Foxfire. "Ah!" he exclaims out of shock. "Autobots!" He didn't expect to see them /here/! It's just a coincidence he ran into them as they were going for the propulsion system. Scrapper waves his pistol around, spraying erratic laser fire at the pair.

<Decepticon> Scrapper says, "Ah! I've just run into two of them. Foxfire and some other, uglier Cassetticon."

<Decepticon> Galvatron says, "I see... well, Rodimus doesn't seem to be doing well, and Cyclonus has arrived. If they wish to survive, they may want to re-think an exit strategy."

Airwolf has her warning and backs away from the door, clutching her rifle tightly. She gives the humans a warning look and cautions them to keep on one side of the room while she stays on the other. There's nothing more she can do, other than keep them out of the line of fire.

<Decepticon> Scrapper says, "I'll do my best against these two, but that Sixchanger is supposed to be in here somewhere as well."

<Decepticon> Blitzwing says, "Man, where's that sixchanger when you need him."

<Decepticon> Mother Goose Fusillade says, "AUGH, I'm going to have to LEAVE my own damned ship."

Upon hearing Scrapper's surprise (ok Ravage was a jerk not to let him know the score but that would have blown his cover), Ravage prepares to pounce the Autobots just wait until they turn towards Scrapper.... <Still no attack>

Foxfire glances around before climbing into a ventlike structure. "Should be this way," he murmurs to his companion. "Not too long now. Be careful; we don't know what we might find." For all he knows an enemy tape could be waiting for them. But hey, no one ever got anywhere by being overly cautious.

<Decepticon> Sixshot says, "If I didn't know better Blitzwing, I'd think you were missing me."

<Decepticon> Scrapper says, "/I'm/ the one that's going to be missing you if Quickswitch finds me!"

<Decepticon> Blitzwing says, "What? The Autobot sixchanger is *inside our ship?*"

<Decepticon> Mother Goose Fusillade says, "YES!"

<Decepticon> Sixshot says, "Touching Scrapper. Are the Autobots really causing that much of a raucus out there?"

The door is finally cut open and Red rolls on the ground, away from the opening that falls away. He creeps up to the opening and grabs another flash grenade. It's effects are not permanent...nor will they harm humans. At least not really. It will make them blind for a moment, but that's a small price to pay to be rescued. He puts his hand slowly through the opening and tosses the grenade into the room. FWHOOMP! Flashbang! Red jumps in front of the opening, holding his rifle at ready, "Nobody move! We're here to rescue the hostages, do not resist and I will not be forced to open fire!"

<Decepticon> Galvatron says, "They thought they were... until Cyclonus just deprived them of their ride home. So I do hope Blaster or Red Alert are listening, because they have a serious problem, now... and no Rodimus to bail them out."

<Decepticon> Scrapper says, "Well to be fair I haven't seen Quickswitch since he entered. Just these two Cassettibots."

<Decepticon> Sixshot says, "I vote we let them swim home."

Frostbite snaps his head towards Scrapper and loudly snarls, baring his fangs as he ducks a stray laser-blast. Blasted Constructicon evidently can't hit the broadside of Omega Supreme... "Foxfire, keep going! I'll catch up when I can!" He hisses, blocking entry into the vent as he glares at the green bully. Seeing how Foxfire has the technical know-how to set the charges and he doesn't, Frostbite would be the bodyguard anyways.

<Decepticon> Cyclonus says, "Perhaps we should not let them return home at all."

<Decepticon> Scrapper says, "I second the motion."

<Decepticon> Sixshot says, "I think I'll swing by to witness this. Ofcourse, if an extra hand is needed, I'll be happy to oblige."

<Autobot> Michael Briar says, "Yes, I need a ugh...*klang*...update!"

Ravage watches as Scrapper peppers the two cassettes with laser fire drawing the attention of the fat one. The hunter revises his strategy and dashes out from the shadows and tries to chase down Foxfire into the vent. "You will not leave this ship alive Autobot!" No more subtlety, no more games. Mechafluid smell is in the air, Ravage will be having some soon enough.

You suddenly notice Ravage moving quietly around the area.

<Autobot> Saboteur Foxfire says, "That sounded painful."

<Decepticon> Ravage says, "Thank you for the well times distraction Scrapper. I am chasing down the small annoying one."

<Decepticon> The Creepy One, Sunder says, "Is my assistance required?"

<Autobot> Michael Briar says, "For Razorclaw, yeah."

<Autobot> Scorch says, "Me Scorch sets one on fires, den she falls in water. Dat good ting. Hovering we comes in am doing sinking ting tho. Dat not gooder ting, hopes him dead bot can do swimming ting. Umm some other stuffs happen too."

<Autobot> Security Chief Red Alert says, "Mike..."

<Autobot> Security Chief Red Alert says, "We're going to need an evac vessel en route, can that be arranged?"

<Autobot> Michael Briar says, "Negative, we couldn't get a force to even attack the supertanker at the moment."

<Autobot> Security Chief Red Alert says, "Then we're all in some shit"

<Autobot> Michael Briar says, "Very..."

<Decepticon> Galvatron says, "Make certain no further Autobot reinforcements arrive, Sunder. They seem to be missing their only means of transportation now, courtesy of Cyclonus."

<Decepticon> The Creepy One, Sunder says, "As you command, my liege."

<Autobot> Security Chief Red Alert says, "Red-1 to Autobot City, I want the ole rusty dispatched on Autopilot"

<Autobot> Arcee says, "I can fly a shuttle, Red Alert. I'm wasted back here on guard duty. May I go?"

<Autobot> Michael Briar says, "Jesus, do you even have to ask!? We're getting...*crunch*...AAAAAHHHH!  Son of a bitch, that was my leg!  You mother fu..*static*..."

<Autobot> Saboteur Foxfire says, "General?"

<Autobot> Security Chief Red Alert says, "Do it."

<Autobot> Security Chief Red Alert says, "Don't worry about him. He can handle himself.  FOcus on the mission, Foxfire.  Arcee, grab the shuttle and get your pink ass out here."

<Autobot> Military CO Grimlock says, "Me Grimlock HATE shuttle, but come too."

<Autobot> Arcee says, "Yes sir!"

<Autobot> Saboteur Foxfire says, "All right."

Laser Pistol <Quickswitch> had been heading in the opposite direction of the tapes, but the sound of laserfire tugs the sixchanger back toward his original direction. He gives a thought to the tapes' objective before turning the corner abruptly and opening fire in the direction of Scrapper. The lime-green target is lined perfectly in his sights, his barrel crackles with energy and the power releases in a bluish-white line.

Quickswitch strikes Scrapper with Photon Blaster <Low>.

Airwolf is accordingly blinded, as she's never fought in urban close quarters like this and doesn't know what to expect in the way of tactics. Give her nice, clear skies and lots of room any day. If she were a real warrior, she might defend on instincts and training, but she doesn't have that. All she can do is press against the wall, and if she can pull herself together in time, fire blindly in the direction of the shout. Maybe that's a Decepticon, but then a Decepticon wouldn't be breaking in. After she fires, she belatedly recognizes his voice. That sounded like Red Alert. "Sorry," she mutters apologetically, not knowing whether or not she hit. Well, she already knew that she was a pathetic excuse for a warrior. "The humans are to my left," she warns.

"Hey!" Scrapper shouts as Foxfire makes his way towards a vent. He thinks back to the schematics, but can't place just where the Cassettibot might be headed. There's lots of places that vent leads. The Constructicon charges forward just as Foxfire slips inside and Frostbite guards the way. Scrapper attempts to smack the smaller Transformer aside so he can grab at Foxfire's tail and keep her here. "Ravage!" Thank goodness. /Some/ backup! "If Foxfire escapes, track him down and /exterminate/!" Before Scraps can adequately try to get past Frostbite to get to Foxfire, however, Quickswitch pops right back and blasts him. Scrapper is thrown against the bulkhead, leaving a Constructicon sized dent in it.

<Decepticon> Sixshot says, "Looks like things are going to get interesting very quickly."

<Decepticon> The Creepy One, Sunder says, "As ordered, I have engaged the Autobot reinforcements."

<Autobot> Security Chief Red Alert says, "This might get ugly...sensors detect more incoming Decepticons. Arcee, your status?"

Blitzwing drops down into the ship with a clang, drawing his carbine and cradling it in his left arm as he looks around the inner hull.

The lupine creature managed to slip its way more easily into the narrow confines of the tanker, moving at a sprightly bound through the hall ways. Sixshot picked his directions with the cool assurance of one who knew where he was going, regardless of never really having traversed the UNS ship before. It also helped he was quite willing to just tear his way through a blocked path without a moment of hesitation if it arose. Sixshot preferred if his 'bait' came out of this in one piece, but he was moving as fast as he could. His arrival would neatly coincide with Scrapper's untimely flight into the bulkhead, squareing off against the Autobot sixchanger. His growl was a low rumbling laugh and he crouched, poised. No words of greeting, were any really needed?

Scrapper has just run into Frostbite and Foxfire in the hallway. The latter is trying to escape to go disable the propulsion system on the ship. Quickswitch has come back to defend them, and Ravage has come out to assist Scrapper.

Elsewhere, Red Alert is slowly breaking through into the room where the human prisoners are being held. Only Airwolf stands in his way, though it is clear she doesn't mean the humans to come to any sort of harm.

Blitzwing jogs around a corner and skids to a halt behind Sixshot. His carbine is almost out of ammunition but he clutches a two-foot-long K-Bar in his other hand and looks like he knows how to use it. "Ahhh. There he is."

<Autobot> Military CO Grimlock says, "Me Grimlock think we Autobots need new strategy."

<Autobot> Security Chief Red Alert says, "We had a fine strategy in Sneaky Ferret until you lot started letting them get in here."

<Autobot> Military CO Grimlock says, "Me Grimlock just get here!"

<Decepticon> Blitzwing says, "Octane, wherever you are, I need you. The situation is pretty hot down here but take up a station overhead. When this fight is over we're going to need to top off. I'm intact but real low on juice."

<Autobot> Saboteur Foxfire says, "Correct me if I'm wrong, Grimlock, but isn't that what you said about Unicron?"

Foxfire snarls, abruptly whipping around to face Ravage. "In your dreams, feline!" For emphasis, and to hopefully get the enemy tape off his tail, he swipes at Ravage's face. Afterward, he darts farther down the vent and toward his destination, not caring whether or not his claws hit their mark, just as long as the attack provides a distraction.

Foxfire misses Ravage with his Claw attack.

Red Alert quickly leans back to his cover, letting the blast streak out and hit the wall behind him. He quickly turns back in, firing once above Airwolf, not meant to hit her but be a warning shot. "So noted, Governor. If you would kindly disable your weaponry and get out of here, I will see to their safety. Do not make me harm you. It would be very very unfortunate and I do not want to do it. Just leave in peace, I will make sure they are safe."

<Autobot> Arcee says, "I've got Chromia and Penumbra aboard, I'm holding the shuttle over the target area and winching up our wounded. Penumbra looks terrible, sir. He's stasis-locked."

<Decepticon> Octane says, "Oh, all right, all right, I'm on my way...you two are always nothing but trouble. If I wasn't around you'd two be in even bigger fixes."

<Autobot> Military CO Grimlock says, "Me Grimlock say someone get stupid Beard Man off back!!"

<Autobot> Skids says, "May I be of assisstance?"

<Autobot> Arcee says, "I'm retrieving Rodimus right now, he looks like Galvatron worked him over, but he'll be all right! ...I hope."

Frostbite is kinda stuck between a rock and a hard place. He can't let Quickswitch fight the group alone, yet he isn't powerful enough to be of any help and the mission is all for nothing if the objective isn't reached. He flicks his ears as a black blurr (Ravage) bolts by him and he snarls, angry at someone getting by him. He gives Quickswitch an apologetic look as he turns and bolts after the Cassetticon, lunging and snapping at Ravage's tail as Foxfire tries to get to their own objective.

Frostbite misses Ravage with his CHOMP attack.

<Decepticon> Mother Goose Fusillade says, "GETCHER AFT DOWN HERE"

<Autobot> Military CO Grimlock says, "Nngh... You Skids here?"

<Autobot> Security Chief Red Alert says, "Me Red Alert say someone else get their ass down here. If the cons converge, we're done for.  I'm trying to get the humans secured."

<Decepticon> Octane says, "Noooo, you come up here. I'm not going down there...I smell Dinobot down there. I didn't fly over here to get gnawed on."

<Autobot> Peacekeeper says, "The med-bay is ready for incoming wounded, whenever they are brought in."

<Autobot> Michael Briar says, "If I can get away from Razorclaw for a few seconds, I'll see what I can do Grimlock."

<Decepticon> Blitzwing says, "All due respect let's not put our fat juicy mid-air refueller anywhere Grimlock can get to him, I need that fuel to still be there when I get back up top."

<Autobot> Michael Briar says, "My suit's damaged and I'm hurt, so I won't give you any guarantees."

<Decepticon> Mother Goose Fusillade exhales a bit. "I'm not going anywhere, unfortunately. FINE."

<Decepticon> Sixshot says, "A pity shooting him down wont work."

<Autobot> Skids says, "I'm on my way."

<Autobot> Skids says, "I'm capable of making field repairs if necessary."

<Decepticon> A quiet whispering voice says, "You won't be making it back up top."

<Decepticon> Blitzwing says, "Get off our channel, Blaster!"

<Decepticon> Octane says, "I heard that! And that too!"

<Autobot> Scorch says, "Me Scorch tinks we going to needs gooder plan. Me say time to sinks ship."

<Autobot> Security Chief Red Alert says, "NO! I haven't secured the humans yet."

<Autobot> Frostbite growls.

<Autobot> Arcee says, "We can't sink it with the humans on board, Scorch. We have to have faith in Red Alert's team that they'll rescue the humans!"

<Autobot> Scorch says, "Do secured ting fasters."

<Decepticon> Sixshot says, "All of the cause Octane. Nothing personal."

<Autobot> Saboteur Foxfire says, "Shut *up*, Scorch!"

The barrels of the pistol smoke with the release of energy as Quickswitch expands into his robot mode, coming into a crouch as his feet plant hard against the floor. The hunched creature rises over the Constructicon, "Leave. Now. It doesn't have to happen," he replies in a low, even voice. What doesn't? Huge hands with fingers curling, inside him, cog gathering energy and tightening, as the Sixchanger gives Scrapper a dissonant smile.

Ravage slams on the brakes sinking his claws into the vent's floor but his momentum send him a tad forward within reach of Foxfire's claw swipe. At the last second Ravage leans back one inch out of reach and watches the cowardly bot run away from this epic confrontation! The jaguar's eyes glow and fire off a beam at the fleeing Fox. "Run if you want...you will only die tired."

Ravage strikes Foxfire with Optic laser blast.

<Autobot> Saboteur Foxfire says, "OW OW OW! DAMN IT!"

<Autobot> Security Chief Red Alert says, "Remember the objective! Don't get caught up!"

<Autobot> Frostbite says, "Focus on the mission, Foxfire. I'll deal with Ravage."

<Autobot> Skids says, "I will attempt to stabilise Rodimus Prime's injuries."

<Autobot> Saboteur Foxfire says, "Kinda hard to Focus with Ravage on my tail shootin' lasers at me! I'm counting on you, Frosty."

Scrapper slowly picks himself up off the ground even as Quickswitch transforms into his massively scary as hell robot mode. "Nnn..." still, Scrapper has some cause for hope from the transmissions he's receiving. Glancing over his shoulder, Scrapper smiles behind his faceplate: Sixshot has arrived. "Heh," Scrapper taunts Quickswitch. "Leave? I don't think so. Not when we have the one mech army here. Not when we have the original sixchanger here. Not when we have Sixshot here!" Scrapper tends to be confident when he feels he has the upper hand. Watching as Ravage does battle against both Foxfire and Frostbite, Scrapper rushes to Frostbite and tries to kick him into the bulkhead.

Scrapper strikes Frostbite with Swift Kick.

Quickswitch springs up into his massive robot mode.

This was Quickswitch's problem. He hesitated too much. Sixshot in a fight didn't ever bother to give his opponent a chance to flee or back off, how would he get involved in a fight? There were times when it suited him for whatever reason, but it certainly wasn't ever out of the goodness of his heart. The Decepticon six-changer had earned his reputation for a reason, and none of it had been for being compassionate and offering lifelines to those who were considered his enemies. The fact he hadn't charged upon entering was as close as Quickswitch was going to get as a servicable greeting. The winged wolf ignored Blitzwing behind him, and lunged towards the back of the other, teeth bared and claws digging into the hard surface of the ship's corridor for added traction. He leapt, aiming to take off a piece of Quickswitch's plating, arm or side, whichever presented itself. Besides, Scrapper already announced him loudly.

Sixshot misses Quickswitch with his Quick Rip attack.

<Decepticon> Octane says, "Well, it'll be nothing personal when your Energon suddenly shouts through your auditory cavities. That happens sometimes...pressure builds up, Energon flow valves jammed...just totally unavoidable."

Blitzwing, for his part, goes for Foxfire. "You're lucky Soundwave isn't here to see you two ganging up on Ravage like that or you'd be in some real trouble," he remarks as he tries to stomp Foxfire into the floor.

Blitzwing misses Foxfire with his Tape Stomping attack.

Airwolf shakes her head, blindly putting a hand to the wall to steady herself. "I'm sorry, but I can't do that. The terms of my presence here were to keep custody of them in exchange for assurances that they would be unharmed at the end of all this. As I told Rodimus earlier when getting his permission to be here, I am acting as a Decepticon and should be treated accordingly. I apologize for forcing you to this, but I gave my word." To encourage the poor mech to do what needs to be done, since he must be feeling bad about it, she aims her rifle in his direction and snaps off a shot.

Frostbite roars in surprise as Scrapper blindsides him by booting him into a bulkhead. He shakes his head as he quickly rises back to his feet and huffs. Great Primus, there are too many of them... but he has to do what he can. He just hopes Foxfire can get their part of the mission completed. He crouches and pounces at Ravage, trying to get at least one Decepticon off of his fellow Autotape's tail. "Foxfire, hurry!" He shouts.

Frostbite strikes Ravage with Pounce.

<Autobot> Michael Briar sounds hurt, "How long until the prisoners are free?"

<Autobot> Security Chief Red Alert sighs, "She's making me shoot her. Once Airwolf is taken care of...give it 4 minutes.

<Autobot> Michael Briar grunts, "You've got 3."

<Autobot> Airwolf says, "Sorry..."

Red Alert sighs and shakes his head, leaning back again as Airwolf fires at him. She isn't the best of warriors in the best of times...but right now she's still trying to regain her vision. It won't be long...and she will. As much as he hates to do it, Red will have to take advantage of that before she recovers. He leans back around the cover, "Very well. If that is your wish. This is going to hurt me as much as it hurts you!" he takes careful aim, he is a commando afterall...sniping is a forte. He squeezes, not pulls, the trigger to his commando rifle four times. The blasts don't even make a noise, he has his silencer on. He fires full level BURN shots at Airwolf's chest. Not any part of her chest, but a particular location. The location of most robots balance control system. He is attempting to disable her, not kill her. Just keep her from moving to stop him. "I'm sorry for this. But you've left me no choice."

Undeterred from Ravage's laser blast, Foxfire continues running. He is quick on his feet and easily dodges Blitzwing's attempt to stop him; without missing a beat, he proceeds. Eventually he reaches his destination, at the propulsion system. He wastes no time as he proceeds to set up the charges, not strong enough to damage the vessel itself, but able to stop it dead in the water.

<Autobot> Security Chief Red Alert says, "I am aiming to disable her balance system. She will not be permanently harmed, but she will be out of the equation. *fwhoomp fwhoomp*"

The massive Sixchanger towered over Scrapper, his once-grinning lips taking on a disagreeable curl and finally a doubtful frown. The lime green Constructicon was not going to leave. That meant--The back of his neck crackles with static electricity, when he hears and senses the sound of something, someONE drawing immediately close, and Quickswitch's transformation cog releases its gathered tension as his form changes, rapidly, and the jaws that seek him close on air as he twists and drops out of grasp. His paws hit the floor with light, metallic clicks as his claws land long enough to leap toward the winged-wolf's back with a mighty puma ROAR!!--only to shift with the same rapid fluidity to robot mode at the last moment and attempt to slam his fists down between the Sixchanger's wolfly shoulders--or wheverever his fists can reach. It was always this way, his opponants seeing a bigger trophy and wanting a piece--always misreading or misunderstanding the root of his compassion.

Quickswitch strikes Sixshot with smash.

Ravage is pounced upon by the Autobot tape. The jaguar roars and hisses going into a near cat-frenzy as someone dared interrupt the stalking of his prey. "Get off of me Autobot. You are only delaying the inevitable." The cybernetic jaguar goes flat against the ground in order to create some loose space within Frostbite's grip and spins around swinging his paw on the side of the other feline's head.

Ravage strikes Frostbite with Paw swipe!.

It's a good thing that Red Alert didn't announce what he was doing BEFORE he fired at Airwolf, or she would have known to dodge. She's pretty much a sitting duck, as there is simply no room for maneuverability in the kitchen. As large as it may seem for the Terrans, it's quite small when a Transformer and 28 people are crowded inside. The blasts impact right where they were aimed, and she first staggers and then gracelesslyl falls on her backside. She also makes the newbie warrior mistake of dropping her rifle as well as waves of impact-driven dizziness distract her. Both hands are planted on the floor to try to counteract the loss of balance, and one hand finds a possible weapon. Small it may be, but made of cast iron metal. Her hand closes around it, and she hurls the object in Red Alert's direction. Frying pan attack!

Scrapper grins inwardly as Sixshot promptly takes agro from Quickswitch. Those six form wielding maniacs can kill each other for all Scrapper cares, just so long as Quickswitch doesn't get a chance to rip him in two. Scrapper jogs after Foxfire along with Ravage. "Ah ha, he's heading for propulsion. I should have guessed. Well... we'll just see about that!" Scrapper rounds a corner, spies Foxfire setting up charges, and takes a quick shot at him. Good luck setting up bombs while being blasted!

Scrapper strikes Foxfire with Laser Pistol - Medium Setting.

Blitzwing pursues Foxfire, trying to swat him off of the machinery before he can do too much to it. "Get away from that! Where's Buzzsaw to pick off the carrion when we need him?"

Blitzwing misses Foxfire with his Back of the Hand attack.

<Decepticon> Scrapper says, "Foxfire is setting us up the bomb in the propulsion room."

<Decepticon> Blitzwing says, "What you say?!"

<Autobot> Saboteur Foxfire says, "Frag it all! I can't get these charges set up while Scrapper and Blitzwing have me in their sights!  I need some help here!"

<Decepticon> Scrapper says, "Make your time and get over here, Blitzwing!"

<Decepticon> Blitzwing says, "He has no chance to survive!"

<Decepticon> Mother Goose Fusillade says, "Aw smelt, the shiiiiiiiiiip."

<Autobot> Security Chief Red Alert says, "Humans will be secured in 1 minute."

<Decepticon> The Creepy One, Sunder says, "The ship? What's wrong with the ship?"

<Decepticon> Scrapper says, "You know what you doing, Blitzwing. Stop Foxfire!"

<Autobot> Skids says, "Uhm, would you... uhm."

<Autobot> Skids says, "I could go... get shot at, if that would help. But I am trying to stabilise the wounded."

<Decepticon> Octane says, "I'm -really- not coming anywhere near you all now."

<Autobot> Saboteur Foxfire says, "I'll take anyone who's available!"

It's hard to latch onto something that's not there, and Quickswitch's rapid transformation served to only ensure that his razor-tooth'd filled jaws snapped shut on thin air. He turned, in time to see the other shift shape yet again, the area suddenly filling with the other's larger girthe and size, pinning him almost effectively from manuvering out of the way in the close confines. The blow to come thereafter knocked him off of his feet, edging to the side just enough to avoid being flattened. His wings lay close to his back, and he was back up and running foward, his legs stretched out this time aiming to rake his claws across the other's chest.

Sixshot strikes Quickswitch with evisceration.

<Decepticon> The Creepy One, Sunder says, "Will you be able to top me off, Octane?"

<Decepticon> Brawl says, "That sounds wrong."

<Autobot> Quickswitch aRRRGGHS over the channel, "One second, Foxfire."

<Decepticon> Octane says, "I've got the fuel if you've got the tool...but I'm not, repeat not, getting blown up for it."

<Decepticon> Galvatron says, "Let them kill the humans... I'm sure the media will have a field day getting Rodimus to try to explain why his forces intentionally killed their EDC 'allies'. And at this rate... I think perhaps I will obliterate their shuttle now.  Forget this pathetic Dinobot.  Let's see how they like swimming home... with their leader and several others at the bottom of the Pacific!"

<Decepticon> Red Alert says, "Hey, asshole. Ever heard of water jet packs?  Yeah, I got some."

<Decepticon> The Creepy One, Sunder says, "I'll see that you are not in weapons range."

<Autobot> Frostbite says, "On my way. Try to lie low for a little bit--maybe try to get them to shoot the propulsion system themselves?"

<Decepticon> Octane says, "Oooho, listen to the Autobot!"

<Decepticon> Scrapper says, "Water jet packs? Ha, that sounds so lame."

A yelp escapes from Foxfire as he's hit, a mixture of sudden pain and a startled reaction. He looks up from his task for a moment to growl at Scrapper, then ducks out of the way as Blitzwing attempts to backhand him. "Do you mind? I've got a job to do here!" He works as fast as he can, forcing himself to ignore the much larger mechs that have their sights on him. If he's quick enough, he could probably get out of there without any more damage. But then an idea comes to him... He turns and glares at Scrapper, standing right in front of the system. "I dare you to try that again, scrap heap."

<Decepticon> Blitzwing says, "Wouldn't you get jellyfish and seaweed and such stuff in your turbines?"

<Decepticon> Sixshot says, "Is our goal still to stop Foxfire?"

Frostbite snarls as Scrapper and Blitzwing follow Foxfire, and that moment of distraction costs him as Ravage's claws swipe across his muzzle. He growls and hops back for a second, considering, then bolts after the two far larger mechs. Not much of a chance to do much, but he's got to try. Failure isn't an option now. He runs at the Triple-Changer, lowering his head as he aims to slam into the back of Blitzwing's knee-joint.

Frostbite misses Blitzwing with his Charging Tackle attack.

<Decepticon> Ravage says, "Keep the feline off of me. I will deal with the fox."

Red Alert gets struck with the frying pan and just blinks, shaking his head. "Well, I give you credit airwolf. You did whatever you could to stop me. I'll be sure to let the Decepticons know that." He kicks her rifle towards the wall and fires his at it, causing it to explode. He leans down quickly, a needle from his hip compartment in hand. "Airwolf...I have nothing but respect for you. But I have to do this. I'm sorry." he tries to stick her with the needle and knock her out as he says to the humans, "You can come out now. May I suggest you take the starboard cooridor to the docking bay. We'll get you out." he starts speaking into his wrist...wondering just how much flak he's going to take for getting hit with a damn frying pan by a femme.

<Decepticon> Blitzwing says, "Yeah. Well, and to keep Red Alert from stealing our hostages."

<Decepticon> Scrapper says, "I'm going to try to throw Foxfire into a wall, Ravage. You can get him if he survives."

<Autobot> Security Chief Red Alert says, "I need that shuttle down by the starboard hatch. I'm sending them there."

<Decepticon> Scrapper says, "The propulsion's more important than the hostages. We no go, we no get to New Crystal City."

<Decepticon> Galvatron says, "You have them... but do the rest of your forces, Red Alert? Obviously Rodimus didn't think this foolish plan through.  You've already lost one craft, and about to lose another... and none of the rest of your compatriots seem to have your advantages.  In fact... I think I may send Cuddles to play with your shuttle once it sinks... and with the bodies contained within of your precious leader and two others, both fallen.  Surrender now, tell your pathetic tape-bot to disarm the weapon... and I might be inclined to let you leave with your fallen.  Otherwise... you WILL pay the price for your insolence!"

<Decepticon> Blitzwing says, "Couldn't you just fix it? You guys can do anything."

<Decepticon> Sixshot says, "Can't you fix it?"

<Decepticon> Red Alert says, "I have a better idea. Why don't you get down on all fours and suck my bumper."

<Decepticon> The Creepy One, Sunder says, "Ready to commence refuelling, Octane."

<Autobot> Security Chief Red Alert says, "They're headed out now. Arcee, are you still in command of that thing?  Get them out of here!"

<Decepticon> Scrapper says, "Can I fix it? I don't know. He hasn't even damaged it yet, so I don't know how bad the damage that he hasn't done yet is."

<Autobot> Skids says, "Arcee is, uh, outside the shuttle now."

<Autobot> Arcee says, "Yes sir! I've attached myself to it with a guide cable. Skids, reel me up!"

<Decepticon> Octane says, "Well, link up and then I'll refuel you. I can't shoot it at you and have it all pour in."

<Autobot> Skids says, "Oh... ok."

Scrapper knows what Foxfire is trying to do. The Autobot is trying to get Scrapper to shoot at him, miss, and end up damaging the machinery himself. Scrapper isn't /that/ stupid! He's just kind of panicky sometimes in the middle of a chaotic battle. "Nope," he replies casually to Foxfire. Instead he reholsters his pistol and charges Foxfire the old fashioned way. Since booting Frostbite into the bulkhead worked well, Scrapper tries this again, but instead attempts to pick Foxfire up and chuck him against the wall for even greater power.

Scrapper strikes Foxfire with Constructicon Brutality.

As soon as Frostbite releases his grip on Ravage to go pester Blitzwing, the black jaguar spins back on his feet and dashes towards the autobot saboteur. Ravage is showing his fangs and growling and hissing boy does he relishes the chance for this. He pounces the fox and tries to maneuver in order to deliver a neck bite along the cervical vertebraes.

Ravage strikes Foxfire with Fierce bite!.

Claws rake down the Sixchanger's chest as he's bowled over by the incomining wolf, leaving jagged chrome valley across his armor. It's /Sixshot!/ his circuits scream. But the Autobots have an objective--but it's /him./ Quickswitch scowls between the two thoughts twisting and warring inside his head. Well, if he can keep the other Sixchanger engaged, perhaps it will keep the third Decepticon off the saboteur... "Get the hell off me!" he snarls at Sixshot, "I want all of you!" He moves to put some forceful distance between himself and the other one, aiming to give Sixshot a shove with his heavy armored foot.

Quickswitch strikes Sixshot with kick.

Blitzwing grits his teeth. He can see something's got to give here, and now that Foxfire isn't on the control panel, he can strike! Panels snap open on his shoulders, revealing small canisters which launch with a loud clapping sound, leaving trails of smoke as they zigzag crazily across the room and towards Foxfire. If this doesn't work he hasn't got much else left!Blitzwing strikes Foxfire with Every Zig.

Airwolf has done what she could, and the taste of defeat isn't as bitter as it would be to most. Her vision is finally starting to come back, but there's that nasty loss of equilibrium that Red inflicted on her, and it's a struggle just to focus. Narrowing crimson optics, she laborously looks for her rifle, but it's nowhere in her admittedly limited sight. Red was so good as to kick it away and then blow it up. No more projectiles, either. Whatever that was that she used earlier, it had a nice heft to it. Red Alert is suddenly beside her. Should she try to hit the mech? This is damned pathetic. Impossible to use any weaponry, at least not the standard type.

Dimming her optics completely, she resorts to a method of perception that is unique to her. Hypersensitive neural relays become a hundredfold more sensitive, and a hundredfold again. Hints of activity are fed into those relays, and she gets a feeling for where he is, but... she still has no weaponry. Or does she? "Sorry for how stupid this is," she mutters as she rakes at the needle-bearing arm with a crimson clawed hand. At least she didn't slap him. "I just can't give up. Do what you have to do." It doesn't matter anyway; the prisoners are leaving. She hears the quiet footsteps as they pass her on their way out.

<Decepticon> Octane says, "Another satisfied customer!"

<Decepticon> Scrapper says, "Anyone know how the prisoners are doing?"

<Autobot> Michael Briar says, "Wh...wha...what's going on? Hurgh....can...can't hold on...mu...much longer."

Sure enough, Foxfire is thrown into the wall, but his pain doesn't end there. He manages to avoid Ravage biting him in a critical area, but all the same he suffers even more damage. As he gets to his feet, he winces, only to be greeted by Blitzwing's electricity. He is now badly injured, but still, his desire to complete his mission remains strong. Leaving a trail of mech fluid, he darts over to the charges, intent on finishing his assignment...

<Autobot> Saboteur Foxfire says, "Badly damaged...almost finished..."

<Decepticon> Airwolf says, "I have been disabled by Red Alert. The prisoners are likely free now, at least from my location."

Frostbite roars in frustration as he's unable to do much of anything. For pretty much one of the first times ever since his creation, he absolutely loses his cool. In his growing rage, he lashes out at the nearest Decepticon with his fangs and claws, not caring about how much or little it hurts, just as long as it /hurts/ at all!

Frostbite misses Ravage with his Clawed Mauling attack.

<Autobot> Arcee says, "Skids, is the shuttle still flyable? I see a lot of fire up there!"

<Autobot> Skids says, "Shuttle systems at 65%%!"

Red Alert shakes his head as she claws the syringe away and it goes flying. He sighs and aims his rifle at it idly, firing at it to explode it. He won't have her using it against him. He looks over his shoulder as he starts to walk out, "I suggest you leave, Airwolf. Lest you get hurt. I don't want to see that. Your self repair systems should recover your equilibrium shortly." he starts to run behind the prisoners, heading for the starboard escape hatch.

<Autobot> Security Chief Red Alert says, "The prisoners are about to open the hatch, I am right behind them. The ole rusty is crosswired to all hell.  Just get it down here."

<Decepticon> Scrapper says, "Ah well."

<Decepticon> Galvatron says, "Destroy their shuttle. He can't get the humans off the ship without a ride."

<Decepticon> Scrapper says, "How badly damaged is Red Alert?"

It's Sixshot. It's Sixshot fighting in a wretchedly annoying location, and one that he can't fully manipulate to his own wishes pending rupturing large holes in the very tanker they were striveing to preserve. That'd go well with command, none the less, he'd occupy Quickswitch on the flipside just aswell, from causing any trouble to the Decepticons trying to keep Blaster's cassettes from messing up their setup. Eitherway, he was getting a fight, Sixshot couldn't complain much. He may have gotten a little carried away trying to seperate the other's inner circuitry from his armour, and his rumbling snarl was a reflection of his desire to finish the job. He wouldn't let go, and only with force was he literally pried off, landing with a shape of his head and flick of his ears away from the other. It wouldn't be long before he charged again, using the walls this time as he bound between them, up, down-- unless Quickswitch changed again, his target was pretty much obvious.

Sixshot strikes Quickswitch with Fang n' Claw Mauling.

<Autobot> Skids says, "She'll still fly, but not if we take another hit. I'm putting out the fires, but I'm not rated to pilot a shuttle..."

<Decepticon> Airwolf says, "I think I hit him with some kind of projectile. I was blinded at the time, so I'm not sure what it was."

<Autobot> Military CO Grimlock says, "Me... Grimlock... try to distracts him Galvatron..."

<Decepticon> Scrapper says, "Ok. If we see him we'll try to stop him, but chances are if we still want the prisoners the mechs outside will have to stop him."

<Decepticon> Scrapper says, "Airwolf, can you encrypt this frequency?"

<Decepticon> Airwolf has encrypted this channel.

The Decepticon channel has been encrypted.

CHAT: IC Globals Object removes you from channel <Decepticon>.

<Autobot> Security Chief Red Alert says, "Do it!"

<Autobot> Security Chief Red Alert says, "Distract them all! They're going to try to take the Ole Rusty out! engage her shields!"

<Autobot> Arcee says, "This Sweep is all over me!"

This time Ravage was ready for Forstbite's backstabbing attack. After biting on Foxfire, the jaguar makes a small leap backwards letting Frosbite sail by. Ravage lets out a spine chilling roar and leaps at Frostbite hoping to bite down on the jugular. "This will be the last time you interpose yourself between a prey and myself."

Ravage strikes Frostbite with Jugular bite.

Scrapper cracks his knuckles. "Where're your smart vocalizer /now/, Foxfire?" Scrapper taunts mercilessly. He has another pair of Decepticons with him, and they're beating up the poor Cassettibot who doesn't stand a chance against the three of them. This is how all fights should be, Scrapper muses. Unfair in his advantage. Moving forward to try and kick Foxfire once again, he spies Frostbite lunging out to stop Ravage. "Oh for- you're still around?"

The Constructicon steps in between Frostbite and Ravage, trying to give the smaller Decepticon some cover. Ravage lunges out from behind however and tries to chomp Frostbite's neck. Scrapper winces. That looked painful. Unwilling to get between them as they fight, Scrapper instead tries to just shoot the Autobot. It's safer for him. "Blitzwing, finish off Foxfire, will ya?"

Scrapper strikes Frostbite with Laser Pistol - Low Setting.

<Autobot> Security Chief Red Alert says, "Headed to the starboard hatch with the package. Please be there to get us."

Quickswitch watches the other progress toward him with an easy, animal grace. He braces his own feet against the floor, his body in a perpetual crouch in the low cieling, before he shifts forms at the final moment to disorient his enemy. Quickswitch's optics narrow as he feels the clamp of canine jaws against his side and shoulder, feeling pain race through his subsystems. Just as suddenly, the huge puma bounds away, using his thrusters to gain momentum and race toward where Foxfire is located.

Blitzwing cracks his knuckles and lunges for Foxfire, trying to catch him and break him in half over his knee. "We don't have time for this!" he mutters. "I should be up there shooting that shuttle down right now!"

Blitzwing strikes Foxfire with I Will Break You.

<Autobot> Saboteur Foxfire says, "Can barely...move...so damaged..."

<Autobot> Security Chief Red Alert says, "Where the frack is rodimus? Dammit!  Someone wake him up! They're going to take out the shuttle!"

<Autobot> Skids says, "The shuttle's down to 45%! Self-repair systems offline!"

Quickswitch comes upon the scene with a high pitched snarl. A turn of his feline head, taking in every single decepticon in the room. Every last one of them. His form changes again, shrinking down into a crackling laser pistol, its dark barrels charged with bluish energy.

Quickswitch shrinks down into his seriously pistol mode.

Quickswitch springs up into his massive robot mode.

Faster than the eye can follow, Quickswitch transforms into a mecha-puma.

<Autobot> Rodimus Prime says, "I'm topside Red Alert. Get them on board now!"

Disengaged? No one was /allowed/ to disengage once Sixshot had his sights set on them. Only he could be given that privalidge, and only he could let the other do as they wanted without any kind of repercussions. The Decepticon six-changer never paused to stare, gape or otherwise, he was already trailing after the other as he raised his wings to allow him to extend his stride into gliding bounds that ate up the pace. His jaws took several snapping chances at the other's paired tail, trying to take off a piece or latch on depending on what was offered to him. He wouldn't be far behind. Suddenly, it might get a little crowded in there.

Sixshot misses Cyber-Puma <Quickswitch> with his bite attack.

<Autobot> Security Chief Red Alert says, "We're coming out now"

Frostbite roars as Ravage clamps his jaws around his throat, but he's hardly taken out of the fight. Ohhhhh no, far from it--the attack seems to only fuel his rage. Scrapper's potshot does much the same thing, and seeing Foxfire continue to endure attacks finally does it. "ENOUGH!" He bellows as he rears his head back as if to bare his throat that much more--but no, not quite. He sharply drops his chin downwards, driving his long fangs towards Ravage's muzzle/head since they're in such close proximity. "LET GO! NOWWWRRRRR!"

Frostbite strikes Ravage with Fang Slice.

<Autobot> Quickswitch says, "Foxfire, I'm coming, but I've got Sixshot on my tail."

<Autobot> Saboteur Foxfire says, "Just...just don't get scrapped for my sake."

Red Alert gets to the hatch and blows it open. He looks down to the humans, "All right. Do this in a quick and orderly fashion." he prays the shuttle is waiting. The wall blasts open and Red leans out, "Do IT! Let's go let's go let's go! I'll cover you!" He leans out the hole, rifle aiming at anyone who comes close to them. He hopes the shuttle is there.

Red Alert leaves the UNS Supertanker Hephaestus.

Blaster transforms into robot mode.

CHAT: IC Globals Object joins you to channel <Decepticon>.

<Decepticon> Sixshot says, "I've seen humans run very quickly...with motivation. Crippling some may have been more effective."

<Decepticon> Blitzwing says, "Even discounting the ones we killed taking it, that's a lot of humans. That can't be right. Some of them must be hiding."

Airwolf cautiously rubs her chest where Red's shots impacted, slowly getting both her vision and her balance back. Stumbling unsteadily to her feet, she glances around the kitchen, making sure that it's now empty, and then staggers to the exit, a clawed hand trailing along the wall to keep her balance. Once there, she looks out to try to locate whoever else may still be present. Are they gone? Idiot. Turning away from the door, she looks for her rifle, but it's gone, except for lots and lots of pieces. So that's the explosion she heard. Her small taser pistol is at her hip, so she has that pitful weapon still. Darned Autobots. Why didn't they finish the job?

<Decepticon> Scrapper says, "I motion that we kill the Cassettibots and sixchanger first, and worry about fleshlings second. Red Alert and the humans will still have to make it past our troops outside."

Scrapper takes a step back as his shot seems to do nothing other than make Frostbite angrier. Angrier like the /Hulk/. "Ugh..." Scrapper takes a second step back, but ends up bumping against the wall. Luckily, Frostbite goes after not him, but rather Ravage instead. Whew! Scrapper spares a glance at Foxfire in time to see Blitzwing grab at him. Things just might be well in hand now! Sure they lost the prisoners, but that's not so bad. This is when Quickswitch rounds the corner and unleashes a blasts at all three Decepticons. Scrapper for one is caught completely unaware and off balance. A pair of energy bolts strike him in the chest, leaving sizzling melted holes in his armour, each about the size of a golf ball. Oh no, Quickswitch didn't defeat Sixshot, did he? Pained from the shots he received, Scrapper summons up what courage he has and charges at Quickswitch, shouting an incoherent battlecry as he attempts to bring both fists around in a haymaker against the floating laser pistol.

Scrapper strikes Laser Pistol <Quickswitch> with Constructicon Brawling.

<Autobot> Rodimus Prime says, "Arcee! Drop the grappling hook and grab Grimlock before he sinks too far!"

<Autobot> Security Chief Red Alert says, "There's no time for that!"

<Autobot> Security Chief Red Alert says, "They need to get out of here, now. THE MISSION!"

<Autobot> Skids says, "Grimlock would understand."

<Autobot> Skids says, "We have to save the humans."

Foxfire is in really bad shape at this point. He's almost reached his limit. He manages to avoid being broken apart by Blitzwing, but still sustains a good amount of damage. His instincts tell him to flee, but his sense of duty tells him to complete his task. The charges are all set up now... With one slam of his paw, he sets them off. Mission complete.

<Autobot> Rodimus Prime says, "Go."

<Autobot> Security Chief Red Alert says, "It's been nice serving with you, Rodimus. I'm taking this purple asshole with me.  Arcee, get out of here.  That's an order!"

Blitzwing recoils from the blast shot into him by Quickswitch, but it does not stop him as he looms over Foxfire, cocking back a foot to try to boot the little thing into a bulkhead wall. "Say goodnight, vermin."

Blitzwing strikes Foxfire with Tape Stomping.

Foxfire falls to the ground unconscious.

<Decepticon> Mother Goose Fusillade says, "Gnnnghhh!"

<Autobot> Arcee says, "Yes sir, Red Alert! It's been an honor!"

<Autobot> A sudden yell of pain sounds over the frequency, coming from Foxfire's position aboard the ship...and then silence.

<Decepticon> Blitzwing says, "Well, that makes three. I may break my record for Autobot-defeats-over-time. Where'd that other little thing get to?"

<Decepticon> Blaster says, "You're gonna be sorry you ever laid a finger on him, Blitz"

<Decepticon> Scrapper says, "He's still around."

Blaster steps out of a nearby corridor into the fray, just in time to see Blitzwing clobber Foxfire. His nearly ever-present grin is nowhere to be seen now. "Foxy!!" The distant explosions from Foxfire's planted explosives tell Blaster that something went right, but this's still a pretty high price for the mission. He reaches carefully collects Foxfire, tucking him protectively under one arm and using the other to shield the cassette from any further attacks. "Frosty, Quick...the engine's blown, hostages gone, time to get out of here!"

You take Foxfire.

<Decepticon> Blitzwing says, "Eheh, who's gonna teach me, you? You'd better tuck tail, Blaster, while you still can. I hope you can swim."

Slag. The added propulsion was just a bit too much for Sixshot to catch up with, and his teeth are sadly left unrewarded. His fellow Decepticons had felt the brunt of his inabillity to keep Quickswitch out of the fray, but Scrapper should find some comfort in his reappearance. Defeated? Far from it, he took in the outcome on his arrival, and left Foxfire to Blitzwing. The Autobot six-changer was his target, and not unlike an animal waiting for their chance at the carcass, he dove in to take a piece off of the other's 'handle'. Engine blown? That would make things a hassle, but he wasn't about to let the other retreat that easily.

Sixshot misses Laser Pistol <Quickswitch> with his Seriously Big Bite attack.

<RP-Coordination> Grimlock says, "I need emergency TP Staff approval."

<RP-Coordination> Scrapper says, "Approved!"

<RP-Coordination> Grimlock says, "Can I get Grimlock's New Brain during surgery from his battle damage here?"

<RP-Coordination> Scrapper says, "Hee. Get super smart for a lil' bit? :-)"

<Decepticon> Galvatron says, "Status report!"

<Decepticon> Cyclonus says, "Energon almost depleted but injuries minimal."

<Decepticon> Sixshot says, "Engines blown, Blaster's here, the tapes are no longer a problem and Blaster's just confessed that the humans are free. Injuries inconsequential, I can still fight."

<Decepticon> Blitzwing says, "I'll be fine as soon as I can get out of here and meet up with Octane for a top-up. I've got plenty of fight still in me."

Frostbite shakes himself free as Ravage suddenly goes limp from his and Quickswitch's unintentionally combined attack. He freezes as Blitzwing knocks out Foxfire, and seeing that seems to've snapped him back to some semblance of sanity--although he's no less furious. He gives Blitzwing a fuel-chilling glare, far worse than any glare he would normally give, but does not attack as Blaster's words reach his audios. Their mission is complete, and it is time to get going. Fortunately, the thought of having to swim back doesn't seem to bother him. "Understood," he growls quietly to Blaster as he quickly makes his way to the Tapemaster's side.

<Decepticon> Mother Goose Fusillade says, "Mraaaaaaaaaaah!"

<Decepticon> Blitzwing says, "Fusillade is damaged, too."

<Decepticon> Scrapper says, "Once we chase off the dogooders I'll be available to repair those who need it."

<Decepticon> Sixshot says, "As fun as it is to exchange blows with Quickswitch, if there's something more important to be done--"

<Decepticon> Galvatron says, "That leaves them and the new sixchanger then, correct? The Autobots have already fled with tails tucked firmly between their legs."

<Decepticon> Scrapper says, "Blaster and Frostbite look like they're about to flee, Lord Galvatron. If so, yes, that leaves only their fancy new sixchanger."

The pistol unleashed itself at the Decepticons--as the green fist slams into it, destabalizing its propulsors and denting its chamber, circuits crackling. The pistol clatters to the floor, the other Sixchanger leaping right over him as he lays there, momentarily still. Quickswitch transforms, the sound sped up and rapid--circuits popping and crackling here and there, one of his huge arms bracing against the floor as he transforms from that position. He's heard the call, now only to heed it. He slowly lifts himself up from the floor, gazing through his sight to find Scrapper square in them, finger on the trigger, and fires.

Quickswitch springs up into his massive robot mode.

As Airwolf heads for the door again, she almost trips on something. Stumbling, she catches herself on the wall and looks down to see a cast iron skillet. Ohhhhhhhh. Well, that's the only weapon she *knows* she scored with, so she carefully bends down to pick it up. Yes, she recalls that heft. Stepping out of the kitchen, and very happy to see the last of it, she makes her way down the hallway towards the sound of the fighting.

The sound of a not-so-distant explosion rattles the hallway, and Airwolf has to steady herself again. Oh dear. Is the ship going to sink? From broadband chatter, no. Engines blown, eh? She begins to ponder the mechanics of water-based propulsion, something she hasn't paid as much attention to as others. Bah. Scrapper's more experienced; let *him* handle the repairs. Besides, she's unsure as to her status now that the humans have escaped. She sighs. She'll have to apologize to Lord Galvatron for her failure. It was an expected failure, but to quote so many overconfident mechs, "failure is not an option".

Blitzwing hauls himself up through a hatch to meet up with Octane (and perhaps, intercept the Autobots if they manage to get out and try to swim away or something).

Blitzwing begins retreating, leaving himself vulnerable to parting shots from Sixshot, Scrapper, Blaster, Quickswitch, Airwolf.

Blaster transforms into boombox mode.

Scrapper hesitates as Blaster appears. "Oh oh..." just whenever Scrapper thinks they have this won, another Autobot pops out of the woodwork. Luckily this particular Autobot is shouting about retreating. This makes Scrapper happy. The bombs go off, and Scrapper is thrown forward to the deck. But as Foxfire was getting blasted and attacked repeatedly as he set him, he suspects he'll be able to repair it. How long will it take? Who knows. Worry about that later! Standing upright, Scrapper grabs for a Cybertronian fire extinguisher and begins spraying fire retardant foam on the flames, careful not to get any of the deadly substance on him.

Glancing worriedly at Blaster, Frostbite, and Quickswitch, the Constructicon is distressed to see that the sixchanger is still itching for a fight. "Slag," he mutters at the massive Autobot warrior. Now back in his robot form, Scrapper can see Quickswitch readying that gun of his. He jerks backwards, momentarily stopping with the fire fighting. The blast streaks just past him, fueling the flames and undoing the work Scrapper had done. "Stop him!" Scrapper shouts at the others helpfully.

Razorclaw enters the UNS Supertanker Hephaestus.

Blitzwing enters the UNS Supertanker Hephaestus.

So demanding. Sixshot just managed to keep his feet, all four of them underneath him when the rest of the explosions took effect. He'd missed taking a chunk off of Quickshot's weapon form, but he'll try to prevent him from bringing those guns back around this time, aiming to hamper the hand that held it, going for the joint.

Sixshot strikes Quickswitch with bite.

<Autobot> Skids says, "Which, 99% of the time, is valid IC discussion."

Boombox begins emitting a high-pitched wailing sound that assaults the very audio sensors. It might just be the sound of Dinobots singing, but it echoes off of the cramped metal walls and is amplified beyond recognition. The sound makes it hard for anyone to hear, any shouted orders are likely to go unheard. What's worse is, the Decepticon radio channel is blanketed by a similar noise. Blaster's helpful carrying strap extends slightly. *no attack*

<Decepticon> Blaster starts playing a loud, high-pitched sound that's something like Dinobots singing...in voices that sound like a poorly done imitation of Wheelie.

Quickswitch feels the sudden bite into his wrist joint, struggling to break it free. Explosions going off around them, the Autobot Sixchanger's bare notice of them takes the form of a--what in Primus' name is that--wince, as he swings his other arm to pistol-whip the battle-hungry wolf across the face with his other hand.

Quickswitch misses Sixshot with his Slap attack.

<Decepticon> The Creepy One, Sunder says, "In the name of Unicron, what is that horrible racket?"

<Decepticon> Soundwave says, "The Autobots are hijacking our frequencies. No doubt out of frustration due to their inability to stop us."

Blitzwing drops back into the ship and clangs the hatch shut after him, hurrying to Sixshot's aid. "All right! I'm locked and loaded, and I feel good!" Having refuelled, he is now positively bristling with weaponry.

Airwolf has a short conversation with her lord and begins to make her way upwards to the deck of the ship. Her assignment has changed, and she's not sure which is the more unnerving. She never, ever would have suspected such a thing of him. On the way, her audials are suddenly assaulted by a raucous noise. Thanks, but losing her vision and her balance were enough; losing her hearing is too much. She shakes her head and continues on her way.

Frostbite pins back his ears at the sound, but doesn't otherwise react to it. He picks up Blaster by the carrying-strap instead of transforming and letting Blaster carry him as well. He spins around and, while the Decepticons are busy with Quickswitch and the fire, bolts for the nearest exit.

You stop following Quickswitch.

You begin following Frostbite.

Scrapper arghs and stumbles, dropping the fire extinguisher as Blaster begins emiting an awful, awful sound. "It's as if a thousand trumpets were being blasted by He Who Shall Not Be Named!" he complains, falling to one knee from the sheer pain of it all. Scrapper grapples for his laser pistol, trying to draw a bead on an Autobot. /Any/ Autobot! In this case, it happens to be Quickswitch.

Scrapper strikes Quickswitch with Laser Pistol - Medium Setting.

Blitzwing steps up beside Scrapper and also draws his carbine, firing along with the Constructiboss. He privately wishes Astrotrain was here so they could clack guns together before tag-teaming the mutant Autobot, but it isn't so.

Blitzwing strikes Quickswitch with Assault Carbine (burst fire).

That might have stung! If he'd lingered long enough, instead Sixshot had already backed off, eyeing the cramped Quickswitch with a decided feral gleam to his gaze.

Frostbite leaves the UNS Supertanker Hephaestus.

You follow Frostbite.

 (travel spam... ) 

You move south to the Repair Bay...

Autobot City - Repair Bay

''This is the main repair bay for the Autobots. Several operating tables lie in a row here, and a long bench lines one wall. On the bench are assorted tools used in repairing damaged Transformers. Scattered throughout the room are various repair bots, awaiting the arrival of more wounded to repair. The room gives you the perception of being immaculately clean, not a tool out of place.

On the left side of the operating arena are wide sliding doors that open into the recovery ward. Less frantic than the busy repair bay, it consists of two rows of immaculate beds on opposite walls for those needing peace and quiet to rest and recover from their repairs. The sounds of quiet conversations between medic and patient, or between visitor and patient, are about all that disturb the quiet.''

Blaster transforms into robot mode.

Blaster rushes over and carefully sets the unconcious Firefox down on a repair table.

Frostbite staggers into the med-bay, more tired than anything, and drops Blaster on the ground before wandering off to a corner. He isn't hurt as much physically as he feels guilty--he'd promised Foxfire that he'd watch his back, and he couldn't do that. There were just... too many of them.

Blaster makes sure Foxfire is somewhat comfortable before looking over at Frostbite. He forces a cheerful grin on his face. "You boys were awesome today. You did us all proud."

First Aid has connected.

Frostbite just makes a quiet sound and curls up, ignoring his own damages as he buries his muzzle under his large paws. It didn't matter, as far as he was concerned. He still failed.

The White and red protectobot walks in, to what he made up on the radio sounding like it would be a fun night, boy would he be in for a suprise as he made it in. He stood there, survying the damage done to his fellow team-mates, watching the gumbies doing what they can, and went straight from looking, to getting ready to fix up the most needed in repairs.

Blaster shouts as he sees First Aid enter. "First!" He rushes over and practically leads First Aid by the hand to where Foxfire is lying unconcious. "You gotta help him out! We were inside that EDC ship...he really came through for us." He grimaces. "But they really worked him over in there."

First Aid pulls out a medical scanner and runs a check on Foxfire.

First Aid pulls out a medical scanner and runs a check on Blaster.

First Aid pulls out a medical scanner and runs a check on Frostbite.

First Aid was kinda caught off guard by Blaster, however as he was taken over, if he had great amount of expression his optics would be wide, "..primus.." He whispered softly, then snapped over to one of the gumbies, instructed for the tools he needed and glanced over to Blaster, "I'll do what I can and bring him around-- what are the status of the others?"

Frostbite can't stay here anymore. It's too warm, and he... just can't. So, while First Aid and Blaster are busy with Foxfire, he silently slinks out of the med-bay to his quarters to rest and recover on his own.

You say, "I'm fine, not a scratch on me." He says that last part bitterly. "Frosty's a little banged up too...but he should be okay." He nods as Frostbite heads out. "Which is more than you could say for Ravage."

Peacekeeper enters from the Main Lobby - First Floor to the north.

First Aid nods and startes to do what he can for Foxfire. "He is in need of critical repairs.. probably have to keep him in the medical bay for at least a week to recover fully." He said as he started to work on getting the armor plates repairs, internal systems, and such.

Frostbite has left.

First Aid begins work on Foxfire's severe injuries.

First Aid pulls out a medical scanner and runs a check on Foxfire.

Peacekeeper storms back into the med-bay, muttering something under her breath that would likely make /Ratchet/ wince, as she gathers up some more supplies and stuff for the wounded brought back in the shuttle--and how that survived she'll never know. This is going to be a long night tonight and day tomorrow, she just knows it. And if anyone in CoC gets her in an even worse mood than the one she's already in... well, it won't be pretty. For anyone.

First Aid glances up from his work as Peacekeeper storms in, it was something he was use too, and thus didn't effect him much. "Peacekeeper," He said gently, "How many are there in critical condition?" It was a question he wanted to know since there may be others like Foxfire whom were out cold. Though as he continued his work, he was sure soon he be able to bring Foxfire back to the land of semi-moving parts.

Peacekeeper doesn't pause nor look up at the Protectobot. "Grimlock and Penumbra, and possibly others as well. I need to go back and continue stabilization before they can be moved in here," she states shortly, her tone more along the lines of 'absolutely disgusted' than much else, even though she's clearly ticked. "It took them so fraggin' long to get here, I'm surprised they still slaggin' function--or are at least alive." And now that they are here, she's not about to let them fade. She does pause slightly to look at who First Aid is working on, and just shakes her head when she realizes that Foxfire is little better off himself. "I just hope it was worth it."

<Decepticon> Scrapper says, "Quickswitch looks like he's bolting. Whoever's still outside, make sure he gets out of here without killing anyone."

First Aid continues work on Foxfire and once satisfied that there shouldn't be to much pain to the small guy, then goes and works on turning on his systems and getting him up to the land of the moving.

First Aid jury-rigs Foxfire, taking a few moments to patch up some damage.

Blaster puts an arm around First Aid's shoulder. He seems a little calmer now that he knows the little guy's gonna pull through. "That was one A-grade piece of medical work, First. Thanks."

<OOC> Blaster is gonna take off too. Awesome job today Foxfire. That was truly an epic scene :)