Death Race

Horsepower drops his bulk to the pavement, converting into a modified wrecker rig.

Aarry Ballen is standing in the VIP stands of the racetrack. The crowd is roaring and cheering as he raises his arms to request silence. He looks down at the Cybertronian gathered along the racetrack. "Welcome my friends! This is the first EVER, well not really, Death Race! The winner can take anything he wants from my compagny's arsenal!" He points at a building not too far from the racetrack, "The others... well it was nice to meet you! Now take your marks!"

Blue Sportscar  cruises over to his spot, testing his engine a few times between idling. His entire frame shudders slightly with each powerful rumbling rev-up. Clutch still has a reinforced ramming bumper mounter over his front bumper and metal shudders covering his windshield and windows - installed during the street fighting in Crystal City, it didn't seem necessary to remove them given the billing for this race.

 Junk-Cycle vrooms over to his lane, puttering to a stop and revving his engine a few times as he gets ready for the race to start. For dramatic efect, there is a hologram of a spiky-haired blonde guy sitting on him, holding a huge sword.

Cyberpunk Wrecker Rig  pulls up to the line on the other side of Clutch, air horn bleating out a brief triad of notes in greeting to the other Autobot racer. "Don't worry pardner, we got yer back!" The large multi-block engine protuding from the center of his hood gives a rumble as well. While he wasn't the fastest of vehicles, Horsepower had his share of size and power to throw around... and that's exactly what he intended to do tonight, if the gleaming spiked fenders, bladed wheel rims and massive metal V-plow up front were any indication. Velocitron had been his 'home' for many centuries, and for one night he was back in his element amongst the fast and dirty races.

Aarry Ballen's widely smiles as he watches the Cybertronians taking their place along the starting line before turning his attention towards the crowd, "Ladies and Gentlement! The mighty warriors of Cybertron are about to compete for prizes and for their lifes! Let the race BEGIN!" There's a loud bang as the alien gives the signal starting the race.

Mechalligator , or rather, 'Death Race Variant Skullcruncher' plods over to the starting position that had been designated to him earlier in the racer's lounge, a lithe Nebulan striding along not far behind him. Grax sports an Earth-inspired motorcyclist skull cap adorned with steel spikes, as well as a leather jacket bristling with metal barbs. "You ready to thrash these close, Skullcruncher? I know I am!" He pounds a fist into an open palm.

Pyramid Jet  is pretty confident to win this race as he's the only real flyer here. He's not too worried about being shot at, after all he's good enough to avoid anything they can throw at him...right? his engines burst to live as he hears the signal. The pyramid jet takes off and rockets fowards, trying to leave all the others far behind.

First Aid does not want to be here. He thinks the whole idea of a race for weapons to be idiotic and offensive. That this mysterious race organizer has vowed that this will be a death race only fuels his discontent in these shenanigans. But Sky Lynx gave him an order, and so First Aid is here to keep a watch on his fellow Autobots and ensure that no harm comes to them. He would have preferred to simply ignore this obvious trap - let the Decepticons race each other over silliness. The Protectobot must admit, though, that if his fellow Bots are actually going to go through with this, it's good to have some people here to keep them safe. First Aid stands on the sidelines, technically taking up a seat reserved for a coach or training. He watches this Ballen individual suspiciously.

At the bang signaling the race's commencement, Skullcruncher's entire forehead grotesquely opens with a hiss of pneumatics. Grax sprints ahead and leaps into the air as though this were all rehearsed, landing comfortably in a cockpit-like space dug out of what would normally be the Cybertronian's processor housing. "Onward to victory!", the Nebulan knifes the air with a hand, shouting and then jabbing at some indistinct spot further down the track. At this command, the robotic alligator leaps foward, scuttling off down the track in that characterstic reptilian gait.

Blue Sportscar 's engine kicks into life. All four wheels spinning wildly, with white smoke pouring out from the wheel arches before the racing tires catch and the Autobot surges forward. "Wait -- we're racing against JETS?!?" He howls as he watches Photon pull ahead. Small panels on his rear fenders detach and slide out of the way, so that a pair of turrets can deploy, swivelling up to point in Photon's direction. "Just need...to get a lock..."

Cyberpunk Wrecker Rig  throws the hammer to the floor as the starting gun goes off, showing a surprisingly amount of acceleration for a truck as heavy as he is. Not as fast as some of the others here by a long shot, but that's not really the point that he's here in the first place. As he was saying before, sometimes the best way to deal with a trap is to take it head-on.

And then a strange thing happens! Something red, white, and blue falls off of Photon's wing, and transforms into an eagle. "Hello, everyone!" Americon says, following everyone almost by habit. He looks around at everyone tearing off and the strange world he's on. "Wait, what the f--" He's drowned out by the roar of engines.

 First Aid says, "The odd silence makes me think otherwise."  Horsepower says, "Sorry pard, this sorta racin' takes more concentration than ya might think."  First Aid says, "Right, sorry. I didn't mean to distract you. I'll keep watch in case anything suspicious happens."  Sit-Com says, "What's black and white and red all over?"  Sit-Com says, "Americon, with my tireprints on him."

Pyramid Jet  jets fowards with a burst of laughter! But a quick sensor check that despite being first, some of the others are pretty close behind him! He's not too worried about Americon who wouldn't dare to interfere with his race...right? But he can't allow an Autobot to pass him. The golden seeker transforms into his robot mode facing all the others who are racing at him, "You race ends here Autobot!" he shouts as his raise and fires his weapons at Clutch.

The Pyramid jet unfold into Photon's robot mode.

Combat: Photon strikes Blue Sportscar  with his Laser Cannon attack!

Blue Sportscar  tries to keep up with Photon but this doesn't seem possible. Flyers tend to beat drivers every time...until Clutch spots a small ramp. "No reason I can't be both," he emits with voice full of what me a slightly un-Autobotlike eagerness. Clutch adjusts his angle to take a quick racing leap...and then gets tagged by Photon. "Nnnh!" he shouts, front end exploding into flames!! But somehow this doesn't seem to affect his speed, or his momentum. Or his determination -- he leaps off the ramp and angles himself straight at his attacker.

Combat: Blue Sportscar  strikes Photon with his Offensive Driving attack!

Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon> yells, "What the hell is going on?! Geeze, I take a nap for a while and--" He pauses as he checks his internal chronometer. "One month!? I was in sleep mode for a MONTH?!? How... what... where!?! Was on Photon's wing the entire time?" The poor little birdy seems so frazzled by the day's strange events that he simply continues flying along, his mind racing as he tries to make sense of what happened to him.

Unsurprisingly Clutch and the jet (who the heck let a jet in? Then again, never said it was a land race) are taking to the front of the pack right off the bat. Horsepower is just chugging along, aiming to hold a steady pace until things require a bit more oomph... Then again, even less suprising the Decepticon is resorting to taking shots right off the bat. With a growl that could be his engine as much as the Autobot, the truck puts the throttle down harder to get closer to where the action is breaking out.

Combat: Cyberpunk Wrecker Rig <Horsepower> sets his defense level to Aggressive.

Mechalligator <Skullcruncher> with Grax in tow, waddle after the pack after having been left in the proverbial dust. Grax yells obscenities at his misfortune of being binary bonded to such a slow poke. He turns in the seat of his personal commander centre and begins to rummage through scores of storage bins, until finally uncovering Skullcruncher's demolecularization rifle. The weapon is almost the same size as him, but through a mix of frustration and determination, he manages to hoist it out of the locker that it was encased in and plants it along the rim of his station in Skullcruncher's head, drawing a bead on whoever that blur may be in first place, in true Super Mario Kart Blue Shell fashion.

Combat: Mechalligator <Skullcruncher> sets his defense level to Aggressive.

Combat: Mechalligator <Skullcruncher> strikes Photon with his Laser attack!

First Aid frowns inwardly as the race progresses. He can't help but think that this all could have been solved by a normal, non-death related race. It would have satisfied everybody's need for a race, and had less death in iot. Needless to say, First Aid isn't sure who to root for.

The Global Pose Tracker marks that Cyberpunk Wrecker Rig <Horsepower> has 'skipped' his action for this round.

<Sit-Com> Junk-Cycle zooms along, not exactly at the head of the pack. There are others faster than him! His holographic "Cloud" swings the sword as he tries to hinder the Decepticon Alligator. What passes for the "sword" is actually a random bar of something poking through.

Combat: <Sit-Com> Junk-Cycle sets his defense level to Aggressive.

Combat: <Sit-Com> Junk-Cycle misses Mechalligator <Skullcruncher> with his Crazy Motorcycle! (Punch) attack!

Race: The racers speed around the track, and the scoreboard lights up with the new race standings...

Photon doesn't have time to enjoy the effect of his attack on the Autobot. He's first hit by laser fire and then a freaking car run him over...in the air! The seeker is sent flying and heavily crashes into the wall of the racetrack. "Urg" is his only comment as he gets back on his feet slowly... Shaking his head, he leaps into the air and transforms into his jet mode trying to catchup with all those who passed him.

Combat: Photon sets his defense level to Protected.

The Global Pose Tracker marks that Photon has 'skipped' his action for this round.

A sudden crack like a bullwhip being sharply snapped accompanies Blurr's appearance in the stands, having apparently /run/ from Cybertron because he was late to hear about the race. "Sorry I wasn't here in time to join at the start Autobots I know I'm late but I'm moving fast excuse me a moment sir if you don't mind I'll just slip in here and get with the program!" Dashing around the race officials and leaving them no time to agree or disagree, Blurr flings himself onto the track, sprinting between racers until there's room for him to hit the ground and go ripping off across the track in his vehicular mode.

Combat: Rocket Sled sets his defense level to Aggressive.

The Global Pose Tracker marks that Rocket Sled has 'skipped' his action for this round.

Blue Sportscar <Clutch> lands heavily, bouncing so hard on his tires that he actually tumbles a few times before somehow ending up on his wheels. As soon as all four touch the ground he revs and peels out again, trying to overtake Photon before the Decepticon builds up speed again. So focused is he on getting ahead - and getting back into the competition - that Clutch doesn't bother with finesse, or even with watching what's going on around him. Instead he just pours on the speed.

Combat: Blue Sportscar <Clutch> sets his defense level to Fearless.

Cyberpunk Wrecker Rig <Horsepower> throws his hefty build at a side angle to drift around the outside of a turn, skidding past Photon and Clutch as a firefight breaks out around the street racer. "Ah'd lecture y'all on racin' fair.." He pauses a beat as his tow-boom lifts up as he passes, bearing the glowing barrel of some weapon as it aims behind him. "But Ah came expectin' a dirty fight instead!" A beam of sparkling disruptive energy spews out of the muzzle at Photon as Horsepower tries to by Clutch some time to catch up.

Combat: Cyberpunk Wrecker Rig <Horsepower> misses Photon with the Horsepower-forged Energon Depolarizer attack!

The Global Pose Tracker marks that Blue Sportscar <Clutch> has 'skipped' his action for this round.

=
===============[ Racetrack Attack! ]============================= Racer                        Pos Lap Defense-Level -- +Rocket Sled <Blurr>          0   0   AGGRESSIVE     -- Mechalligator <Skullcruncher> 3  0   AGGRESSIVE     -- Blue Sportscar <Clutch>      7   0   FEARLESS       -- Photon                       8   0   PROTECTED      -- <Sit-Com> Junk-Cycle         8   0   AGGRESSIVE     -- Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon> 11 0   NEUTRAL        -- Cyberpunk Wrecker Rig <Horsep 13 0   AGGRESSIVE     RAM ATTEMPT

+ Racer within ramming distance -> You!

=
============[ Sorted by Track Position ]=========================

Photon leaps fowards and shifts into a golden pyramid jet.

Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon> at last manages to figure out that this is some kind of race and that he should act accordingly by competing in the grand tradition of Decepticons... by cheating. To that end, he tries to clamp onto the tow-boom with his beak and throw his wings out to the sides in an attempt to act as an airbrake. "You're not going to win this... race I'm in suddenly!" he cries.

Combat: Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon> sets his defense level to Fearless.

Race: Panhard ERC-90 Sagaie<Backblast> joins the race.

Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon> is going to do that to Horsepower's tow boom, that is.

Grax fistpumps in celebration as his laser blast strikes home, and he rolls the chamber of the rifle and reloads it with a fresh magazine, dispensing a spent, smoking cartridge onto the track in the process. Skullcruncher continues to plod along as quickly as he can while the Nebulan searches for a second target - but before he cause any more mayhem, Sit-Com' charges into melee range and swipes at the binary bonded pair! The weapon lodges in between Skullcruncher's armored plates, and Grax lifts a foot and kicks the Junkion away, lifting the gigantic rifle in his clutches and slamming the barrel into the side of the cycle, "Say hello to my leetle friend!" *PEW PEW!*

Combat: Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon> strikes Cyberpunk Wrecker Rig <Horsepower> with his Ram attack!

Combat: Mechalligator <Skullcruncher> sets his defense level to Fearless.

<Autobot> Horsepower laughs a bit. "Better late than never boys!... And it looks like Ah got a hitchiker

Combat: Mechalligator <Skullcruncher> misses <Sit-Com> Junk-Cycle with his Disruptor attack!

Panhard ERC-90 Sagaie<Backblast> wakes from recharge, his engines clattering into life. The six-wheeled scoutcar pulls out of the garage at full speed., <<I'm late!>> He declares. <<I'm late for a very important date!

His pilot hologram pops the hatch and, like a cavalry officer, draws a saber and sweeps it forward. A bugle sounds the charge loudly as the Panhard burns some rubber, his central set of wheels lifting up to increase his road speed, at the cost of stability and, if things get rough, traction.

Combat: Panhard ERC-90 Sagaie<Backblast> sets his defense level to Fearless.

<Autobot> Sarky Sniper Backblast sounds the charge!

The Global Pose Tracker marks that Panhard ERC-90 Sagaie<Backblast> has 'skipped' his action for this round.

<Sit-Com> Junk-Cycle dodges the pewpew and tries to zoom ahead. "Fast as fast can be, you'll never catch me," he says, sounding suspiciously like the Jackelope of America's Funniest People.

The Global Pose Tracker marks that <Sit-Com> Junk-Cycle has 'skipped' his action for this round.

Race: The racers speed around the track, and the scoreboard lights up with the new race standings...

=
===============[ Racetrack Attack! ]============================= Racer                        Pos Lap Defense-Level -- Mechalligator <Skullcruncher> 6  0   FEARLESS       -- Panhard ERC-90 Sagaie<Backbla 8  0   FEARLESS       -- Rocket Sled <Blurr>          11  0   AGGRESSIVE     -- <Sit-Com> Junk-Cycle         13  0   AGGRESSIVE     -- Cyberpunk Wrecker Rig <Horsep 13 0   AGGRESSIVE     -- Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon> 14 0   FEARLESS       -- Pyramid Jet <Photon>         15  0   PROTECTED      -- Blue Sportscar <Clutch>      15  0   FEARLESS       --

+ Racer within ramming distance -> You!

=
============[ Sorted by Track Position ]=========================

Combat: Pyramid Jet <Photon> sets his defense level to Neutral.

Pyramid Jet <Photon> manages to catch up with the others despite a sneak attack from Horsepower that he manages to evade. As he passes the Autobot he emits, "The Autobots who's going to beat me in a race hasn't come out of the factory Autobot!". The golden seeker accelerate to attempts to pass Clutch but he can't resist to the temptation to take a shot at Horsepower. Using his rear laser, he fires a quick shot at the Autobot.

Combat: Pyramid Jet <Photon> strikes Cyberpunk Wrecker Rig <Horsepower> with his Laser attack!

<Autobot> Sarky Sniper Backblast says, "Sorry I'm late, boss, I... long flight. Ahhhhh gorram it!"

Rocket Sled <Blurr> blasts off the line with a howl of booster rockets, a billowing white plume of steam roiling in his wake! "Excuse me pardon me oh another late entrant that's wonderful let's give these Decepticons what for and show them nobody can race like Autobots is that guy seriously riding an Alligator I guess it takes all kinds to make a galaxy!" he exclaims as he whisks past Skullcruncher and Backblast and comes up behind Sit-Com and Horsepower, coasting briefly in Horsepower's broad slipstream before pulling out and accelerating down the track again.

Combat: Rocket Sled <Blurr> sets his defense level to Fearless.

Combat: Rocket Sled <Blurr> sets his defense level to Guarded.

<Autobot> Sarky Sniper Backblast says, "I'd have ta forget to gas up wouldn't I? Where's Fanfare's fat arse when ya need 'im!"

Combat: Rocket Sled <Blurr> sets his defense level to Guarded.

Combat: Rocket Sled <Blurr> sets his defense level to Fearless.

The Global Pose Tracker marks that Rocket Sled <Blurr> has 'skipped' his action for this round.

<Autobot> Blurr says, "It would be quite an advantage in the race if we could be topped off mid race by overhead aircraft of course I guess we'd have to be equipped for in-race refuelling but that's something that could be worth looking into I bet our engineers are up to the task they are creative fellows one and all!"

<Autobot> Horsepower says, "Guys"

<Autobot> Horsepower says, "There ain't a restriction on modes."

<Autobot> Horsepower says, "If ya need a patch or a top off, holla."

Blue Sportscar <Clutch> notices Photon still shooting at Autobots - but this time in his jet mode, which means the Seeker has to stay closer to the ground. In fact, even though Photon is skimming above the actual surface of the racetrack, Clutch's hover systems allow him to rise to the Decepticons level. Now in Photon's backwash, Clutch approaches closer and closer. At first it seems like he's going to ram him again, but then the Autocar slows until he's just behind the Decepticon. "I've drafted with cars, trucks and hovertanks," he announces to no one in particular. "But a Decepticon jet? That might just be the highlight of my racing career!"

<Autobot> Remedy uhms, then starts working on an in flight refueling system

Combat: Blue Sportscar <Clutch> strikes Pyramid Jet <Photon> with his Efficient Driving attack! [Pulled -2]

<Autobot> Sarky Sniper Backblast says, "Fanny and I used to do it all the time, no worries. Just requires a bit of careful driving. Nah no worries, I got some jerry cans in the back 'ere, just gonna need a bit of careful driving to top meself up."

Cyberpunk Wrecker Rig <Horsepower> barely even notices the tiny con grabbing onto his boom, but the increase in drag doesn't go unnoticed to the experienced race-engineer. With a reverbrant growl the wrecker sways back and forth a few times, trying to shake Americon loose. "Hey, no hitchikers!.. Ah, ferget it, got bigger cases to crank..." Like the jet shooting lasers at him bouncing off his hood and cab. "Don't count ya triggers before they're cocked, boy," he snaps back. Watching Clutch pull ahead again, he takes one last swing to try and fling the eagle off his crane.

<Autobot> Clutch howls gleefully over the sound of engines, "The racetrack's no place for careful driving!"

Combat: Cyberpunk Wrecker Rig <Horsepower> sets his defense level to Neutral.

Combat: Cyberpunk Wrecker Rig <Horsepower> misses Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon> with his No Hitchhiking! (Punch) attack!

<Autobot> Sarky Sniper Backblast says, "Nah I got this"

With Sit-Com's sudden burst of speed, Grax fumbles the trigger of Skullcruncher's rifle and laser blasts go awry, a few striking the pavement as one careens off into the crowd amidst a roaring cheer in tandem with a few shrieks of fear. "Oops," Grax meekly offers. Slapping the rifle as though it is the weapon's fault, Grax picks it back up with a grunt and settles it back down at the fore end of his little residence made inside the robotic alligator's head, grumbling under his breath at Sit-Com, who is far beyond melee attack range at this point. "I don't /have/ to ~catch~ you. I just have to KEEEL you." Grax pulls the hammer of the rifle back until it firmly clicks over, and he pulls the trigger!

Combat: Mechalligator <Skullcruncher> sets his defense level to Aggressive.

Combat: Mechalligator <Skullcruncher> strikes <Sit-Com> Junk-Cycle with his Laser attack!

Panhard ERC-90 Sagaie<Backblast> slows himself down as his hologram deresolves, the actuator arms that normally operate the bren gun extending with what appears to be a fuel can of some kind. His turret swings around so the container can tip over into his now-open fuel port, pouring energon, instead of gasoline, to bring the Panhard back up to something approaching ready-to-race.

<Autobot> Horsepower says, "Ya fast guys just go. Ah'ma tryin' t'cover yer bumpers, but that jet's a dodgy one"

Combat: Panhard ERC-90 Sagaie<Backblast> sets his defense level to Guarded.

The Global Pose Tracker marks that Panhard ERC-90 Sagaie<Backblast> has 'skipped' his action for this round.

<Autobot> Blurr says, "I'll do my best to catch up to him but it might not be necessary because it looks like Clutch is neck and neck go Clutch show him what you got!"

Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon> screams out a "BRAAAAWWWKKKK!!!" as Horsepower flings him off, sending him tumbling through the air, but fortunately for him Americon is able to quickly recover and is flying straight as an arrow. "Haha! It'll take more than that, Auto--OH CRAP WATCH OUT!!!" he yells, trying to throw out his wings and stop himself before he flies right into Photon!

<Autobot> Remedy says, "So, a jet flying in overhead with a guided hose to top off the fuel tanks..."

<Autobot> Sarky Sniper Backblast says, "Might need a fuel-up if this don't work..."

Combat: Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon> sets his defense level to Protected.

Combat: Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon> misses Pyramid Jet <Photon> with his Ram attack!


 * SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEECH*

The Junkcycle goes weaving and careening and crashes! His holographic human taps his fingers on the handlebar, then shakes a fist at the Alligator. Meanwhile the Junkcycle tries to get up. "Where'd you learn how to drive?"

The Global Pose Tracker marks that <Sit-Com> Junk-Cycle has 'skipped' his action for this round.

<Autobot> Sarky Sniper Backblast says, "Not a jet, Rem. A Fat Albert. I mean a C130 Hercules- you met Fanfare? Before the energon crisis got really bad, he and I were in the same team - I'd open up a corridor or do sniper support while 'e' flew in the Wreckers, or dangerous amounts of illicit energon for the Autobots. Or a bigarse bomb- they didn't call us the Suicide Jockeys fer nothin!" He laughs. "Mind, that was with his old disc-transport form, never done it with the Herc chassis."

Race: The racers speed around the track, and the scoreboard lights up with the new race standings...

=
===============[ Racetrack Attack! ]============================= Racer                        Pos Lap Defense-Level -- Rocket Sled <Blurr>          4   1   FEARLESS       -- Mechalligator <Skullcruncher> 7  0   AGGRESSIVE     -- Panhard ERC-90 Sagaie<Backbla 8  0   GUARDED        -- <Sit-Com> Junk-Cycle         13  0   AGGRESSIVE     -- Cyberpunk Wrecker Rig <Horsep 13 0   NEUTRAL        -- Pyramid Jet <Photon>         15  0   NEUTRAL        -- Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon> 17 0   PROTECTED      -- Blue Sportscar <Clutch>      19  0   FEARLESS       --

+ Racer within ramming distance -> You!

=
============[ Sorted by Track Position ]=========================

<Autobot> Sarky Sniper Backblast says, "...dammit! Engine's sputtering. Might have ta take you up on that offer of a fillup!"

<Autobot> Dust Devil says, "Man that sounds like fun. I shoulda went but...yeah.."

Blurr seems to almost hold still for a moment as he slips between Sit-Com and Horsepower, then there is a loud B00M and he seems to vanish, replaced by a literal baby-blue streak of light which zigzags through the competitors, hooking around laser fire and dashing out ahead of the pack to take the inside. At the speartip of this blue shimmer is Blurr, who becomes properly visible again as he slows to a coast, scramjets still hissing now that he's not only made up his slow start but passed everything else on the track!

Combat: Rocket Sled <Blurr> sets his defense level to Guarded.

The Global Pose Tracker marks that Rocket Sled <Blurr> has 'skipped' his action for this round.

Blue Sportscar <Clutch> watches and strains his own engine mightily as Blurr pulls alongisde and then streaks by. But Clutch can't keep up, so instead begins weaving back and forth, half to run interference for the new race leader, and half to prevent anyone else from passing Clutch himself. Only...there's no one else approaching that Clutch can see. Oh well. He can be patient.

Combat: Blue Sportscar <Clutch> sets his defense level to Neutral.

The Global Pose Tracker marks that Blue Sportscar <Clutch> has 'skipped' his action for this round.

Cyberpunk Wrecker Rig <Horsepower> chuckles a bit to himself as the tossed bird nearly hits the other bird. Jet. Same difference, they're all turkeys when it comes to Decepticons. All that matters is Clutch is pulling into the lead again... And Photon's still back with the rest of them more willing to brawl. Air horns blare and smoke belchs out of his exhaust stacks as Horsepower throws gears back into full throttle, and guns it straight for the low-flying get with his large, spiked plow. "Time ta clear the trash off the road!"

Combat: Cyberpunk Wrecker Rig <Horsepower> strikes Pyramid Jet <Photon> with his Plowing Ahead attack!

<Autobot> Horsepower says, "YEEEHAAAA!"

<Autobot> Horsepower says, "Ah'll get ya when ya get close, Backer"

Pyramid Jet <Photon> is hit by that accursed car again! He nearly crashes once again but manages to regain control of his flight, narrowly avoiding the incoming tape! Unfortunately nearly half the participants pass him as he does so. Photon curses and pushes his engines to the limits. It's out of question that he let a /car/ beat him! Of course, he's not going to use a fair tactic... heat rays on the leader of the race sounds much better to him!

Combat: Pyramid Jet <Photon> sets his defense level to Fearless.

Combat: Rocket Sled <Blurr> expertly evades Pyramid Jet <Photon>'s attack!

Combat: Pyramid Jet <Photon> misses Rocket Sled <Blurr> with his Heat Guns attack!

Panhard ERC-90 Sagaie<Backblast>'s engine sputters at the wrong moment, scowling to himself as the energon can slips from his fingers and bounces off down the track ahead.

<<Bollocks!>> He declares, losing power and slowing to a crawl, only one of his two V6 engines running, and it's not sounding too happy.

He watches the pack start to drive past at speed, the commander hologram swearing loudly and punching the turret infront of him.

Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon> wobbles along in flight, and this round focuses on trying to regain his bearings and make up lost time. "Urrfff... uh, sorry, Photon! That guy kinda tossed me at you. Sorta. Uh. Yeah, I got your back, man!"

<Autobot> Sarky Sniper Backblast says, "Nice one, man!"

Combat: Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon> sets his defense level to Fearless.

The Global Pose Tracker marks that Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon> has 'skipped' his action for this round.

The Global Pose Tracker marks that Panhard ERC-90 Sagaie<Backblast> has 'skipped' his action for this round.

Grax exhales a hoot of triumph as Sit-Com goes crashing into the wall. As the Junkion shakes a fist at him, the Nebulan replies in kind by flipping Sit-Com the bird as Skullcruncher plods away. "Who's next... who's next...," Grax asks himself, tapping an index finger across his lips. As he asks this, a bright blue blur barrels through the course, physically spinning Grax around in his command center. "What the EFF was THAT?" Skullcruncher lifts his snout and exhales a resounding HARUMPH!, and Grax acknowledges the word-that-wasn't-a-word, and pushes the rifle around turret-style, attempting to draw a bead on the blue Autobot after it visibly slows, now comfortably in the lead...

Combat: Rocket Sled <Blurr> expertly evades Mechalligator <Skullcruncher>'s attack!

Combat: Mechalligator <Skullcruncher> misses Rocket Sled <Blurr> with his Laser attack!

<Sit-Com> Junk-Cycle grunts as he gets back up and into the race, though it looks like his hologram is the one doing the work. A wizard did it? He zooms, not bothering to attack anyone but rather to just get back into place. Meanwhile Top Gun plays on his Wrist-TV. Thank primus for AMC.

The Global Pose Tracker marks that <Sit-Com> Junk-Cycle has 'skipped' his action for this round.

Race: The racers speed around the track, and the scoreboard lights up with the new race standings...

=
===============[ Racetrack Attack! ]============================= Racer                        Pos Lap Defense-Level -- Blue Sportscar <Clutch>      5   1   NEUTRAL        -- Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon> 5  1   FEARLESS       -- Mechalligator <Skullcruncher> 8  0   AGGRESSIVE     -- Rocket Sled <Blurr>          13  1   EVADE          -- Pyramid Jet <Photon>         15  0   FEARLESS       -- Panhard ERC-90 Sagaie<Backbla 15 0   GUARDED        -- Cyberpunk Wrecker Rig <Horsep 16 0   NEUTRAL        -- <Sit-Com> Junk-Cycle         19  0   AGGRESSIVE     --

+ Racer within ramming distance -> You!

=
============[ Sorted by Track Position ]=========================

Rocket Sled <Blurr> jinks out of the way of the heat rays and slips away down the track, the rays distorting in his shimmering wake from the sheer speed of his sudden lunge to escape the beams! Lasers come raking towards him but Blurr is equal to the task, flipping up on his side to flash between them before slapping back down flat and streaking away. "Come on Blurr, this isn't anything you haven't done before for that matter it's what you were made to do just this time there are guns involved but then that's not that different from what you do even when you're not in a race so you can do it!" Blurr gives himself a little pep-talk as he whistles around the track, lapping the alligator which just shot at him.

Combat: Rocket Sled <Blurr> sets his defense level to Neutral.

Pyramid Jet <Photon> curses as he is hit by a crane. He starts spinning and hit the ground raising a cloud of dust. Somehow, he manages to take off again. This time he accelerates but he has little hope of catching up with the others, especially as Blurr passes him! Being a good sport... he shoots at him again!

Combat: Pyramid Jet <Photon> strikes Rocket Sled <Blurr> with his Heat Guns attack!

Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon> surveyes the racetrack. Should he shoot Blurr? No, Photon just did that, and shooting him again wouldn't be... sporting? Whatever. Instead he continues to fly happily along, humming the American national anthem to himself.

The Global Pose Tracker marks that Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon> has 'skipped' his action for this round.

The Global Pose Tracker marks that Rocket Sled <Blurr> has 'skipped' his action for this round.

Grax whoaaaaaaaa's as Blurr speeds past the binary bonded pair /again/, and he capitulates inside his cranial cabin. "Okay, we need to make up some ground. And bad!" Skullcruncher gives a raspy hiss of approval and shifts gears, sprinting after the rest of the pack.

The Global Pose Tracker marks that Mechalligator <Skullcruncher> has 'skipped' his action for this round.

Cyberpunk Wrecker Rig <Horsepower> takes a moment to check and make sure Photon stayed behind from the crash. "Time to do somethin' more important than just smash and crash." With a groan the truck spun around and flipped up, Horsepower landing on his feet and skidding backwards as he locked optics with the incoming scout-car. "Heads up Backer, one juicin' comin' up!" He pulls out a rod-like 'gun', elbows the generator in his backpack to start it up, and shoots a bolt of high-charged energy to Backblast as he keeps jogging along so he doesn't entirely loose pace. "Aaah, just like the good ol' days in the pits."

Combat: Cyberpunk Wrecker Rig <Horsepower> sets his defense level to Fearless.

The wrecker rig heaves up and rearranges into a heavy Autobot form.

Combat: Horsepower deploys his reserve energon tank.

Combat: Mechalligator <Skullcruncher> sets his defense level to Guarded.

Blue Sportscar <Clutch> finishes his first lap, no longer weaving as he seems to have left most of the competition behind -- or has he?? Spotting Americon suddenly, somehow pulling even, Clutch has to restart his optic systems to make sure they weren't damaged by earlier attacks. For that matter he's still got flames flickering out from the edges of his hood and front grill from getting lasered by Photon earlier. "Oh, you think you know racing? This isn't an ordinary race..." Clutch calls, right before swerving violently in Americon's direction. "This is a DEATH race!!" He finishes as he tries to drive the tiny Decepticon into the wall.

Combat: Blue Sportscar <Clutch> sets his defense level to Guarded.

Combat: Blue Sportscar <Clutch> strikes Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon> with his Unsportsmanlike Driving attack! [Pulled -2]

Combat: Horsepower strikes Panhard ERC-90 Sagaie<Backblast> with his Darn code not cooperating. (Punch) attack! [Pulled -1]

Combat: Backblast uses up some of his Recoil Compensator shield booster!

Combat: Horsepower refuels Panhard ERC-90 Sagaie<Backblast>'s energon reserves.

<Autobot> Horsepower says, ".. Maybe Ah amped this baby up a little high. Hope that didn't sting much!"

<Autobot> Sarky Sniper Backblast says, "Nah, man, wasn't your fault. Air bubble in the fuel line locked me up!"

<Autobot> Blurr says, "That dirty Decepticon cheater I should've given him a wider berth hang in there Clutch you're in the lead now!"

Panhard ERC-90 Sagaie<Backblast> gets the charge of energon from HP and the commander hologram tosses him a salute, the Panhard just starting to get up some speed when, at the worst moment, there's ain airbubble in the fuel lines - causing both engines to stall! With the differentials in full limited-slip mode, the scoutcar slows quite considerably as all four of the wheels he's using lock up a moment, until he can use the clutch and start coasting!

He swears, his hologram grabbing hold of the bren gun and takes aim at Americon and Photon, so he's not being completely useless. He fires the old .303 light machine gun in two short bursts, one aimed at each Con...

Combat: Panhard ERC-90 Sagaie<Backblast> strikes Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon> with his Pintle-Mounted Bren Gun Area attack! [Pulled -1]

Combat: Panhard ERC-90 Sagaie<Backblast> misses Pyramid Jet <Photon> with his Pintle-Mounted Bren Gun Area attack! [Pulled -1]

<Autobot> Sarky Sniper Backblast says, "That'll slow the birdie down some anyway!"

<Autobot> Horsepower says, "Ah told ya guys to keep watch fer dirty tricks."

<Sit-Com> Junk-Cycle,still making up for lost ground, speeds along, playing more Crazy Motorcycle music. He makes roadrunner noises when he comes close to the other racers. "Meep-meep *PBBTTT!*"

The Global Pose Tracker marks that <Sit-Com> Junk-Cycle has 'skipped' his action for this round.

Race: The racers speed around the track, and the scoreboard lights up with the new race standings...

=
===============[ Racetrack Attack! ]============================= Racer                        Pos Lap Defense-Level -- +Pyramid Jet <Photon>         1   1   FEARLESS       -- <Sit-Com> Junk-Cycle         5   1   AGGRESSIVE     -- Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon> 5  1   FEARLESS       -- Blue Sportscar <Clutch>      9   1   GUARDED        -- Mechalligator <Skullcruncher> 9  0   GUARDED        -- Rocket Sled <Blurr>          13  1   NEUTRAL        -- Panhard ERC-90 Sagaie<Backbla 15 0   GUARDED        -- Horsepower                   18  0   FEARLESS       --

+ Racer within ramming distance -> You!

=
============[ Sorted by Track Position ]=========================

<Autobot> Blurr says, "I know I know fool me once shame on you fool me twice shame on me fool me three times and it's on like Donkey Kong!"

Rocket Sled <Blurr> thought he had this race in the bag, but as he prepares to lap the Decepticon who seemed previously to be the contender, he pays for his cockiness! Heat rays sear him, overheating his engines and causing him to spin out with an outcry of outrage. That's going to cost him vital seconds! Blurr tries to get himself reoriented and reignites his engines to attempt to regain the lead, pulling away from the breakdown lane with a howl of turbines.

Combat: Rocket Sled <Blurr> sets his defense level to Guarded.

<Autobot> Sarky Sniper Backblast says, "Sit-Com, if ya get close enough, jump on the Bren!"

<Autobot> Sit-Com says, "Roger that"

Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon> is practically smiling at how pleasant the race has been for the past few seconds before he is violently smashed into the wall and smeared across it for about fifty feet. "ARRGHBLARGHARGHLEBLAGHUNFGRAAAH!!" he cries, and once he's finally free of the wall--mostly due to becoming smaller thanks to all the bits falling off of him--he's left to tumble down the track, just like a real bald eagle hit by a car. He eventually rolls to a stop, and gasps, "Well, at least that was the worst of i--"

BLAM BLAM BLAM BLAM! "GGGGYYYAAAAAHHHHH!" Americon cries as bullets rip into his body, leaving him in tatters. "At... at least that's the worst of--" It's then that he notices Sit-Com's front tire bearing down on him! "OH FOR F--"

Combat: Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon> misses <Sit-Com> Junk-Cycle with his Just Another Day in the Life of Americon (Smash) attack!

Pyramid Jet <Photon> bursts in laugh as he stop the Blurr dead, "And they call you untouchable!" The golden jet finally accelerates, passing a couple of slower racers. The pyramid jet executes a couple of daring manoeuvres avoiding all attacks fired at him. However, he realizes that he won't be able to catch up on Blurr. What's the only option left? Kill him!

Combat: Rocket Sled <Blurr> expertly evades Pyramid Jet <Photon>'s attack!

Combat: Pyramid Jet <Photon> misses Rocket Sled <Blurr> with his Heat Guns attack!

Panhard ERC-90 Sagaie<Backblast> growls to himself and re-starts both engines, dropping all six wheels to sacrifice a little top speed on the altar of accelleration. SMoke belches from his exhausts as he lurches forwards. But he spots something, suddenly.

Without warning, he cuts off sideways and rolls up a ramp, running along the top of one of the garages that house the great bulldozers used to clear the track after each race, cackling joyously to himself as he cuts past a few corners, leaving the roof and slamming down on the track hard!

<<Shortcut!>>

Combat: Panhard ERC-90 Sagaie<Backblast> sets his defense level to Fearless.

The Global Pose Tracker marks that Panhard ERC-90 Sagaie<Backblast> has 'skipped' his action for this round.

Horsepower gets passed pretty much by everyone while he's on his feet, but that's besides the point. He's here to help the others, after all. "Sorry 'bout the glitch!" he shouts after Backblast, then turns to see Blurr speeding this way now as well, with that big jerk still trying to shoot at him. "Let's try this again!" He'

<Autobot> Sarky Sniper Backblast says, "I don't think I'm waterproof anymore!"

<Autobot> Horsepower says, "Duct tape will fix it alter!"

<Autobot> Sarky Sniper Backblast says, "I hear that!"

Grax reaches up and grabs the raised windshield that at most times serves as Skullcruncher's noggin', realizing after far too long that the un-aerodynamics of it all has probably cost them quite a bit of ground. In fact, it /must/ be that! Alligators are like the cheetahs of the bayou, after all. Everyone knows this. And thus, Grax pulls the windshield down, latching it shut. "Now, Skullcruncher," Grax orders from within the skull of his partner, "HAUL TAIL!"

Horsepower gets passed pretty much by everyone while he's on his feet, but that's besides the point. He's here to help the others, after all. "Sorry 'bout the glitch!" he shouts after Backblast, then turns to see Blurr speeding this way now as well, with that big jerk still trying to shoot at him. "Let's try this again!" He hefts up the energy-emitter, switchs it back over to 'scramble', and unloads another sparkling disruption blast at the pyramid jet. "Hey Con! Yer momma was a blender and yer father's a washin' machine!" Got to get the age old tradition of taunting in there as well, after all.

Combat: Mechalligator <Skullcruncher> sets his defense level to Protected.

The Global Pose Tracker marks that Mechalligator <Skullcruncher> has 'skipped' his action for this round.

Combat: Horsepower strikes Pyramid Jet <Photon> with the Horsepower-forged Energon Depolarizer attack!

Combat: That attack has slowed Pyramid Jet <Photon>, making him less efficient.

Blue Sportscar <Clutch> sees the coasts is relatively clear for the moment -- and Blurr is perhaps within his reach again! As much as Clutch wants an Autobot, any Autobot to win this race...he'd like that much more for that Autobot to be him! Pouring on the speed, he tries to follow the quicker blue Autocar's path, but takes the same lines that much harder, drifting into turns that much harder andaccelerating out again that much sooner. And generally being that much more reckless...no, that much more FEARLESS...in his driving.

Combat: Blue Sportscar <Clutch> sets his defense level to Fearless.

The Global Pose Tracker marks that Blue Sportscar <Clutch> has 'skipped' his action for this round.

<Autobot> Horsepower says, "That'll slow 'em down a bit!"

<Autobot> Clutch says, "You might be the fastest Autobot of all in the straights Blurr...but maybe I can still take you in the turns!"

<Autobot> Sarky Sniper Backblast says, "Nice shot! No worries about the glitch, man, I think you were a shade late - I'd kinda just that second run outta gas and we had an airbubble in the lines to the engines."

<Autobot> Sit-Com says, "Just between you and me, it's much too far between you and me!"

<Autobot> Blurr says, "Let's have a good old fashioned race about it oh wait we're already having one how convenient but no seriously it's all in fun as long as an Autobot wins I'm happy and I don't think we can lose now because our teamwork is without peer!"

<Autobot> Sarky Sniper Backblast says, "I hear that. So us at the back - let's just frag some Cons, eh? See if we can't put the buggers square last!"

<Autobot> Blurr says, "Speaking of which I wonder if anyone could leave a can of fuel on the track for me to pick up because this is wearing me out!"

<Autobot> Sarky Sniper Backblast says, "Everyone's gotta buy the first one to get a Con to DNF a drink! Hahahaha"

<Sit-Com> Junk-Cycle keeps speeding along, trying to get in position to use Backblast's guns. He's not quite in range yet, so he starts fiddling with his speed in order to try to get set.

<Autobot> Horsepower says, "I've still got some juice in this thin' Blurr."

The Global Pose Tracker marks that Rocket Sled <Blurr> has 'skipped' his action for this round.

Race: The racers speed around the track, and the scoreboard lights up with the new race standings...

=
===============[ Racetrack Attack! ]============================= Racer                        Pos Lap Defense-Level -- +Rocket Sled <Blurr>          0   2   EVADE          -- +Pyramid Jet <Photon>         1   1   FEARLESS       -- +Horsepower                   2   1   FEARLESS       -- Panhard ERC-90 Sagaie<Backbla 5  1   FEARLESS       -- Mechalligator <Skullcruncher> 9  0   PROTECTED      -- Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon> 9  1   FEARLESS       -- <Sit-Com> Junk-Cycle         11  1   AGGRESSIVE     -- Blue Sportscar <Clutch>      17  1   FEARLESS       --

+ Racer within ramming distance -> You!

=
============[ Sorted by Track Position ]========================= Pyramid Jet <Photon> is struck by a disruptor ray. At first nothing seems to happen but suddenly his engines burst in flame. The seeker was already going to full speed and suddenly he's totally unable to control his flight. He rockets forwards but soons a large concrete wall blocks his path. Photon can't turn and ram right through the wall, disappearing from the racetrack.

Aarry Ballen jumps from his seat and shouts, "FIRST KILL" while the crowd cheers.

<Autobot> Sarky Sniper Backblast says, "...bugger. Oh well, there's Americon!"

First Aid is actually pleased at Ballen's latest announcement. Not because a Decepticon is the 'first kill', but because he's pretty sure Photon can survive gettin' it on with a wall at high speeds, so the chances of this being a 'Death race' have gone way down. Still, he is keeping a close optic on the race, per his orders.

Panhard ERC-90 Sagaie<Backblast> chuckles quietly as he tracks Photon going down in flame, grinning to himself. His commander suddenly drops down and buttons the hatch, taking aim through the gunnery scope, his turret to swinging around to track his target, the gun starting to move up and down with the track to get a good bead on whoever it is he's taking a look at.

Already, deep within his hull, the autoloader is swinging into action, slipping a round into the breech of that 90mm gun...

<<Peekaboo... Primus, you're an ugly piece of scrap, aren't you?>>

Combat: Backblast takes extra time to aim his next attack.

<Autobot> Horsepower says, "HAH! The Seeker is outta the race!"

<Autobot> Sarky Sniper Backblast says, "I see it. Primus 'e's and ugly so-and-so... hope I never 'ave to look this closely at Skullcruncher again."

Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon> fails to injure himself again with Sit-Com's help, and so manages to hop back up into the air, his flight more wobbly than ever. He looks so trashed that one could practically swear he came out of a Michael Bay movie. "What a frrking day," he grunts, spitting out small parts. "Got... creamed. Gotta pull my slag together... slag some Autobots, maybe... return the favor..." Peering up ahead, he glares at the car that pasted him earlier. "...rrrrrrrr!" And before long Clutch will find a swarm of missiles streaking right at him!

Combat: Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon> strikes Blue Sportscar <Clutch> with his Rockets' Red Glare attack!

"I'm not falling for that a second time you're going to have to get up PRET-TY early in the morning to beat me on the track!" Blurr replies to Photon, air brakes slamming open on his flanks to slow him so that Photon's beams slice into the track just in front of him. With a supersonic crack, Blurr curves around the heat rays ahead of him and blasts off down the track again, swinging up onto the steeply banked outer wall of the track as his speed overcomes gravity!

Combat: Rocket Sled <Blurr> sets his defense level to Protected.

The Global Pose Tracker marks that Rocket Sled <Blurr> has 'skipped' his action for this round.

The Global Pose Tracker marks that Pyramid Jet <Photon> has 'skipped' his action for this round.

Rocket Sled <Blurr> doesn't even notice Photon crashing into the track because he's already rounded the curve, or else he might feel a little bad about taunting him that way. But only a little.

The Global Pose Tracker marks that <Sit-Com> Junk-Cycle has 'skipped' his action for this round.

Horsepower thrusts a fist into the air. "Take that and suck on it, creep!" he catcalls as Photon makes a very spectacular crash into the walls and off the track... but the celebration is cut short as various other racers zip past him again. "Whoa, almost forgot about the race." But here comes Blurr, blazing along as fast as he can. "Keep goin' Blurr o' boy, Ah got ya covered!" Switching the setting on his emitter once more, he gives a jolt of high-electron energy to the passing speeder. "It's all you and Clutch pardner, make us proud!"

Then he starts jogging again, needing to get on the move before he transforms.

Combat: Horsepower sets his defense level to Protected.

Blue Sportscar <Clutch> inches closer to Blurr. But the other Autobot is still pretty far ahead and Clutch is starting to feel the effects at redlining for so long. Maybe there's something to that persistent 'close descendant to a thoroughbred Cybertronic race horse' rumor that was going around a few deca-cycles back. But Clutch finds himself in a relatively clear sector of the track, and he continues to run at maximum power. To try and eat into Blurr's lead any way he can while he's got so much room to operate.

The Global Pose Tracker marks that Blue Sportscar <Clutch> has 'skipped' his action for this round.

Horsepower has reconnected.

Mechalligator <Skullcruncher> and Grax round another corner, at long last catching up to the competition! Well, it isn't so much that the pair /caught/ anyone as much as the competition is lapping them /again/. Both the Cybertronian and the Nebulan curse at their performance in this race, and make a solemn resolution that, while they may not /win/ the will do whatever they can to ensure it is a Decepticon victory, in the end. And to this end, as the Junkion bike sidles up alongside them to pass once again, Skullcruncher pounces after the motorcycle in a purely prehistoric fit of rage!

Combat: Horsepower refuels Rocket Sled <Blurr>'s energon reserves.

Combat: Mechalligator <Skullcruncher> misses <Sit-Com> Junk-Cycle with his Crunchtime attack!

<Autobot> Horsepower says, "That'll help ya Blurr!"

<Autobot> Blurr says, "Much appreciated Horsepower as long as that jet doesn't hit me with more of that nasty stuff we should have it in the bag better keep an eye out for Clutch too it would be a shame if he got knocked out by the same bad business!"

<Sit-Com> Junk-Cycle weaves in and out of traffic, narrowly being missed by a rampaging Alligator with his robot-mode head riding on his back. "Can't catch me, I'm the Gingerbread Man," he says. He attempts to speed up.

Combat: <Sit-Com> Junk-Cycle sets his defense level to Fearless.

The Global Pose Tracker marks that <Sit-Com> Junk-Cycle has 'skipped' his action for this round.

<Autobot> Horsepower says, "yeah, well, that jet ain't gonna be botherin' no one fer a while."

<Autobot> Horsepower says, "Just keep yer optics out for those other two cons"

Race: Pyramid Jet <Photon> leaves the race.

Race: The racers speed around the track, and the scoreboard lights up with the new race standings...

<Autobot> Sarky Sniper Backblast says, "I 'ave, Skullcrusher's an ugly bugger. 'm kinda affraid 'e'll crack the lens of my targeting scope!"

<Autobot> Blurr says, "Oh what did you do to it are you guys taking care of business back there ha ha that's pretty great okay hear that Clutch let's watch out for them they might try to spoil our run when we lap them."

From somewhere, out of sight of every one, someone extracts himself from a pile of rumbles. Time for plan B. Using all the cover available, he slowly makes his way towards a building standing near the racetrack.

=
===============[ Racetrack Attack! ]============================= Racer                        Pos Lap Defense-Level -- Horsepower                   5   1   PROTECTED      -- Rocket Sled <Blurr>          7   2   PROTECTED      -- Mechalligator <Skullcruncher> 9  0   PROTECTED      -- Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon> 13 1   FEARLESS       -- Panhard ERC-90 Sagaie<Backbla 15 1   FEARLESS       -- Blue Sportscar <Clutch>      17  1   FEARLESS       -- <Sit-Com> Junk-Cycle         18  1   FEARLESS       --

+ Racer within ramming distance -> You!

=
============[ Sorted by Track Position ]========================= Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon> finds himself lurching along this time, gasping and low on energy, his wings flapping slowly. He decides to slow down a little bit and try to regain some energy, barring any sudden and horrific calamities that might befall him courtesy of the Autobots.

<Autobot> Horsepower chortles. "That's just me doin' m'job, Blurr."

Combat: Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon> sets his defense level to Protected.

The Global Pose Tracker marks that Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon> has 'skipped' his action for this round.

Horsepower finally gets going again, and seeing no one else needing a topoff now, drops back into vehicle mode and cracks his throttle up once more, roaring down the track more appropriately. Though his interests are still more in keeping the remaining 'cons off the other's backs than trying to win himself. It's a dirty cheatin' game, so someone's gotta take care of the cheats.

Combat: Horsepower sets his defense level to Aggressive.

Horsepower drops his bulk to the pavement, converting into a modified wrecker rig.

Panhard ERC-90 Sagaie<Backblast> grins quietly to himself as he gets the 'gun ready' signal from his 90mm cannon.

Poor Skullcruncher, he'll probably not see this coming. THe scoutcar shudders and slows down under the recoil of the big gun, snarling quietly due to the fact that the huge cannon /hurts/ to fire. The sabot around the fired shell splits into four like the petals of a flower as soon as they're clear of the barrel, their job done. The tungsten-carbide dart is propelled at mach-3 towards the mechagator. If it hits, it's probably going to hurt!

Combat: Panhard ERC-90 Sagaie<Backblast> strikes Mechalligator <Skullcruncher> with his 90mm Sabot attack! [Pulled -2]

The Global Pose Tracker marks that Cyberpunk Wrecker Rig <Horsepower> has 'skipped' his action for this round.

Blue Sportscar <Clutch> barrels through the explosion caused by Americon's rockets, trailing thick smoke and leaving bits of his reinforced armor behind. "Whoa!" Clutch complains, slowing just a bit and weaving back and forth to try and make himself a harder target. But with this movement Sit-Com manages to pull ahead. Clutch makes an brief shout of surprise before pulling up behind the Junkion. "Sorry -- but this is one race I aim to win!" he calls, first drafting with the Junkion and then once his own speed has built back up slinging around the Junkion, possibly nicking the rear wheel to 'clear' his own path when he's ready.

Combat: Blue Sportscar <Clutch> sets his defense level to Protected.

Grax, excited at the prospect of shredding a Junkion in half, is needless to say quite upset when Sit-Com cleanly evades the rampaging alligator. Grax wheels around in his cockpit, only to find that Skullcruncher has completely fumbled along a mass of debris, and at best only annoyed passing traffic instead of mauling them. "WHY?!", Grax throws his hands up in frustration, pounding on the control stations on either side of him. "You are such an imbecile! NOW! Go an-" *KRAKOW!* The alligator is forcibly rolled over the debris on the track, taking a sabot round to the flank. Upside down, the lizard machine struggles to right himself, all the while Grax pounds his fists on the top of the cranial shield, "Get me outta here!!!"

The Global Pose Tracker marks that Mechalligator <Skullcruncher> has 'skipped' his action for this round.

Combat: Blue Sportscar <Clutch> strikes <Sit-Com> Junk-Cycle with his Drafting attack! [Pulled -3]

<Autobot> Horsepower says, "Whooowhee! Nice gator huntin' there Backer"

<Autobot> Sarky Sniper Backblast's grin is audible. "Didn't see that one comin'."

<Autobot> Horsepower says, "Neither did he"

Horsepower has partially disconnected.

Rocket Sled <Blurr> slows to a supercruise as he exits the hairpin turns and the spike-slalom section, keeping his virtual eyes peeled for attack from the Decepticons he's coming up behind. That alligator thing seems to have been knocked for a loop by the Autobot gunner, but a wounded beast is no less dangerous, Magnus always says.

Combat: Rocket Sled <Blurr> sets his defense level to Neutral.

The Global Pose Tracker marks that Rocket Sled <Blurr> has 'skipped' his action for this round.

<Autobot> Sarky Sniper Backblast says, "That's what I mean, HP"

<Sit-Com> Junk-Cycle screeeeeeeeeeches and comes to a halt along the side of the track. "Curses, foiled again!" he mutters, but then as Clutch passes, "Yeah Clutch go get em boy!"

The Global Pose Tracker marks that <Sit-Com> Junk-Cycle has 'skipped' his action for this round.

Race: The racers speed around the track, and the scoreboard lights up with the new race standings...

=
===============[ Racetrack Attack! ]============================= Racer                        Pos Lap Defense-Level -- Mechalligator <Skullcruncher> 9  0   PROTECTED      -- Cyberpunk Wrecker Rig <Horsep 13 1   AGGRESSIVE     -- Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon> 13 1   PROTECTED      -- Rocket Sled <Blurr>          15  2   EVADE          -- Panhard ERC-90 Sagaie<Backbla 15 1   FEARLESS       -- <Sit-Com> Junk-Cycle         18  1   FEARLESS       -- Blue Sportscar <Clutch>      18  1   PROTECTED      --

+ Racer within ramming distance -> You!

=
============[ Sorted by Track Position ]=========================

Panhard ERC-90 Sagaie<Backblast> scowls quietly as the recoil slows him almost to a halt, growling to himself as he tries to get moving again. He seems to struggle to find the right gear, moving off at a slow pace before starting to accellerate faster!

Combat: Panhard ERC-90 Sagaie<Backblast> sets his defense level to Protected.

The Global Pose Tracker marks that Panhard ERC-90 Sagaie<Backblast> has 'skipped' his action for this round.

Somewhere outside the racetrack, in front of a warehouse stands two guards. Hiding in the shadow someone is observing them. Quietly, 2 weapons are fired and the guards fall...dead. Someone paying close attention could notice the noise but it's most likely covered by the noise coming from the racetrack.

Cyberpunk Wrecker Rig <Horsepower> gets trucking along again, though with Photon crashed and the gater-master stalled out for the moment, it looks like pretty smooth sailing for the Autobots for the time being. He settles into a fast but easy cruise, waiting for the next moment to come that he needs to help one of his buddies out again.

The Global Pose Tracker marks that Cyberpunk Wrecker Rig <Horsepower> has 'skipped' his action for this round.

Blue Sportscar <Clutch> cetainly doesn't notice any noise...no, he uses his newfound speed to surge ahead, once again running his engine flat out. He goes one step beyond drifting around the next few turns and actually lets himself bounce off of walls like a pinball to redirect his momentum. It's causing a truly awful amount of denting on his sides, but hey it'll be worth it if he pulls out a win.

Combat: Blue Sportscar <Clutch> sets his defense level to Fearless.

The Global Pose Tracker marks that Blue Sportscar <Clutch> has 'skipped' his action for this round.

Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon>, despite his best efforts to conserve his strength, just plum runs out of energy and flops down onto the ground. "Blarpff!" he grunts out, tail feathers in the air and limbs splayed about awkwardly.

The Global Pose Tracker marks that Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon> has 'skipped' his action for this round.

Mechalligator <Skullcruncher> at last rights himself, rolling over without much worrying about the well being of his Nebulan associate. Shaking his head to clear the cob webs, the alligator pounces back onto the track, growling after his opponents. Through the opaque visor sitting on Skullcruncher's dome, Grax's feet can be seen bobbling around as an extremely long tirade of obscenties escapes the cockpit.

Combat: Mechalligator <Skullcruncher> sets his defense level to Fearless.

The Global Pose Tracker marks that Mechalligator <Skullcruncher> has 'skipped' his action for this round.

Rocket Sled <Blurr> relaxes his guard somewhat as none of the Decepticons seem to be in harm's way, focussing on speed instead to flash past the pack as he comes up behind Clutch. "I'm nipping at your heels Clutch better watch out no it's okay I'll just throttle back and ride your slipstream for a bit here!" Blurr is obviously enjoying himself. He's in his element and he feels competent and confident; he knows that because of his speech patterns and his hyperactive, sometimes even scatterbrained qualities he is considered a figure of fun by many of the Autobots. But out here on the track- this is where he proves himself.

Combat: Rocket Sled <Blurr> sets his defense level to Protected.

The Global Pose Tracker marks that Rocket Sled <Blurr> has 'skipped' his action for this round.

Race: The racers speed around the track, and the scoreboard lights up with the new race standings...

Race: Rocket Sled <Blurr> crosses the finish line!

Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon> still isn't going anywhere. Yup. Just... lying in the middle of the track.

The Global Pose Tracker marks that Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon> has 'skipped' his action for this round.

<Sit-Com> Junk-Cycle speeds along behind Clutch and Blurr, Blurr having lapped him already. He keeps on steady, finishing the race. As Blurr crosses the finish line, the Junkcycle plays the Final Fantasy Victory Fanfare.

The Global Pose Tracker marks that <Sit-Com> Junk-Cycle has 'skipped' his action for this round.

Panhard ERC-90 Sagaie<Backblast> scowls quietly as he struggles to get his engines going full bore, grumbling to himself quietly. <<C'mon... START dammit...>>

Blue Sportscar <Clutch> really pours on the speed now...is that cheering? Is he in the home stretch with spectators cheering him on? Wait, why is Blurr slowing down? Aww, scrap! Clutch is quickly losing his enthusiasm for the race, but he figures he should be a good sport (better late than never) and finish. But no need to run himself ragged for second place...

Combat: Blue Sportscar <Clutch> sets his defense level to Aggressive.

The Global Pose Tracker marks that Blue Sportscar <Clutch> has 'skipped' his action for this round.

<Autobot> Sarky Sniper Backblast says, "Nice one, Blurr"

<Autobot> Horsepower says, "Huzzah!"

Cyberpunk Wrecker Rig <Horsepower> lets out a whoop as Blurr crosses the finish line. "A'right! Com'n boys, we've still got second and third... well, iffen they don't start springing the death traps or something." He guns the engine and puts it back into full gear once more, still eager to finish the rest of the race proper

Combat: Cyberpunk Wrecker Rig <Horsepower> sets his defense level to Fearless.

The Global Pose Tracker marks that Cyberpunk Wrecker Rig <Horsepower> has 'skipped' his action for this round.

<Autobot> Blurr says, "Thank you but really it is a victory for all of us because we all did it together after all no single Autobot can win alone and it takes a robot village to assemble a child-size robot from a fedex delivery box as the humans say or rather would say if they were robots but I think I might have lost the beat there for a minute it doesn't matter the important thing is you're never really disabled as long as you have courage!"

<Autobot> Horsepower says, ".... Riaaaaaaght"

<Autobot> Horsepower says, "Just gonna nod and agree with the general concensus, as ya kinda lost me in the middle pard"

<Autobot> Sarky Sniper Backblast says, "Yeah man I got no idea what the frick you just said"

Rocket Sled <Blurr> stays just beside Clutch as they pass the line together. Of course, Blurr is a lap ahead of Clutch, but he's keeping pace with the other Autobot contender anyhow out of a sense of good sportsmanship. "That's one for the Autobots you Decepticons should know you can never beat us when it comes to a race because you're racing against the best and we stand together!"

Mechalligator <Skullcruncher> and Grax shout a raucous string of Cybertronian expletives in unison as Blurr careens past the finish line. The alligator slinks along at speeds other than break neck, while Grax shoves the head-window open with a forceful push. At a hiss of actuated pneumatics, the Nebulan brandishes Skullcruncher's rifle and points it after the pair of Autobots ahead of the pack. The weapon thrums to life, a deep crimson light coalescing at the tip of the barrel. A moment later, a bolt of red lightning leaps out from the firearm, screaming like a banshee as it passes over the center of the track and down toward the racers on the other side.

Aarry Ballen rises from his seat. The crowd is cheering, chanting, "Death Death Death Death...". This is really a bloodthirsty bunch of aliens. Aarry looks down at Blurr, "Congratulations champion! You may enter the armory and choose your prize." A wide smile appears on his face, "...The others are all going to d..."

Before he can finish his sentence, his head explodes. As his body falls to the ground, a golden seeker comes out of the shadow, dispersing the others aliens standing in the booth. Photon is smiling widely and he's also carrying a crate under his arm, "You talk too much fleshbag." Looking down at the others in the racetrack, "Thank you for the diversion. I got what I came for... you can thank me for your lives...". With a last laugh, the seeker transforms and flies away.

<Autobot> Blurr says, "Don't worry about it the intention was positive and that's the important thing it's the thought that counts."

Combat: Mechalligator <Skullcruncher> strikes Blue Sportscar <Clutch> with his Full-Auto Area attack!

Combat: Mechalligator <Skullcruncher> strikes <Sit-Com> Junk-Cycle with his Full-Auto Area attack!

Combat: Mechalligator <Skullcruncher> misses Rocket Sled <Blurr> with his Full-Auto Area attack!

<Autobot> Horsepower says, "Good 'nuff for me!"

<Autobot> Horsepower says, "... What the heck!"

<Autobot> Sarky Sniper Backblast says, "I don't know, but it sounded like he was about to say we were gonna die"

<Autobot> First Aid says, "I knew this would turn out badly!"

Blue Sportscar <Clutch> is nearly blasted off his tires as Skullcruncher finally connects with something. Shouting in surprise, the Autobot veers off and heads that way before screeching to a stop as Aarry Ballen is...robbed? assassinated? triple-crossed? murdered? All of the above?? Clutch transforms and gapes as Photon makes his getaway. Then the Autobot turns an angry glare back on the Headmaster. "Did you know about this?!"

Cyberpunk Wrecker Rig <Horsepower> .. was ready for the death traps, not for the MC to get his head shot off. But that damn Seeker, no less! ".. Hey, that's cheatin' beyond the sorta cheatin' that's allowed for these sorta thin's!" With a screech the truck skids sideways, race forgotten now as he revs up and starts charging towards the control stands. ".. As much as we appreciate the not dyin' part, ya can't just STEAL the prizes, ya big lugnut!"

Clutch transforms into robot mode!

In a flash, Blurr converts to his robot mode.

Robotic Bald Eagle <Americon> isn't dead, but he isn't going to be going anywhere for a while. Eventually someone will sweep him into a garbage bin, so it's all good.

Blurr transforms to leap into action, exclaiming, "Clutch watch out behind you that alligator 'Con is trying to bushwack us!"

Blurr is not much good at pushing people out of the way of gunfire, however, as Optimus Prime learned at the Battle of Autobot City. ;_;

Panhard ERC-90 Sagaie<Backblast> veers a little and attempts to swing his gun around to take aim at Photon, but the Seeker is gone before he can get a clear shot. He snarls quietly, narrowing his commander hologram's eyes as he turns his attention back on Skullcrusher.

<<Leave.>> He warns. <<Or you get another taste of ninety mike-mike, get me?>>

Combat: Panhard ERC-90 Sagaie<Backblast> sets his defense level to Neutral.

The Global Pose Tracker marks that Panhard ERC-90 Sagaie<Backblast> has 'skipped' his action for this round.