Trench Run

TF2k5 - Hubcap - Sunday, June 30, 2013, 11:13 PM

Istoral Trench North

Towards the northern boundary of Istoral Trench, the high, looming walls narrow abruptly, merging into the solid metal of the crust and sealing that end of the canyon. Because of the overhanging cliffs above, shadows are everywhere, harsh during the bright golden light of day. Brittle, rusty shards of scrap litter the broken ground, forming unstable piles of rubble here and there. The small, rust-stained entrance to Primus' workshop, oddly enough, has been widened by the structural stress.

Contents:

Bonecrusher

Elita One

Jetfire

Torque

Tailgate

Shockwave

Obvious exits:

North  leads to Dark Cavern.

South leads to Istoral Trench.

Crumbling Gateway

Elita One has arrived.

The Decepticon shuttlecraft Despoiler cruises low over the Istoral Trench, stealth deflectors on maximum. With both of Alpha

Centauri's suns low on the horizon, the newly contested city of Tarn casts a long shadow across the chasm, painting it as a dark

abyss. The shuttle hovers, shining bright spotlights down into the chasm, lighting it up as best as it can. The spotlights move

around, revealing every crack and crevasse in the chasm. They continue their search until one passes over a hole in the bottom of

the trench, at which point all the spotlights converge on that location.

"There." Shockwave states from the Despoiler's cockpit. He strides into the back deployment bay. "Decepticons, we have our

entry point identified. We have Vector Sigma's coordinates, but we do not know what else may lie at them." The bay doors slide

open. "Our objective is threefold: 1. Find Vector Sigma. 2. Capture it. 3. Infect it with another sample of Dark Energon."

Shockwave takes a step towards the open doors and flies out, but then thinks of one last order. "Finally, recall that this mission

is top secret. The Autobots must not find out about it."

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 Transmitters on Cybertron abruptly power on. Unlike previous cases, this is isolated only to Autobot communication

assets and frequencies. A powerful, mechanical voice says: "COME IN AUTOBOTS. AUTOBOTS, DO YOU COPY?"

 Elita One says, "I copy, This is Elita One, please identify yourself."

Covert Operations are Ravage's specialty, and he can't help but grin inwardly at the nature of the mission. Finally...something

more suited for his abilities. He follows Shockwave out the door, skirting off into the shadows. The animators are feeling lazy

and the sooner he disappears, the easier it is to handle the spike in demand. Besides, he doesn't want to end up painted gold, or

blue...or something. <>

 Hubcap says, "Receiving loud and clear."

 There is no immediate response to Elita One's request or Hubcap's acknowledgement.

 Jetfire says, "We copy, please identify yourself."

 Repugnus says, "And lower your volume, please."

 Jetfire says, "Hubcap, can we track that signal?"

Which probably means they already -do- know about it somehow. Because they are pests like that.

"Locked, loaded, and ready to blow slag up as Brawl would say." Swindle finishes making a final adjustment to his scatterblaster

and relatchs it onto his arm. "Well, if slag needs to be blown up. Personally I'd rather -salvage- anything old and interesting

looking that -is not directly important to the mission-," he emphasis that last bit with an optic dart before sauntering up to the

open hatch and hopping out. Thank the pit for anti-gravs.

 Shiftlock says, "I take it no one recognizes that voice."

 Hubcap says, "Working on it, it seems to be coming from multiple locations."

 The voice of Vector Sigma transmits, "I SUGGEST YOU GET DOWN TO THE ISTORAL TRENCH, AND QUICK. DECEPTICON ACTIVITY IS

INCREASING AND THEY LOOK LIKE THEY'RE ONTO SOMETHING BIG."

 Sky Lynx says, "Why does that sound familiar?"

 Elita One says, "What in the name of Primus is going on?"

 Jetfire says, "Is that...Vector Sigma?"

 Shiftlock says, "This cannot be good."

<Autobot> Impactor says, "I like that he sounds kind of casual, though."

<Autobot> Elita One says, "Surely not....still if there is a matter at hand we must investigate, however guarded due to traps."

<Autobot> Sky Lynx says, "Indeed. Elita One, I am calling ahead. A shuttle should be waiting for you and whomever you are taking

with. Apologies for not being able to join you."

<Autobot> Elita One says, ".............Alpha Trion?....."

<Autobot> Shiftlock says, "Impactor Sir?"

<Autobot> Shiftlock says, "Am I cleared to assist on this mission?"

<Autobot> Jetfire says, "Perhaps the system has not completely sided with Galvatron yet, after all."

<Autobot> Impactor says, "Take care of business, Shiftlock. Elita, she's your shadow."

<Autobot> Hubcap says, "Wouldn't surprise me, Jetfire."

<Autobot> Elita One says, "Understood, Impactor."

<Autobot> Jetfire says, "Regardless, we must remain on our guard--it could be a trap."

<Autobot> Elita One says, "and thanks, Sky Lynx"

<Autobot> Sky Lynx says, "And be careful, hmm? Let's make sure I'm /not/ required to pull you out of the fire."

<Autobot> Repugnus says, "Hey, Planet? Say 'She sells seashells by the shore' five times fast."

<Autobot> Elita One says, "Something still feels off about this, if Galvatron had full control of Cybertron, he'd have decimated

at least Iacon and Retoris...or turned the planet into some strange body for himself....We have got to learn more"

Blitzwing strides down the Despoiler's access bay ramp, reaching the edge of the platform and leaping out into the open sky. As he

descends, he shifts into a large Earth-style jet, spiralling down after the one-eyed Military Commander. No muss, no fuss.

Blitzwing takes to the skies as a MiG-25PD Foxbat-E jet.

<Autobot> Tailgate says, "So what exactly am I supposed to do? I don't know anything about the subconscious..."

<Autobot> Jetfire says, "Yes, Elita One. It is clear that he does not have full control."

Shiftlock has partially disconnected.

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<Autobot> Hubcap says, "Tailgate, you just got evidence that inanimate machines can communicate."

<Autobot> Tailgate says, "SEE! All those toasters I saved, it wasn't for nothing after all...!"

<Autobot> The voice of Vector Sigma transmits, "THE DECEPTICONS ARE NOW ON SCENE. Decepticons are now on scene. Forwarding

coordinates."

<Autobot> Blurr groans. "Protohatcher of Primus, don't encourage that..."

<Autobot> Shiftlock says, "You're a sweet mech, Tailgate."

<Autobot> Tailgate says, "Ooooh, thank you! Same to you!"

<Autobot> Shiftlock says, "Looks like I actually get to back you up today."

<Autobot> Firestar says, "Those toasters sure were brave..."

<Autobot> Tailgate says, "Oh good, because I trust you. Jetfire says I might die!"

And it just so happens that despite Shockwave's attempts to be stealthy, the Autobots have managed to track him here regardless!

Down to their exact coordinates! The Autobot shuttle Facemonkey swoops through the trench, nearly flying right into the Despoiler

before it suddenly jinks away. Heedless of the near death experience, the back hatch of the Facemonkey pops open and Repugnus is

the first to bail out! "Geeeronimooo!" Repugnus cries as he plummets to the ground, firing blasts from his Venom Laser all the

way. "Okay, Autobots, you know the drill! Shoot to kill, and if you don't manage to kill them, take them in for TORTURE!"

<Decepticon> Shockwave says, "Explain."

<Autobot> Shiftlock says, ".... Oh that's really encouraging, Jetfire."

<Decepticon> Shockwave suddenly hears gun shots ricocheting off the ground all around him. "Ah."

<Decepticon> Ravage says, "Indeed."

<Autobot> Jetfire says, "I had to be honest with him, Shiftlock."

<Autobot> Tailgate says, "Don't worry Shiftlock, it'll be worth it if I die! Besides, you're probably going to be the only one

besides Pipes who really misses me!"

<Decepticon> Shockwave says, "Ravage, your task is to find Vector Sigma. The rest of us will fight a rearguard battle against the

Autobots as we slowly make our way there."

<Decepticon> Ravage says, "Understood."

<Autobot> Shiftlock says, "Sometimes honesty is not good for morale -- oh for the love of --!"

Combat: Repugnus strikes MiG-25PD "Foxbat-E" <Blitzwing> with his Weak Ass Laser (Disruptor) attack!

Elita One scowls as she looks down, "Istoral Chasm....alright Autobots, we improvise!" She looks back to the team, hefts her

cannon then gives a nod, "We need intel, we need firepower. Bring both, and remember what the stakes are." She raises her arm in a

fistpump salute then leaps out of the shuttle as well, doing a flip forward, "Repugnus, this is a really stupid move!" she shouts

out into the atmosphere, tilting forward to help get closer to the Monsterbot. As he starts firing immediately, she relents,

"Probably the only right move there is though."

<Autobot> Shiftlock says, "Tailgate, you listen to me, okay? If things get really bad, you use that magnet of yours, you latch

onto my bumper and you do not let go unless I blow up."

<Decepticon> Swindle says, "Somehow I am totally unsurprised by this."

<Decepticon> Ravage says, "Why don't you offer them a deal they can't refuse."

<Decepticon> Swindle says, "Oh I've got one of those right here."

<Decepticon> Swindle *cannon arming sound FX*

<Autobot> Tailgate says, "No, I'm sorry I can't do that, I promised Jetfire I'd do this. I do this, or I die trying..."

<Decepticon> Ravage says, "Sounds viable."

<Autobot> Shiftlock says, "I'm talkin' about when we need to retreat."

<Autobot> Shiftlock says, "IF we need to."

<Autobot> Repugnus says, "Geeze, guys, you're going to self-sacrifice yourselves into oblivion. Knock it off."

Just a few breems ago, a strange transmission from what appeared to be Vector Sigma itself. This was the first time the

system had attempted to communicate specifically with the Autobots, even forwarding specific coordinates to them. Perhaps

Galvatron did not have as much control over it as they had originally thought? Had it changed its mind about the warlord? Was this

a trap? So many questions yet to be answered...

But the time had nearly come for a real investigation to begin. To be quite frank, Jetfire can't wait to get down there

and start delving into the code. He follows Repugnus out of the rear hatch, transforming and taking to the air above the

Decepticon team. Scanning below, he scopes out three enemy signatures. Wait, only three? There had to be more... But that would

have to be a question for later. Right now the element of surprise was on their side, and they ought to take full advantage of it.

He charges his quad particle beams, his targeting array locking on to all visible enemy targets.

Jetfire folds up, shifting into a technologically superior spacecraft.

<Autobot> Shiftlock says, "I'm trying to make an escape plan just in case-- oh I give up."

Combat: Tech Spaceship <Jetfire> sets his defense level to Neutral.

<Autobot> Elita One says, "sometimes you have to embrace it, Shiftlock.  Aren't you the one I heard talking about not fearing

death?"

Combat: Tech Spaceship <Jetfire> misses MiG-25PD "Foxbat-E" <Blitzwing> with his Quad Particle Beam Phalanx Area attack! [Pulled

-3]

Combat: Tech Spaceship <Jetfire> misses Shockwave with his Quad Particle Beam Phalanx Area attack! [Pulled -3]

Combat: Tech Spaceship <Jetfire> misses Swindle with his Quad Particle Beam Phalanx Area attack! [Pulled -3]

Combat: Tech Spaceship <Jetfire>'s weapon has jammed!

<Decepticon> Shockwave says, "Shockwave to Despoiler. Destroy that Autobot shuttle."

<Autobot> Shiftlock says, "That doesn't mean you don't have a plan!"

<Autobot> Tailgate says, "Oh, okay. Aw, thanks for watching out for us Repugnus! You're so kind."

<Decepticon> Blitzwing says, "Fly boy is mine!"

<Autobot> Sky Lynx says, "Exit Strategy: Call Sky Lynx. It never fails. Now have fun, and bring me back a souvenir!"

<Autobot> Repugnus says, "...yeahhhh."

<Autobot> Elita One says, "Stay on standby, Lynx...the Chasm is pretty tight in spots, but we could really use that backup plan."

<Decepticon> Swindle says, "Fly over him and then transform into a tank."

Lil' Yellow Porsche <Hubcap> shakes his head as Repugnus hurls himself out of the hatch. "We could've just landed..." Glancing

around, he shrugs and edges up to the opening. Then he crouches and hops off into the air. Probably only because Shockwave wants

to spank the Facemonkey.

Cha-cha-ching, The car is now Hubcap.

Combat: Hubcap sets his defense level to Guarded.

<Autobot> Spindrift says, "If it ain't big 'nuff he'll just make it big 'nuff."

Shiftlock decides the best way to leave the shuttle is not on foot, but on wheels. She gears up her turbines and shoots out of the

back of the shuttle, adjusting spoilers and wheel wings, and angles herself mid-air. Using a forward energy grapple from the

center of her grill, she hooks into the side of the trench, and pulls herself onto it, landing with thud and keeping enough speed

to drive sideways down the walls of the trench.

<Autobot> Vector Sigma transmits, "I REPEAT, GET TO THE ISTORAL TRENCH IMMEDIATELY. I THINK THEY PLAN TO LOCATE THE CORE AGAIN."

<Autobot> Elita One says, "We're moving."

<Autobot> Pipes says, "Tailgate, good luck! And don't worry out there- I'm close, personal friends with Repugnus and I know he'll

watch out for you!"

<Autobot> Jetfire says, "We're on our way."

<Autobot> Elita One says, "Hubcap, you got those coordinates locked down?  Is it in the Chasm itself or beneath it?"

<Autobot> Vector Sigma doesn't acknowledge Elita One or Jetfire. It might not be able to hear what's being said.

<Autobot> Repugnus says, "Ohohohoh--so you know where they are, but you don't know where WE are, eh?"

Tailgate has mixed feelings about all of this, was Jetfire serious about dying? If so, he wasn't quite ready for it mentally. He

wonders what it feels like to die. Fearfully he gets down on his knees and dims his optics, clasping his hands tightly together.

"Dear Primus, if you exist...." But before he can finish his short prayer, everyone is leaving the shuttle and following the

Decepticons. "Wait for me!" he cries, jumping out after the others.

<Autobot> Hubcap says, "Yeah, Ravage has been assigned to find it."

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<Decepticon> Shockwave says, "Moving against Repugnus."

Shockwave nods his acknowledgement to Ravage. "Very well. We will be no more than sixty astroseconds behind you." Not that

Shockwave can really ensure that, though. For all he knows Ravage will already be hanging out with Vector Sigma for half an hour

before they get there. Flying downwards, Shockwave comments to Swindle. "I do not know whether Vector Sigma will attempt to defend

itself. It /has/ been taught lessons in militarization." Hopefully that won't backfire on them. The free facilities has been

great, but even Shockwave is starting to wonder about whether all of this is a good idea.

What was it the Autobot said? '...even if Galvatron does manage to control it without destroying everything--what if he

decides that with the kind of power he has, he doesn't need you anymore?'

Shockwave touches down at the bottom of the trench, about to enter through the hole the Despoiler picked up when suddenly

Ravage sends a transmission about... Auto- VENOM LASER VENOM LASER VENOM LASER!! Shockwave dodges, though he doesn't seem to have

been the primary target. <<Ravage, your task is to find Vector Sigma. The rest of us will fight a rearguard battle against the

Autobots as we slowly make our way there.>> He then dives out of the way of a particle blast sent his way. <<Shockwave to

Despoiler. Destroy that Autobot shuttle.>>

The Decepticon Military Commander looks up as the Despoiler comes around to the, ugh, Autobot shuttle Facemonkey and cuts

loose with a powerful broadside! Shockwave, before ducking through the tunnel leading underground, fires an arm cannon blast at

the Monsterbot leader Repugnus. His screaming like an idiot works to get attention drawn to him.

Combat: Shockwave sets his defense level to Guarded.

Combat: Shockwave strikes Repugnus with his What Rodimus Should Have Done Ages Ago (Laser) attack!

<Autobot> Hubcap says, "hard to tell, Elita, everything is sending out signals, I'm having to check incoming/outgoing logs.  So

far though? Beneath. Waaay beneath."

<Autobot> Elita One says, "Understood"

You know you've been a Decepticon a long time when your first response to sudden gunfire is to roll your optics upward and vent a

small exhaust of exasperation. You know, one of those 'Here we go again' sighs.

Fortunately Swindle isn't dumb enough to just -stand- there afterwards and ducks behind a convenient outcropping of metal as

Jetfire attempts to rain some pain. He peeks back out a moment, debating if he can calibrate enough projectile velocity to hit the

jetfighter, but Blitzwing calls dibs. He'll just have to rip the high-tech out of the Air Guardian another time, ala--what's that?

Instinctively he ducks back down at the roar of engine turbines, watching as the racer comes speeding down the wall. ".. Well now,

isn't that a pretty sounding engine. It would be such a shame for it to end up in a chopshop auction block on Velocitron, now

wouldn't it~" Swindle, are you thinking what we think you're thinking? You better believe it. The Combaticon darts out, jumps

down, and transforms as he hits the slope. His vehicle mode may not be as fast as a racer, but it is built for rugged off-roading

conditions. Good shocks, best ones he could buy to replace that old crap Starscream used as soon as possible.

As he bounces along the inclined wall the jeep rattles behind an overhanging ledge, giving himself a bit more cover as his turret

swivels to aim at the racer, and the smaller gun mounted aside it fires a disorienting magnetic burst. "Now now lady, no fair

trying to cut firsties. Back to the end of the line with you."

Combat: Swindle sets his defense level to Guarded.

Swindle folds down and in on himself to become a military grade off-road jeep.

Combat: Military Gunnery Jeep <Swindle> strikes Shiftlock with his Gyro Gun attack! [Pulled -2]

Combat: That attack has temporarily impaired Shiftlock's Agility. (Crippled)

<Decepticon> Swindle says, "Moving out to slow down that speedster."

Ravage listens to the commotion over the radio and simply carries on, slipping deeper into the trench and towards the listed

coordinates provided. <<Understood.>> It is truly all that needs to be said. In the shadows, crawling deeper through the trench

and towards true darkness, the feline feels at home and starts sprinting along. <<Do advise if any follow me down here so I can

plan accordingly.>>

Optical fibers intensify the lack of light deeper within the chasm. Now this...this is more like it. The noise of the fight left

behind for slinking about. Proper work. The cat is happy. <<If Vector Sigma does not comply, may I utilize more...invasive means

of altering its code work?>>

<Decepticon> Ravage says, "If Vector Sigma does not comply, may I utilize more ...invasive means of altering its code work?"

<Decepticon> Shockwave says, "Yes."

MiG-25PD "Foxbat-E" <Blitzwing> spits, "Eh?!", as a gremlin free-falls right by him and peppers his fuselage with laser fire.

"What was tha-," Blitzwing is cut off from finishing his inquiry, thanks to being interrupted by an Autobot Air Guardian air

strike. "Fly boy is mine!," Blitzwing growls over the Decepticon-encrypted radio channel. The MiG banks sharply and careens after

Jetfire, conventional weapons warming up and throwing ballistics his way.

<Decepticon> Ravage says, "Excellent."

Combat: Tech Spaceship <Jetfire> expertly evades MiG-25PD "Foxbat-E" <Blitzwing>'s attack!

Combat: MiG-25PD "Foxbat-E" <Blitzwing> misses Tech Spaceship <Jetfire> with his Vulcan Battery (Laser) attack!

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Jetfire groans as the particle beams jam. But it isn't too much of a big deal, since he hadn't actually fired it at full

power and therefore it did not drain any of his fuel reserves. Taking a brief moment, he transforms to recalibrate them, returning

them to a fully functional state.

Scanning the battle field again, he determines that Repugnus and Elita One are keeping the rest of the Decepticons

occupied, allowing Jetfire to find the Core itself and do whatever he can to counter the enemy's attempts to further corrupt

Vector Sigma. "Tailgate--with me. Hang on, might be a bumpy ride."

The scientist flies under the minibot, hoping he'll grab onto him so that he can carry him below the surface. Blitzwing is

on his aft, but he more or less ignores the triplechanger, banking slightly to the right to avoid getting shot. Coming up on the

opening Shiftlock had just driven down, he suddenly pulls into a vertical dive, flying straight down into the crevice. Hopefully

he doesn't smash into the Shiftlock...

The corridors travel deep within Cybertron, and they shift and transform all around Ravage, corralling him from one spot to

another. Are they trying to make it harder for him? Easier for him? Either way, he is getting closer to Vector Sigma's

coordinates. Soon, he reaches a dead end, and nothing transforms to show the way.

Or, it would be a dead end to someone without advanced sensors and senses. The faint outlines of an ancient, locked door

exists at the very end. Runes in a language predating the end of the Golden Age occasionally flicker on before fading again. A

highly advanced, but very old, electronic lock keeps the door shut.

The Facemonkey takes nearly every single shot fired at it, and immediately catches on fire. The pilot retaliates by flying the

Facemonkey right into the Despoiler, maybe trying to smash them both into the Trench walls. One might say that the pilot is a

bit... Wreck Less?

Maybe not so much as Repugnus, though as he drops down into laser fire from Shockwave, but the Monsterbot, as usual, takes it in

stride, transforming into monster mode before he lands and charging right at the cyclops. "Hey, Shockwave! Funny meeting you here!

Say, you know what would be really awesome? What if *I* got a crack at controlling Vector Sigma? Eh? Eh? That scare you a little?"

He grins maniacally as he slashes at him.

<Autobot> Vector Sigma transmits, "STOP SHOCKWAVE AT ALL COST. GET THE DARK ENERGON BEFORE HE CAN USE IT."

<Autobot> Elita One says, "D..Dark energon?"

Repugnus twists and flips around into his horrific creature mode!

<Autobot> Spindrift says, "Du wha?"

Combat: Bug Creature <Repugnus> strikes Shockwave with his Shearing Claws attack! [Pulled -2]

<Autobot> Repugnus says, "Sounds delicious. What is it?"

<Autobot> Shiftlock says, "That CANNOT be good."

Elita One 's optics widen, which they really shouldn't. She flips forward, her feet beneath her, then slams into the chasm. She

grimaces, "That...was stupid..." Regaining her composure, she says incredulously, "Dark Energon......Dark Energon!" Her cannon

raises as Repugnus charges in, waiting for her moment. With a mutter she adds, "And he said me spiking into the conduits was

haphazard and dangerous."

Moments later Repugnus digs into Shockwave, giving her a bit of an opening. <<Alright we have two objectives here, fortify Vector

Sigma, if it really is here, and to locate and destroy any Dark Energon in the area.>> With that, she takes a shot at her nemesis,

another round, another war....

Combat: Elita One sets her defense level to Protected.

Combat: Elita One strikes Shockwave with her Plasma Cannon attack! [Pulled -4]

Hubcap lands and rolls nimbly, then glances around, taking in the battleground. Of course, almost the entire planet is talking at

him, so he knows he needs to go .... /that/ way. He moves carefully, trying to sneak past the Decepticons.

The gyro gun fouls Shiftlock's sense of balance, causing her to lose traction and speed. Her wheels slip and she begins to fall.

Transforming mid air, her right arm retracts and extends the same energy grapple she'd been using before.

Jetfire is spiralling forward and towards the ground; Shiftlock swings over him as he passes beneath. "Hi Jetfire, Hi Tailgate,"

she says casually, releasing the grapple and sailing over and behind Swindle, landing in the chasm floor with a solid thump.

"Back of the line? Well, if you insist. Hope you don't mind losing a tire," she quips, drawing one of her pistols, and taking aim

at Swindle's rear wheels, firing a flurry of metal blades.

Combat: Shiftlock strikes Military Gunnery Jeep <Swindle> with her Flechette Rounds attack!

<Decepticon> Swindle says, "Oof. That gals got a bit of bite."

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Shockwave sprints into the tunnel... which for him is a slightly speedy walk. He is many things, but built for rapid running is

not one of them. Turning and looking over his shoulder as he hears Repugnus land and shout at him, he realizes he has no choice

but to face the Monsterbot. "Cybertron would not survive the likes of you," Shockwave intones. He means it as an insult/fact, but

a part of him recognizes that Repugnus isn't going to feel insulted. Shockwave takes a swipe at the charging Repugnus, but

Repugnus ducks under it and slashes at his gut, leaving a deep gouge for Repugnus's scythe-like claw.

Although the injury looks gruesome, Shockwave isn't slowed as he tries to bring his gun arm's elbow down on the

Monsterbot's head to smash him into the tunnel. Then, spying Elita One at the tunnel's opening, Shockwave reaches for the side of

the tunnel, tears off a positively gigantic metal panel, and hurls it at Elita One. This all happens just as Elita One fires her

plasma blast, which hits home and knocks Shockwave back. The tunnel behind him transforms, putting a wall between him and his

attackers. It could be blasted through, though.

In all the commotion, Hubcap will have no problem sneaking past the very distracted Shockwave.

Up above, the Despoiler duels the Facemonkey. The Despoiler is one of the most powerful warships in the Decepticon armada,

having been created by the Constructicons years ago. It outguns the Facemonkey. It out-armours the Facemonkey. It out maneuvers

the Facemonkey. It doesn't out-bats--- crazy it, though. The Facemonkey and Despoiler collide, with the latter reeling back. Both

smash into the side of the Istoral Chasm, causing debris and airship parts to rain down on the battlefield.

Combat: Shockwave sets his defense level to Protected.

Combat: Shockwave strikes Bug Creature <Repugnus> with his This Will Have To Do Until Swindle Gets Me That Gun I Asked For

(Ruckus) Area attack!

Combat: Shockwave misses Elita One with his This Will Have To Do Until Swindle Gets Me That Gun I Asked For (Ruckus) Area attack!

Ravage watches the door for a moment, the symbols...the ornate lock...and smirks. Now this. This is more like it. His tail-tip

splits open, a myriad of tools and interfacing devices sprouting from the tip as he works with the electronic lock, tweaking and

otherwise breaking through the codework governing it. Sure, it might be foreign, but all code has patterns...and it's merely a

matter of finding that pattern in order to begin inputting his own commands. "Just you and me, old one. I promise, this will be

fun." He flicks his ear, listening for the tell-tale chirp of electronics complying with his whims. <<I've come across a door,

locked electronically. Attempting to overide the security protocols and replace them with our own encryption for ease of access.>>

<Decepticon> Swindle says, "Blitzwing, get your thrusters in gear, Jetfire just blasted past down here."

<Decepticon> Blitzwing says, "Yeah, yeah! I'm on it!"

<Decepticon> Ravage says, "I've come across a door, locked electronically. Attempting to overide the security protocols and

replace them with our own encryption for ease of access."

<Decepticon> Ravage says, "And...really? Jetfire has snuck past? Who else came with?"

<Decepticon> Swindle says, "Less snuck, more rediculously reckless speed."

<Decepticon> Ravage says, "Understood. I will take precautionary measures to ensure no one follows me further in."

MiG-25PD "Foxbat-E" <Blitzwing> rattles off a barrage at Jetfire, but the surprisingly nimble techno-jet manages to avoid the

weapons burst in its entirety. "Slag it!," the triplechanger mutters, although still chasing after the Air Guardian, undeterred.

"Get back here, doc!" Blitzwing thunders into a dive, down towards the chasm opening in pursuit of the Air Guardian. With sights

set, Blitzwing witnesses Jetfire swoop under another Autobot as it plummets through the sky (noting on the side to himself how

utterly insane these Autobots must be), scooping the tiny thing up as he goes. A decidely puny looking Autobot, at that. Inwardly,

Blitzwing howls in delight, opening up now on both targets, fatally intent on catching the interest of both parties in an attempt

to stall the Autobot advance.

Combat: MiG-25PD "Foxbat-E" <Blitzwing> sets his defense level to Aggressive.

Combat: Tech Spaceship <Jetfire> expertly evades MiG-25PD "Foxbat-E" <Blitzwing>'s attack!

Combat: MiG-25PD "Foxbat-E" <Blitzwing> misses Tech Spaceship <Jetfire> with his Full-Auto Area attack!

Combat: MiG-25PD "Foxbat-E" <Blitzwing> strikes Tailgate with his Full-Auto Area attack!

<Autobot> Elita One says, "*growl*  The wall closed up, Repugnus, I'm going to blow down the wall,  keep him busy!"

<Autobot> Hubcap says, "Vector Sigma, if that is you, tell me I can remotely counter Ravage's hacking attempts."

<Autobot> Repugnus says, "Keep him busy? Oh, I'll do more than that!"

<Autobot> Elita One says, "....Good Mech."

The femme racer topples off to the side, but Swindle doesn't see her spectacular recovery because he's distracted by Jetfire

blasting down through the tunnel. His turret swivels up to follow the spacefighter's descent, but before he gets a chance to

capitalize on the moment Shiftlock rebounds onto the slope behind him and blows out a rear tire. The jeep skids sideways, and then

well Swindle has this issue with flipping over you see, which puts a bent dent in one of his axles as well even as he rolls over

to a stop. ".. Gal's got a bit of bite to her.." mutters the Combaticon as he transforms and kneels up.

Curses, Jetfire's already speeding away. So he'll settle on just leveling his arm cannon at Shiftlock... Then cocks his head a

little to the side, hmmming. "You know, I'd almost swear I've seen that face somewhere before... Eh. Scrap is scrap to sell." He

shrugs his shoulders a bit, and opens fire with a small burst of explosive pellets.

The jeep flips back and up, revealing a lean mean black market machine.

Combat: Swindle strikes Shiftlock with his Scatterblaster Burstfire Mode attack! [Pulled -3]

Bonecrusher has disconnected.

<Autobot> Jetfire says, "Tailgate, knock that triplechanger off course!"

<Autobot> Tailgate says, "I-I'll try!!"

MiG-25PD "Foxbat-E" <Blitzwing>

Tailgate's spark leaps a little when Jetfire flies under him since he lands less than gracefully. Unfortunately, before he can

regain his composure, Jetfire is nose diving towards a tiny crevice. "Eek!" He cries, and hangs on for dear life.

Hubcap sneaks past the Decepticons, although from the looks of things he probably could have strolled by wearing a flashing sign

that reads 'Decepticons suck' without being noticed. It doesn't take him long to follow the corridors down towards the signal.

click... whrrrrrrl... clack... tweet... click

The electronic lock slowly but surely yields its secrets to the Cassetticon. Ravage may recognize a few of the security

lock's tricks as being pre-war. Finally, after a minute of hard work, the door acknowledges Ravage's authority and rolls to the

side, revealing large, gleaming room.

It is a half-temple, half-workshop, with chrome terminals lining the walls. There are pedastals with datapads on them,

presented as if they were holy books. Complex machinery is housed up in the rafters.

In the very centre is Vector Sigma, hovering above a data socket. Its yellow shine has been dulled by the swirls of purple

crisscrossing its shell. "HOSPITAL 39.12 CONSTRUCTION COMPLETE. PLACING IN SECTAOR 1-" it trails off as the purple swirls flare

up. "REFORMATTING. MUNITIONS FACTORY 39.12 CONSTRUCTION COMPLETE. PLACING IN SECTOR 0101 0000 0110 1111 0110 1100 0111 1001 0110

1000 0110 0101 0111 1000." There's a rumble as the order is carried out, and Vector Sigma moves onto the next project.

It is a wonderous sight, but Ravage is not the only one here...

Velum has arrived.

The room is indeed far from empty as the extra presence aside from Vector Sigma soon makes itself known once Ravage enters the

room. "Away from Vector Sigma, /cat/." A familiar voice booms from the dark and mech falls from up high, landing with a heavy thud

and standing tall before the central figure to face down the tape. "Or you'll have to deal with /me/." Wait. That's no mech,

it's.. it's Velum's exo!

The suit has seen damage, that much is clear, but it's been patched hastily since her disappearance judging by the mismatch of

colors. It looks like she managed to scrounge up a few new toys to try out since then as well, something special currently hidden

away within her exo and laser rifle held firmly in her grasp. But the biggest difference? The cannon on her back looking heftier

than before, more powerful. Not a good thing for Ravage. Inside Velum herself is quite injured, but not cripplingly so. Also not a

good thing for Ravage, cause that just means she's more pissed than usual.

___    ___    _____   ___   _   _


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Elita One crouches low, one leg before her as she ducks nimbly underneath Shockwave's hurled metal plate. It clears her by two

feet, but the timely dodge cost her precious seconds. She springs to her feet, following Shockwave and Repugnus into the tunnel.

As she approaches, the entire tunnel seizes up, shifting and setting up plates before her. Elita One slams into it in a desperate

bid for surpassing the obstacle. "Blast blast blast!" She removes a demopack from her mag-locked hip then hurriedly starts to size

it up. The Femme Commander goes for the standard X-Pattern on the door then sets the charge to blow! She ducks off to the side for

a moment. Dust, rust and scrap, along with a sizable noise occur moments later.

Combat: Elita One takes extra time to steady herself. [Pass]

Jetfire keeps flying and keeps dodging Blitzwing's attacks. Tailgate gets grazed, though. Hopefully the minibot was still

able to keep his grip on the scientist's fuselage. Scanning the his rider, he determines that Tailgate has taken damage but is

still online. <<Tailgate, knock that triplechanger off course!>> He calls out over the comms.

The spacecraft kicks its engines to maximum sublight, attempting to simply blow right past Shockwave and Swindle. Keeping

his optics fixed on what's ahead, Jetfire picks up on a door opening to reveal Vector Sigma inside! "There!" He speeds toward it,

hoping to get inside before the Decepticons can inject more Dark Energon into its systems...

The Facemonkey is belching flames from nearly every portion of its hull, and looks about ready to go down. Apparently realizing

this, the pilot, Wreck Less, appears at the back hatch, giving the Despoiler the middle finger as he screams, "SCREW YOU!" and

jumps down, immediately following up with "Oh SHI--" once he realizes how high up he is and how fast he was going. He won't have a

nice landing.

Repugnus takes a blow that hurts almost as much right on his skull from Shockwave's elbow. The follow-up impact as his face hits

the ground doesn't feel too nice, either, and a few of his wicked teeth pop out. "Fleehhh! Pittooiee!" The Monsterbot shakes his

ugly head as he pushes himself back up. He charges after Shockwave, only to skid to a halt once Cybertron closes the tunnel on

him, denying him access to Shockwave! "Argh, hurry up, Elita, HURRY UP!" he yells impatiently, pacing a bit as he wants to

continue his murdering. And once Elita blows the wall, there's no thanks from him--Repugnus dives through the smoke, flashing his

optics in their disorienting way! "SHOCKWAVE! You know you can't get rid of me that easily, right?"

Combat: Bug Creature <Repugnus> sets his defense level to Aggressive.

<Combat: Bug Creature <Repugnus> strikes Shockwave with his Stroboscopic Eyes attack!

Combat: That attack has temporarily affected Shockwave's Accuracy. (Blinded)

Tailgate is nearly vertical, and quite dazed as well. "I'll try my b-best.." he mutters, fumbling with his blaster. He angles

himself so that he can aim at Blitzwing... and fires!

Combat: Tech Spaceship <Jetfire> takes extra time to steady himself. [Pass]

Combat: Tailgate misses MiG-25PD "Foxbat-E" <Blitzwing> with his Fisher Price Junior Laser Pistol <High Power> (Laser) attack!

<Autobot> Repugnus says, "Guys, I just heard from our heroic pilot that we'll probably need to rely on Plan Sky Lynx after all,

much to my disgust."

<Autobot> Elita One says, "Thats the best option, I don't know this place anymore, its all been changed."

Shiftlock turns her armor plating forward and brings her arms up to protect her torso and head. The explosive pellets explode

along her upper body, blowing off bits of armor, leaving char marks and creating microfractures that will catch up with her later.

She grins from behind the shadow of her forearm, as she draws a pistol from a holster on her thigh.

"Maybe you have. Am I gettin' famous outside of Crystal City?" she asks Swindle, as she fires a shot at Swindle's arm cannon

itself.

Combat: Shiftlock sets her defense level to Guarded.

Combat: Shiftlock strikes Swindle with her Single Pistol attack! [Pulled -2]

<Autobot> Hubcap says, "I hear activity close, checking it out."

<Autobot> Sky Lynx says, "I know that tone... What's wrong with the shuttle and pilot, Repugnus?"

<Decepticon> Blitzwing says, "Well, it looks like Fly Boy is on sabbatical from combat. Incoming! And hard to ignore!"

<Decepticon> Ravage says, "Velum is down here. Who else is following me?"

___    ___    _  _   ___   _   _

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<Autobot> Repugnus says, "Pilot's got a broke leg, shuttle's got a broke everything."

<Autobot> Elita One says, "Take care, Hubcap"

<Decepticon> Shockwave says, "Nearly the entire Autobot strike force."

<Autobot> Shiftlock says, "Everyone making it in okay? I'm stuck dealing with the Combaticon."

<Autobot> Tailgate says, "Just you worry about getting back alive! That's all that matters...!"

<Autobot> Hubcap says, "Have you tried bribing him?"

<Autobot> Shiftlock says, "Hello, poor here."

<Autobot> Shiftlock says, "Unless you want me to drop my torso plate and let him take some pictures, I've got nothing to offer."

MiG-25PD "Foxbat-E" <Blitzwing> does as much annoying as he possibly can, but unfortunately fails in fully capturing Jetfire's

attention. He rattles off a quick comms-burst to Ravage, giving him a heads up on the developing situation. "And I was really

looking forward to mounting that brilliant head on my wall," Blitzwing laments to no one in particular. The triplechanger focuses

his hatred on poor Tailgate, bearing down on him completely. "Oh well, ~YOU'LL~ juuust haaave to ~do~!," Blitzwing howls at

Tailgate, screaming full throttle at the Autobot, shifting forms at the last possible second into that of a menacing tank of

out-dated German design. "HELLO~!" A meteoric piece of artillery whistles into Tailgate at Mach 2.

<Autobot> Hubcap says, "Nevermind then..."

<Autobot> Repugnus says, "Yeah, it's no way to make a living, believe me. I tried being a webcam model but it just didn't work out

for some reason!"

Blitzwing transforms into a Leopard 2A6M tank.

Combat: Leopard 2A6M <Blitzwing> strikes Tailgate with his Tank Overrun attack!

<Autobot> Shiftlock says, "Can't imagine why."

Optics narrow as Ravage surveys the scene before him. Glorious indeed... almost awe-inspiring. But he has other things to attend

to. First and foremost. Such as...finding out how on earth he was seen. There is a moment of scrutiny, but only just. All systems

are still active and integrity holds true, so he slips through the door and back into the shadows with all but the faintest of

shimmers.

Stalking towards Vector Sigma and, for the most part, ignoring Velum, Ravage begins preparing a few goodies of his own as he

continues to scout the area. What is he looking for? Namely for a means to get in, have his way with a certain Cyberforming Vector

Sigma, and get back out. <<Velum is down here. Who else is following me?>> He scans for a means of interfacing before odds get too

heavily turned against him. Barring that? A means of demolishing Velum to clear out one obstacle.

Crouching low, he positions himself as close as he dares to Vector Sigma and the data socket, studying it carefully before

deciding upon his next course of action. Ah...well now. What have we here... The Cassettecon's tail lashes in eager anticipation,

stealthily placing a nice bit of mechanical wonder of his own nearby in preparation before slinking towards it to attempt

interfacing.

Gods of Cloak, don't fail a kitty now....

Ravage drops High-strung Catnip.

<Autobot> Velum's voice crackles a moment or two before coming in clear, "Glad to see you guys got my messages. Enjoying the fight

up there?"

<Autobot> Hubcap says, "I think it was all the blood.  You probably should have showered first."

<Autobot> Elita One says, "...Velum?"

<Autobot> Sky Lynx says, "Captain Velum! Wonderful to hear you again."

<Autobot> Repugnus says, "Yeah... Oh, hey, Velum! You're not dead. And... that was you!?"

Shockwave watches as a wall springs up between him and the Autobots. Not wanting to push his luck, he makes the most of it by

turning and running (again, slight-speed walking) down the corridors that Ravage used. This lasts until Elita One blows up the

wall, and the entire tunnel suddenly lights up in a psychedelic fashion. Shockwave stumbles as his sight is replaced with floating

coloured dots and streaks of light. He reaches out with his hand to hold onto the side of the wall. He hears

something--Hubcap--sneaking past but it's too quiet for him to properly register. His hypothetical sign would have been lost in

the flare from Repugnus's eyes.

Jetfire is a different matter, and Shockwave definitely hears /him/ blowing past. He sends a warning transmission to

Ravage before turning towards Elita and Repugnus. He shifts into gun mode, firing a potent blast at the pair to ward them off. The

space gun then rotates 180 and races down the corridor after Jetfire along with Blitzwing. Should Jetfire and Tailgate look back

as Blitzwing shifts into tank mode and blasts them, they'll ALSO see a huge ray gun, smoke pouring out of the barrel, speeding

towards them as well.

Combat: Shockwave sets his defense level to Aggressive.

Shockwave's legs combine as his back unfolds. A wide, silver barrel appears out of subspace and connects to his arms, completing

his transformation into ray gun mode.

Combat: Laser Gun <Shockwave> strikes Bug Creature <Repugnus> with his Explosive Gamma Ray Area attack! [Pulled -2]

Combat: Laser Gun <Shockwave> strikes Elita One with his Explosive Gamma Ray Area attack! [Pulled -2]

<Autobot> Velum says, "The one and only. And uh.. yeeah. I had to sort of hack into the comm system to warn you. I've been reading

Bot and Con chatter all since I fell dow nthat damn hole."

Swindle holds up a hand to the femme in a wait a moment gesture. "Just let me check to be sure." He pulls out a small

holoprojector in his palm, flicks it on, and starts flipping through what appears to be WANTED posters from Crystal City. "No..

no... no.. no.." One comes up, he glances at the girl, then back. "Ah. Shiftlock, is it? Wanted for... hmmm... that's an

impressive rap sheet if I do say so myself." Puts his other hand to his chest. "Of course, mine is longer, but sti--"

A gun shot at his arm causes him to yelp and jerk back, falling on his aft as the display blows up in a shower of sparks. Though

better it than his weapon. "Oh now that is just rude. I didn't even get to check the bounty yet!" Shakes his smoking hand a bit.

"But now that I know you're probably worth more... actually, they don't really care. Dead or alive is the same as far as

Decepticons go, heh." With the other hand he abruptly pulls a smaller blaster out of a concealed compartment in his upper leg,

levels it at Shiftlock and fires.

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Combat: Swindle strikes Shiftlock with his Combaticon Sidearm (Laser) attack!

<Autobot> Repugnus says, "Ah, I see. Hrm. Curious question... was it full of stars?"

<Autobot> Velum says, "More like full of code. What a nightmare."

<Autobot> Velum says, "Also I can't see this damn cat, hrn. Someone mind helping with that?"

<Decepticon> Swindle says, "This femme is a pain in the aft. Also, she's apparently a wanted rebel from Crystal City. But she shot

my holo-file of wanted posters before I could check how much her head is worth, the bitch."

<Decepticon> Swindle has been dealing with earth criminals too much

<Decepticon> Shockwave says, "Vector Sigma has priority over Crystal City security."

<Autobot> Talia McKinley says, "Captain! Tarnation girl, where ya been?!"

<Decepticon> Swindle says, "Hey, I'm keeping her from stopping you, aren't I?"

<Decepticon> Ravage says, "Attempting...something. Also preparing to accomodate for the blockade's failure to stem the Autobot

flood."

Elita One examines the ruined wall, filled with smoke and worse. She leaps through, and immediately gets clowned by Shockwave's

blast. The concussive blast puts her right up against the wall's remains, as she moans in pain. "Slag it all..." She returns to

her feet then leaps forwards, transforming into her car mode. Her wheels spin as she gears up, then roars forwards, more intent to

get past Shockwave than anything else, but she can't help but give Repugnus an assist. <<Any luck with the Dark Energon?>> She

pauses, <<Probably not.>> After her swing past Shockwave, hit or miss, the techcar turns around. "You go no further, Shockwave."

The engine revs for punctuation.

Elita One moves to kneel, her breastplate swings up on both sides, her arms retract, slipping behind her as she sinks down. A

windshield rises up at the end, covering her face as she turns into a futuristic car.

Combat: Pink Techcar <Elita One> strikes Laser Gun <Shockwave> with her Ram attack!

Vector Sigma doesn't seem to mind Ravage or Velum being here. It registers both of them--even with the Gods of Cloak working on

the former's behalf--but takes no action. Instead it focuses on its modified assignment. "COMMERCIAL DISTRICT VOS CONSTRUCTION

COMPLETE. PLACING IN-"

Pause.

"REFORMATTING. MISSILE BATTERY VOS CONSTRUCTION COMPLETE. PLACING IN SECTOR 0101 0000 0110 1111 0110 1100 0111 1001 0110

1000 0110 0101 0111 1000." There's a rumble as the order is carried out, and Vector Sigma moves onto the next project.

<Autobot> Velum says, "Oh, you know, hanging out with Vector Sigma, spying on the Cons, kind of bleeding some. Standard day."

<Autobot> Elita One says, "Velum, Shockwave has Dark Energon somewhere, we're trying to keep him at bay"

<Autobot> Talia McKinley says, ".. Ya been busy."

<Autobot> Velum says, "Yeah, he's holding it I think. Don't let him in this chamber."

<Autobot> Repugnus says, "Gonna see if I can sniff this 'dark' energon out."

Jetfire manages to blow past a disoriented Shockwave, and fly into the room that Ravage had so graciously opening up for

him. Not that he's aware of what the Casseticon did, but if he had been he would've been thanking him. Anyway, he slows down and

transforms, dropping Tailgate gently to the ground and nodding to Velum. "Captain Velum! It is good to see you are...eh,

-relatively- well. Perhaps I can help you sort through all that code, I may be able to make better sense of it than you can." he

says, as his scans reveal that she has taken some damage and is injured though not enough to take her out of commission.

Immediately moving toward Vector Sigma, he begins searching for a data socket as well, something to interface with so he

can take a look at the code and see if he can't find a way to stop the Decepticons from corrupting it further.

The vessel shifts into the biped form of Jetfire.

Combat: Jetfire takes extra time to steady himself. [Pass]

Bug Creature <Repugnus> turns towards Elita One, hrmmming as he follows her through the breach. "Wellll. Whatever this 'Dark'

Energon is, it probably smells funny. I should pick something up on my claws before long. And hell, I can even use them to stab

Shockwave at the same time!" He grins at Shockwave. "Speaking of which!" And while Elita successfully smashes Shockwave, Repugnus

tries to take advantage by giving him a good poke with his claws!

Combat: Bug Creature <Repugnus> strikes Laser Gun <Shockwave> with his Shearing Claws attack! [Pulled -3]

<Autobot> Talia McKinley says, "... Ya strike me more as the sort to go for full body cavity search rather than sniff anything."

Shiftlock doesn't move, letting the laser strike her as she goes for her second gun. A gash is burnt across her upper shoulder,

letting a little energon trickle free. "I gotta give you credit for lookin' to make somethin' out of my carcass. I got real good

at strippin' slagged Cons for anything useful - fuel pump, optics, energon - whatever it takes t' survive, right?"

"You aren't gonna want me anyways, Combaticon. Empty, y'see." Her grin spreads, turning maniac. "Just imagine the places I've

been, the things I might have picked up! Maybe I'm just waiting to spread some cosmic rust!"

She attempts to bum rush Swindle, howling with laughter. "YOU DON'T KNOW WHERE I'VE BEEN, SWINDLE! YOU DON'T KNOW WHERE I'VE

BEEN!"

Combat: Shiftlock sets her defense level to Fearless.

Combat: Shiftlock strikes Swindle with her You Don't Know Where I've Been Lou! (Ram) attack!

<Autobot> Repugnus says, "Yes, but the former I usually do when the person I'm searching doesn't realize that my sense of smell is

good enough that it generally isn't necessary."

Hubcap arrives at the door, then peeks in as he hugs the wall. Velum? Velum was posing as a creation factory? Rude, but

impressive. He tries to sift quickly through the data he's recieving. "Ravage? He's right ... /there!/"

He clings desperately to Jetfire, his optics a bit glazed over with fright right now as Blitzwing drops towards them. But before

Tailgate can even register what's going on, Jetfire's landed.. somewhere and is dropping him on the ground. He sticks close to

Jetfire's heels, almost clinging to the scientist. "W-Where are we?" he asks incredulous.

Combat: Hubcap searches for Ravage.

Combat: Ravage has been found!

Bug Creature <Repugnus> is a little more melted than he was several seconds ago. Wonder how that happened?

Combat: Laser Gun <Shockwave> compares his Velocity to Pink Techcar <Elita One>'s Velocity: Failure :(

Tailgate has partially disconnected.

Exosuit <Velum> knew Ravage was on his way, knew he opened the door, but unfortunately her systems, and her own vision, can't see

through his cloak. She stands her ground all the same before the console, keeping rifle drawn up at the ready to mow down the cat

the moment she sees any hint of his wereabouts, slowly scanning the area.

Now, it's not that she isn't happy to see Jetfire, but she can't really get into pleasantries right now, speaking up sharply to

the mech and his passenger Tailgate. "Keep on your guard, we've got a Con hiding out in here!" And there he is, thanks to Hubcap!

"Heh, couldn't hide forever!" She sneers, plates shifting open on her exo to show little rocket pods that suddenly launch a small

volley of small darts that seek to pierce the tape's metal hide and activate with a jolt of electricity.

Combat: Exosuit <Velum> sets her defense level to Aggressive.

Combat: Exosuit <Velum> strikes Ravage with her EMP Darts attack!

Combat: That attack has temporarily impaired Ravage's Agility. (Crippled)

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Laser Gun <Shockwave> speeds away from Elita One and Repugnus, but isn't able to outpace either of them. Repugnus gets in a swipe

before he escapes, and Elita One gets past him in tech car mode. The laser gun is smoking... and not just from having blasting

Elita and Repugnus. Reaching Primus's Workshop, Shockwave transforms into robot mode and sees Elita One barring the way. He

doesn't hesitate in trying to blast her face off and charging past. Success or not, he won't get in there before she will. Once

inside, Shockwave assesses the situation. He sees Vector Sigma hovering, but he also sees a small horde of Autobots present. He

takes aim, firing laser blasts at them in an attempt to keep them focused away from poor Ravage. More than a few laser bolts are

bound to miss, but Shockwave doesn't seem to mind ruining such a vital piece of this planet's history if it means controlling said

planet.

Shockwave's handle separates into legs as his barrel splits into arms. Straightening out, he completes his transformation into

robot mode.

Combat: Shockwave sets his defense level to Fearless.

Combat: Tailgate takes extra time to steady himself. [Pass]

<Autobot> Elita One says, "you find it, Repugnus?"

Combat: Shockwave misses Pink Techcar <Elita One> with his 9-Volt Battery Powered Hell (Full-Auto) Area attack!

Combat: Jetfire expertly evades Shockwave's attack!

Combat: Shockwave misses Jetfire with his 9-Volt Battery Powered Hell (Full-Auto) Area attack!

Combat: Shockwave strikes Exosuit <Velum> with his 9-Volt Battery Powered Hell (Full-Auto) Area attack!

Combat: Shockwave strikes Hubcap with his 9-Volt Battery Powered Hell (Full-Auto) Area attack!

Combat: You took 9 damage.

Swindle gives the first part of the rant a dismissive wave. "Do *I* look like someone that's concerned with where the bits and

pieces I sell to some fool who doesn't know better comes from? Parts are still parts after al--oof!" The manic laughter and charge

on the other hand are a bit hard to ignore as she shoves him aside and rush farther down the corridor.

"Oh you're not getting away that easily! Not now that I know how valuable you are!" He stumbles a bit as he starts to follow.

"Then again, if you're already an Empty, it's not going to matter if I use this..." He pulls his replica of a certain

Protectobot's weapon out of subspace, leveling it at the femme as he gives chase. Her armor is already starting to suffer, this

will just speed up the process a bit. "How about a demonstration of the finest the Decepticons have to offer in stolen weapon

technology?"

Combat: Swindle strikes Shiftlock with the Swindle-forged Knockoff Decrystallizer attack!

<Autobot> Repugnus says, "...uh, yeah. I smell something on every single one of 'em. Smells like energon, but... *off*."

Ravage glances towards the door... Now or never, it seems. Odds are stacking up, and Vector Sigma has not yet rejected him. The

Feline's optics narrow as his cloaking systems go offline, fading into view as only a cheshire cat can, complete with that

sadistic grin.

Rockets blast him, but he holds fast by digging his claws into the ground. Oh...how wonderful. How blisfully wonderful. <<You

failures of a blockade!>> The feline folds his ears back before shooting a warning hiss at Velum, and Hubcap... and...ugh, for

good measure Jetfire too, and that little tyke he's got with him. And with that, he transforms and slips into the data socket,

leaving behind a trail of smoke.

<<Well now, that stung... Mind failing a little less out there?>>

Ravage transforms into his Cassette Tape <Ravage> mode.

<Autobot> Repugnus says, "I gotta say, it's quite an aroma. Might have to make a perfume out of it."

<Autobot> Elita One says, "not NOW Repugnus.  Hubcap, stop Ravage!"

<Autobot> Velum says, "Damnit, he plugged himself in!"

<Autobot> Elita One says, "then we shoot it and hope for the best"

<Decepticon> Swindle says, "They actually recruited an Empty? Autobots are getting desperate."

<Autobot> Hubcap says, "I am going to have /such/ a headache if I live to see tomorrow..."

Leopard 2A6M <Blitzwing>'s engine rumbles and tank treads begin to crush rubble, propelling the tank forward. It rolls past what

must truly be a Tailgate-laced crater, rumbling up and over the lip of the depression while a 125mm turret comes about to face

Jetfire's tail end. "Nuh uh uh! Not so fast, pretty boy!" Delivery systems thrum to life within the armored casing of the gun,

while a bead is precisely drawn. "You didn't say the magic word!" *KA-THOOM!*

Combat: Leopard 2A6M <Blitzwing> sets his defense level to Fearless.

Combat: Jetfire expertly evades Leopard 2A6M <Blitzwing>'s attack!

Combat: Leopard 2A6M <Blitzwing> misses Jetfire with his 125mm Cannon attack!

<Decepticon> Ravage says, "I do believe I am inside."

Leopard 2A6M <Blitzwing> fails to realize that shooting /at/ a room with Vector Sigma inside may not be the most tactically sound

course of action.

___    ___    _____   ___   _   _


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 * _ \ | (_) |   | |   \__ \ |_| |_|


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<Decepticon> Swindle says, "Oooh, I hear the wonderful sound of cannon fire."

<Decepticon> Blitzwing says, "AAAAAALRIGHT! Somebody needs to clip that guy's wings!"

Hubcap leaps forwards, trying to stop Ravage from interfacing with the supercomputer. Too slow. Skidding to his knees, he extrudes

a cable from his chest and plugs in, frantically working on countermeasures. No 'Matrix' jokes, please.

<Decepticon> Ravage says, "This...is phenomenal, by the by."

Jetfire is not at all fazed by Velum's sharp demeanor, nodding quickly in agreement with her. "Of course. I will attempt

to find a way to block further dark energon injections--the rest of you, cover me!" Blitzwing's cannons fire at him again, but he

slides out of the way, easily avoiding the triplechanger -again-. Hopefully that blast didn't break anything important. At any

rate, Jetfire turns toward Vector Sigma, quickly interfacing with the first data socket he can find. Sifting through the code, he

attempts to find a way to block any further attempts by the Decepticons to inject more of this Dark Energon. Speaking of which,

Jetfire would like to have a sample of that stuff. <<Repugnus, Elita One--if it is at all possible, could you obtain a sample of

this..Dark Energon? Analyzing its contents may prove useful.>>

Anyway, back to the code. Hmm, in fact--what about blocking -anyone- wearing a Decepticon badge from making -any- kind of

modification at all? Yeah, that would be perfect...

Wait, someone -else- is in here, mucking around. A Decepticon, no less! So -that's- the cat Velum was talking about! Well!

He'll just have to boot that creep out of the system. Immediately, he sets about doing what he can to block Ravage at every

virtual turn, while defending his own access to the system!

<Decepticon> Shockwave says, "Explain."

Combat: Jetfire takes extra time to steady himself. [Pass]

<Decepticon> Ravage says, "I can think of no better word for it than... Everything. Attempting to interface to inject the dark

energon. As well as copy what I can. I wonder if I can access the broadcast code..."

Shiftlock is having way, way too much fun with this; the pain of the repeated blows isn't bothering her - oh it will catch up with

her, and she's feeling it - but she's beginning to hit overdrive, electronic adrenaline throwing her into a full on battle rush.

She's shot, armor spiderwebbing with cracks along back, legs, arms, shoulders. Little bits of copper and black are flaking off.

She whirls on Swindle, bringing both her pistols to bear on his upper body.

"Gettin' away? Oh no, no, I think you have me all wrong, sweetspark. I'm gonna make you dead. You go down? Bruticus is a footnote

in history."

She opens fire.

Combat: Shiftlock strikes Swindle with her Double Pistols attack!

<Autobot> Hubcap says, "Oh.. my."

Elita One ducks again as Shockwave sprays fire everywhere, trying to suppress the Autobots. It was only the sign of smoke that

caught Elita's eye. <<Hubcap, stop Ravage!>> Hearing Velum's words, she shifts fire towards the tape, only the smoke to guide her

towards it. <<then we shoot it and hope for the best!>> Blitzwing fires a cannon shot into the room, sending tremors throughout

the area. "Get out of there Ravage!" Ignoring Shockwave, ignoring Blitzwing, she steps out of cover. Even with Hubcap up there,

she moves forwards anyway. After a moment's decision in transit, she shoulders her cannon, "Slag it. Look out, Hubcap!" She rushes

in and puts her size 26 boot right into the slot where Ravage went in!

Combat: Pink Techcar <Elita One> sets her defense level to Aggressive.

The futuristic car breaks open in the middle, as the legs form upward. Her hood shifts into her armor plating with her arms coming

together at the last, turning into Elita One's robot mode.

Exosuit <Velum> just hisses between her teeth mockingly at Ravage's own, pods retracting and her suit making a move to grab out at

the cat. "Time to put you outside where you belong!" But wait, where'd he go?? She misses completely when he suddenly turns into

his tape mode and wiggles into the data socket, Velum cursing in Nebulanese and trying to get him out. But a shot to the back puts

an end to this, Velum grunting as warnings go off from the damage and she swings around to see Shockwave.

Leaving it to Jetfire, who's on the case, she grins at the big cyclops. "Shockwave, good to see you again!" More like good to

attack you again, exo digging in and making a sudden sprint for him, roaring as she tries to barrel into him and slam him into the

wall with a hard shoulder.

Combat: Elita One strikes Cassette Tape <Ravage> with her The Bad Kitty Bottle! attack! [Pulled -2]

Combat: Cassette Tape <Ravage> compares his Technical to Jetfire's Technical: Success!

Combat: Cassette Tape <Ravage> compares his Technical to Jetfire's Technical: Success!

Combat: Exosuit <Velum> strikes Shockwave with her Linebacker Special (Smash) attack!

Combat: Cassette Tape <Ravage> compares his Technical to Hubcap's Technical: Failure :(

Just when you think it's safe to spray lasers randomly in a sacred room, Repugnus tries to leap on top of Shockwave's shoulders,

straddling his head. It's likely for the best that Shockwave has no emotions as about anyone else would be repulsed beyond belief.

And that's not even the worst part.

"Bongo, bongo, bongo, I don't wanna leave the Congo!" Repugnus cries as he tries to drum Shockwave's head none-too-gently with the

palms of his hands. "Bingo, bangle, bungle, I'm so happy in the jungle and I'll tel... OOF!" And naturally he gets slammed into

the wall with Shockwave.

The creature spins and twists about into Repugnus's robot mode!

Tailgate notices Jetfire is being subjected to some violent harrassment by Blitzwing, and he huffs a little. Now, the minibot is

less than half the size of the Decepticon, but he wants to make an impression on him anyway. A dent, that is. "Hey!" he yells,

waving his arms, "Leave him alone!" And with that he hurls himself at the Decepticon, grabbing onto his turret.

Combat: Tailgate sets his defense level to Aggressive.

Combat: Repugnus strikes Shockwave with his Dirty Fighting attack! [Pulled -1]

Combat: That attack has temporarily impaired Shockwave's Agility. (Crippled)

Combat: Tailgate's Let My People Go attack aimed for Leopard 2A6M <Blitzwing> backfires!

Combat: Tailgate strikes himself with his Let My People Go attack!

Combat: Repugnus damages himself.

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<Autobot> Shiftlock says, "I sure hope you guys are having success in whatever the scrap you're doing@"

<Autobot> Elita One says, "Sure isn't looking that way"

<Autobot> Shiftlock says, "Keep tryin'! I can't get past Swindle... so I'mma make him *dead*. One Bruticus is too many!"

<Autobot> Impactor says, "ERMAHGERD are you building Vos?!"

<Cybertron> All across Cybertron, transmitters--Autobot, Decepticon, and neutral--power up and start playing Metallica's "Seek and

Destroy" at an obscenely loud volume.

<Autobot> Velum says, "..Is it the terrible music, or did I just hear Impactor say something?"

<Autobot> Shiftlock says, "Can't talk killing Swindle"

<Decepticon> Brawl says, "THIS IS THE BEST MUSIC EVER."

Cassette Tape <Ravage> grunts, hisses, and is totally in all sorts of pain as he struggles to keep things running long enough to

inject the Dark Energon. Elita One's boot is not helping, neither is the attempts by Jetfire to block access to the command

systems. Come on...just get in there, nice and easy. <<I am NOT liking this defensive line, by the by! Do not be surprised if more

than one of you wake up with explosives strapped to your faces!>>

Working on his own bit of diversionary tactics, he uploads something into the broadcast network... Ah, some music to work by.

Good. <<HAHAHAHA! Ravage was hear...let all know this.>> He does a quick system check... <<I'll attempt to hold out as long as I

can for the sake of the objective.>>

<Autobot> Repugnus says, "He's not that good with an electric guitar! Believe me, somehow I know!"

<Decepticon> Ravage says, "I am glad you agree."

<Autobot> Sky Lynx says, "This music is giving me a headache."

Leopard 2A6M <Blitzwing> continues to plow through the tunnel, barreling after the sacred temple with a CPU to wreck shop as

necessary to prevent any and all Autobot resistance. There's only one little mech standing in his way - Tailgate. ... Really? The

little guy vaults up and scrambles over Blitzwing's turret, which waggles back and forth in an attempt to shake the little

nuisance free. No dice. He's like a pint-sized leech! Blitzwing transforms, a hap-hazard blur of plates, panels, wings, treads,

arms, and legs. Being that the tank turret serves no useful function in robot mode, is detachable. With a hiss and a *ka-thunk!*

of heavy machinery, Blitzwing reaches up to the tank barrel towering over his head and removes the entire turret assembly,

Tailgate still attached. Blitzwing gets a serious look on his face, if only for a moment. "This is going to hurt me A LOT more

than it hurts you." Blitzwing rears back like an Olympic discus competitor, tank turret held by the barrel. Winding up, he swings

for the fences - or the side of the canyon, as appropriate. "Okay, so I lied! This is just going to hurt you!"

Blitzwing transforms into his robot mode.

<Autobot> Shiftlock says, "I kinda like it."

Combat: Cassette Tape <Ravage> sets his defense level to Guarded.

Combat: Cassette Tape <Ravage> takes extra time to steady himself. [Pass]

Combat: Blitzwing strikes Tailgate with his Tailgate Tee-Off (Smash) attack!

Shockwave sprays laser fire throughout the Temple. One such shot, meant for Elita One, flies high and strikes Vector Sigma. Or

rather, strikes a forcefield protecting Vector Sigma. The shield flares up brilliantly, but the supercomputer otherwise doesn't

respond. When Elita One rushes over and kicks the data slot, Vector Sigma similarly fails to respond. Either it doesn't care that

the Transformers may kill it, or it is supremely confident in its defences. Stomping forward, Shockwave is suddenly met by Velum's

Exo-Suit in front and Repugnus from behind.

The former smashes into him with her shoulder, but rather than get knocked into the wall, he gets knocked into Repugnus,

who smacked him in the head (or 'drums' it if you prefer). Then they BOTH go into the wall. Recovering, Shockwave tries to elbow

Repugnus deeper into the wall while also pushing himself off. He charges for Elita One, knocking Velum aside if he has to. His

goal is to keep her away from Ravage's data socket. "Blitzwing, I need assistance against Elita One! Tailgate is of no concern."

Combat: Shockwave strikes Repugnus with his Ruckus Area attack!

Combat: Shockwave misses Exosuit <Velum> with his Ruckus Area attack!

Combat: Shockwave strikes Elita One with his Ruckus Area attack!

<Autobot> Elita One says, "OOOF!"

<Autobot> Velum says, "That's it, time for the heavy attack. Elita, try and stand clear!"

<Autobot> Elita One is sprawled about twenty feet away from Shockwave.

Swindle coughs as the decrystallizer starts to smoke and smolder after firing. "Maybe I shouldn't of used those cheap Tawain parts

for the prototype..." he muses, and tosses the now defunct weapon aside. Going to need some fine tuning before he can start

marketing the design. Followed by a grunt of frustrating and pain as several bullets pound into his own armor and crack chunks of

it.

Now while he may not have the aggressive streak most of his teammates do, Swindle knows when something is more important for the

mission. One less Autobot to make things difficult for his comrades. They'll drag his chassis out later for doing that, right?

"Well," Swindle retorts as as his smug snake in the grass smirk returns, "As least I have teammates that will miss my presence, as

abstractly as that may be. You? Just some wannabe gutter trash, thinks she's all riding high just because she joined a side and

thinks she has a cause now. Tsk tsk tsk." He levels his arm cannon as the muzzle apeture rotates open to its full bore setting.

"What would your old friends say?.. Oh, that's right."

The scatterblaster firing puctuates the final words. "They're dead."

Combat: Swindle sets his defense level to Fearless.

Combat: Swindle strikes Shiftlock with his Focused Blast attack!

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<Decepticon> Blitzwing says, "Roger, boss. On my way. *SMASH*"

Bonecrusher has disconnected.

Hmm...Jetfire can't seem to keep Ravage out of the system. He keeps trying to lock him out, but since the Casseticon had

already been in the system, he's kind of hard to drive out. Slag it, he's already got a foothold... the scientist muses to

himself. He debates whether he should withdraw from the system and simply shoot the Casseticon, but in the end decides to simply

continue hindering Ravage's attempts at every turn, and keep trying to upload his own code to lock the Decepticons out. In fact,

he ups his ante, ignoring the loud music and taking a more aggressive approach to this.

Suddenly, something occurs to him. Hmm...Vector Sigma perceived the Quintessons as a threat, didn't it? Ever since

Apocryphacius warned it not to harm Captain Velum, it seemed to think a war with the Quintessons was coming. If he could find the

code bits responsible for identifying Decepticons and Quintessons, and flip them around--he -might- be able to convince it that

the Decepticons were the enemy. And since whatever remained of the Quintesson Empire was limited at best, that -shouldn't- be a

concern, should it? At least not for now...

If this doesn't work, he has -one- more thing to try...though he is reluctant to resort to it.

<Decepticon> Ravage says, "As soon as the dark energon is accepted, I recommend closing up operations."

Repugnus makes a Repugnus-shaped indentation in the wall thanks to Shockwave's crushing force, and the Monsterbot feels his

systems are giving out! "Ah, nuts," he grunts, pulling himself out of the wall with no small amount of effort. "Coulda sworn he's

done that to me before. Welp." He looks around the room, frowning at the myriad of targets everywhere. "Only one thing to do! DUCK

ELITA! AND I DON'T MEAN THE BIRD!" He transforms into monster mode and sprays sparks throughout the room, kinda more carelessly

than Shockwave was shooting earlier!

<Autobot> Sky Lynx says, "How is it looking?"

Repugnus twists and flips around into his horrific creature mode!

<Autobot> Elita One says, "Not good.  Ravage did something and shockwave's right in front of Vector Sigma"

Combat: Bug Creature <Repugnus> strikes Shockwave with his Spitting Sparks Area attack! [Pulled -2]

Combat: Bug Creature <Repugnus> strikes Elita One with his Spitting Sparks Area attack! [Pulled -2]

Combat: Bug Creature <Repugnus> strikes Blitzwing with his Spitting Sparks Area attack! [Pulled -2]

Combat: Bug Creature <Repugnus> strikes Cassette Tape <Ravage> with his Spitting Sparks Area attack! [Pulled -2]

Combat: Jetfire takes extra time to steady himself. [Pass]

Hubcap grimaces as he is rocked by explosions, interruptions, and being shot, by Shockwave, again. He is /so/ going to feel that

in the morning. His focus is on the data, attempting to purge Ravage's influence.

<Decepticon> Ravage says, "Do I honestly have to take care of ALL of them by myself for you lot?"

<Decepticon> Blitzwing says, "No, you can stay put and lick your ass like every other feline I've ever encountered in my life.

Stay focused!"

<Decepticon> Shockwave says, "Your position is not defensible, Ravage."

At first, Tailgate is tossed like a rag doll as Blitzwing tears him a new one by throttling him with the barrle of his tank

turret. He would have simply splatted against the far wall if he hadn't transformed and ground his tires into the floor beneath

him. Accelerating quickly, he powerslides into Blitzwing.

Combat: Tailgate strikes Blitzwing with his For the Common Bot (Ram) attack!

<Decepticon> Shockwave says, "But your recommendations on 'closing up shop' are sound."

<Decepticon> Ravage says, "I do have one thing waiting in the wings. Let me know when you are clear, Commander."

Instead of being shoved Velum quickly sidesteps Shockwave as he rams past, going for Elita instead. Well then, looks like it's

time to take this new cannon out for a test run. Swinging around to face Shockwave near the console she squares her stance,

bracing as large cannon swings forward and hums with life. New targetting systems light up on her HUD, lining up the mech in their

crosshairs, the Neb grinning when it signals it's ready and she hits the fire button.

The cannon fires with a force made even louder by the closed off room, her exo sliding back a few feet as a large shot of energy

lances out alongside Repugnus' sparks.

<Decepticon> Swindle says, "Hey, I *cough* kept -my- opponent out... Maybe I should sell you taunting lessons."

Combat: Exosuit <Velum> sets her defense level to Fearless.

Combat: Exosuit <Velum> strikes Shockwave with her Nebula Cannon attack!

Oh, the words Swindle chose are daggers right to the core. It isn't anything she hasn't already blamed herself for. It isn't

something she hasn't already rolled over and over in her mind. Trust the con-man to read someone and look for the right place to

stick a verbal knife.

At this moment, Shiftlock is quietly thankful Impactor was such a dick to her - his diatribe and insults have taken the better

part of the sting out of those insults, desensitizing her to the emotional pain. She keeps her smile, thinking about that old

bastard. If she makes it out of this alive, she's gonna have to find a way to thank him good and proper.

The cannon shot tears open her torso, exposing fuel pump and internals - you can see rotors spinning and energon lines pulsing,

circuitry lit up, and a few sparks flying out. She pauses and SCREAMS out her pain, before steading herself, and keeping the guns

on Swindle.

"Words words words. There's gonna be a lot more dead before all of this is over."

She shoots again.

Combat: Shiftlock strikes Swindle with her Double Pistols attack!

Elita One starts to pull her boot out of the cassette slot, "I think I..." And then lumbering footsteps are heard. She turns

around, still restrained by her own attack and gets blocked across the room. Immediately, she clutches her leg, wincing, her ankle

sparking. She pulls herself to her feet, a bit battered but now, now Shockwave was right before Vector Sigma, and there wasn't

much worse in the world than that. She glanced over, surveying the situation. Hubcap, Tailgate...Blitzwing and Repugnus. She steps

forward, again bringing her cannon to bear. Repugnus' sparks sizzle and smoke, catching her by surprise despite the warning. Now

she's smoking. Velum catches Shockwave with her cannon. With him offguard, she had a moment to help even the odds...who knows,

maybe Blitzwing would help destroy Ravage's workings.

<Decepticon> Shockwave says, "Decepticons, clear out of the temple!"

Combat: Elita One strikes Blitzwing with her Plasma Cannon attack! [Pulled -2]

Combat: Cassette Tape <Ravage> compares his Technical to Hubcap's Technical: Failure :(

<Decepticon> Swindle says, "Gladly."

<Cybertron> The Metallica music finally and mercifully shuts off.

<Autobot> Velum says, "/Finally/."

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Combat: Jetfire compares his Technical to Cassette Tape <Ravage>'s Technical: Success!

Combat: Jetfire compares his Technical to Cassette Tape <Ravage>'s Technical: Failure :(

Swindle gets several more gun shots splintering off already broken armor, sparks hissing from one shoulder joint as a bullet gets

extra deep. But despite a wince he's still smirking. She can hide it beneath that bluster and bravado all she wants, but he can

see he got her good beneath that mask she's putting up. And by the sound of if, that is going to have to be the success for the

night. And not a moment too soon by the internal readouts he's getting.

Though he keeps his cannon leveled at her for a few terse moments, just to let it sink in. "Oh, I'm sure there well be... But you

might want to go make sure it isn't more of -yours- down there, hmm? Wouldn't want to have to haul off -more- corpses, after

all..." Then he lowers the cannon arm and straightens his bolo-tie with the other hand. "But you will have to excuse me from this

delightful conversation. The big boss is calling the end of the mission, so toodle-loo to you~" He spins on a heel, transforms,

and after a few sputters from his exhaust trucks it up the tunnel. Wobbling funny because of that bent axle, but he's going.

Swindle folds down and in on himself to become a military grade off-road jeep.

Combat: Military Gunnery Jeep <Swindle> sets his defense level to Neutral.

Combat: Military Gunnery Jeep <Swindle> begins retreating, outrunning all pursuit.

<Decepticon> Swindle says, "Withdrawing as ordered."

<Autobot> Shiftlock says, "Sounds like they're gonna pack it up!"

Tailgate is spared from forever adorning Blitzwing's tank mode as a make-shift hood ornament through a repurposing order from

Shockwave via radio communication. The triplechanger sighs dejectly as he gives a simple shake of his boot to deflect the tiny

Autobot away and down the corridor. Blitzwing unsheathes his elector-sabre and ignites the blade, stepping into the chaos that is

Vector Sigma's chamber. As he crosses the threshold, he is immediately greeted with burning gunfire from Optimus Prime's main

squeeze. Blitzwing is bodily ejected from the room, landing with a *THUD!* about 10 yards from the doorway. He rolls heavily and

forces himself upright again, growling as he supresses that pain. He starts to stalk headlong back into the fray, but Shockwave

calls for a full-blown retreat. Caught by surprise at the order, Blitzwing runs a diagnostics check on his combat systems.

Frowning at the results, the triplechanger shifts forms into his most expeditious mode, alighting and taking off at full-burn.

<Autobot> Shiftlock says, "Swindle said his boss is calling a retreat."

With the Decepticons outnumbered and the battle turning badly against them, Shockwave receives a broadband transmission from

Ravage. Something about 'one thing waiting in the wings'? The Military Commander can guess what that is, and Shockwave sprints for

the exit of Primus's Workshop, braving the powerful (and frankly unsafe toy-wise_ sparks from Repugnus. He raises his arms

protectively to avoid any of them hitting him in his optic, but they're bright enough that his circuits are starting to sizzle.

Casting a look behind him, Shockwave catches a glimpse of Vector Sigma. It irks him to leave the computer in the hands of the

Autobots. Hopefully whatever Ravage has up his sleeve is enough.

Combat: Shockwave sets his defense level to Protected.

Blitzwing takes to the skies as a MiG-25PD Foxbat-E jet.

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

Combat: MiG-25PD "Foxbat-E" <Blitzwing> begins retreating, outrunning all pursuit.

<Decepticon> Swindle then chuckles a little, weakly. "But I got her good~ in the end."

<Autobot> Elita One says, "Thank Primus"

<Decepticon> Shockwave was only vaguely aware of Swindle's grudge against... whatever that other femme's name is. "You were

successful in preventing her from interfering with Ravage's work."

Things are going well enough. <<Package delivered. Closing up shop.>> He watches the various works of Jetfire and Hubcap working

in vain to prevent him from furthering his goal... Heh. Stupid Autobots. "You know, Vector Sigma, we should do this another time.

You pick the century and I'll pick the spot."

The cassetecon ejects! Probably because somewhere on Cybertron Soundwave said to. He transforms and hits the ground running,

taking off for the shadows so he can cloak up and hide once more. "HAHAHA! So, you tech-heads think you can reverse what was done?

Come on... I dare you... Try to topple my work." He speaks as loud as his emitters will allow him to, slinking towards the doorway

leading out.

<Decepticon> Swindle says, "Sounds like it was a blast down there. I heard the distinct sound of a one-twentyfive down there."

Cassette Tape <Ravage> transforms into his Ravage mode.

Combat: Ravage activates his cloaking field and vanishes from sight!

<Decepticon> Ravage says, "Package delivered. Closing up shop."

<Autobot> Shiftlock says, "I'm sans dance partner. Anyone down and in need of a pick up?"

With the Decepticons outnumbered and the battle turning badly against them, Shockwave receives a broadband transmission from

Ravage. Something about 'one thing waiting in the wings'? The Military Commander can guess what that is, and Shockwave sprints for

the exit of Primus's Workshop, braving the powerful (and frankly unsafe toy-wise_ sparks from Repugnus. He raises his arms

protectively to avoid any of them hitting him in his optic, but they're bright enough that his circuits are starting to sizzle.

Shockwave briefly turns to cast a look behind him, catching a glimpse of Vector Sigma. This turns out to be a mistake as

Velum takes aim with her new cannon and fires. If Velum was pushed back from the recoil, Shockwave is positively knocked clear off

his feet. It is perhaps more glorious than her face punch from several months ago, as the bright wave of force smashes him against

the wall just beside the door out of here.

The Decepticon slumps to the ground, chest plate cracked and ruined.

<Decepticon> Blitzwing says, "Unfortunately it didn't land in an Autobot."

<Autobot> Elita One says, "You've got Decepticons fleeing your direction, I think"

<Autobot> Elita One says, "Stand clear unless you feel up to taking on Blitzwing"

<Autobot> Shiftlock says, "Yeah, and I can't shoot a jet on foot."

<Autobot> Shiftlock says, "He's already gone. Swindle too, which is a shame, I was *trying* to kill him."

And so Ravage's skill temporarily wins the day, and purple energon flares up around Vector Sigma. The supercomputer continues to

hover, but suddenly goes quiet. "ENERGON RIVER 590.1 COM-...".

Cybertron's core shifts as the Dark Energon courses through its systems. Hubcap finally puts down the connection, locking

Ravage out from any further modifications. Slowly, Vector Sigma's natural yellow starts to recover, but it's dimmer. Or is that

just your imagination?

<Cybertron> Microwave and hyperwave transmitters belonging to all factions across Cybertron power on, sending invisible energy

radiating throughout the sky. The heavens grow dark with grey clouds that even the light of the twin suns cannot pierce. Then come

the thunder and lightning, planet-wide, as communications are sent into a static-filled crash and navigation systems suddenly go

haywire.

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<Autobot> Shiftlock says, "Oh scraaaaaaaap!"

<Autobot> Sky Lynx says, "Hmm... and me without my umbrella..."

<Autobot> Talia McKinley says, "Tarnation! *crackle* Since when did Cybertron have thundah?"

<Autobot> Shiftlock says, "Everyone still alive?"

Combat: Your COMBAT flag has been cleared.

<Autobot> Repugnus says, "Yeah, but Shockwave won't be in a moment."

<Decepticon> Ravage says, "Commander, are you clear? All is ready."

<Autobot> Shiftlock coughs. "Good. Where's Tailgate. He better not be dead."

<Decepticon> Shockwave static.

About a month ago. Shockwave found a battered, rusted Elita One trying to defend herself out in the Koriolis Desert. He said

nothing, he simply tried to crush her wordlessly. THEN he tried to use her stasis locked form as a hostage. With perhaps a bit

more vengefulness than she really needed. Elita One returns the favor, firing several full power shots at the scientist, as she

just starts walking right towards him with the fuel of rage.

Combat: Elita One sets her defense level to Fearless.

<Decepticon> Ravage says, "Understood. I shall arrange for the proper accommodations. Farewell, if it indeed is such."

Combat: Elita One strikes Shockwave with her Payback...and So am I! attack!

Hubcap remains on his knees, totally focused on Vector Sigma. He's purged Ravage from the systems, as much as he can, then he

reels back, disconnecting. "Okay, okay. First, you guys have /no/ idea what Vector Sigma can do. Second, You don't want to know."

Having been deflected by Blitzwing, Tailgate bounces a couple times before landing painfully on his faceplates. He moans, but is

brought out of his daze by the distant thunder. "Oh no... " He glances over at the dimly glowly Vector Sigma. "That can't mean

anything good.." He stands up quickly and waves his arms at Jetfire. "Just tell me what to do! I know you don't really want to...

but if that's what it takes I'm more than willing.. Jetfire.. please... I-Iwant to save everyone. And Cybertron."

"Better *dead* than purple," Shiftlock snarls at a retreating Swindle. She takes a step to try to aim at the jeep once more - she

wants to pack him so full of slugs he'll be able to refill a nine yard belt when he finally picks them all out - but she staggers,

joints in her knees weakened from previous assaults. She can only watch in impotent rage as he hobbles away.

Pushing her fuel pump a little further back into her exposed innards, she turns and tries to get a good look at what's going on

further on in the trench, to scan for survivors or allies in distress, and to toss a spent magazine onto the ground and reload her

guns.

Combat: Shiftlock takes extra time to steady herself. [Pass]

Bug Creature <Repugnus> is never one to miss an opportunity! He saunters over to Shockwave, bobbing left to right happily. "Ooh

hoo hoo hoo! You're so helpless right now, Shockie! Oh, how I've waited to do this... hmmm... and yet..." He leans over the

commander, looking almost mournful. "I was kinda hoping you'd show some fear in your final moments! Guess not... oh well..." But

just as he's about to sink his claws in, Elita blasts Shockwave with her cannon!

"WOAH! Leeta, you also got me! You're not upset about that friendly fire, are you?" Repugnus says, snickering. He gazes back down

at the cyclops. "I don't think that quite did it. Here, lemme help...hahahahaha!" He brings his claws down onto Shockwave over and

over again, laughing all the while.

Combat: Bug Creature <Repugnus> strikes Shockwave with his Shearing Claws attack! [Pulled -2]

It feels so good when Velum's shot sends Shockwave flying and slamming into the wall. So good that she wants another go, but her

systems say otherwise, the massive attack draining a lot of power and forcing her exo to settle a moment to recharge. At least she

doesn't have to fear being attacked while vulnerable since the Cons now retreat without their commander, allowing Elita some easy

revenge.

She lets the femme have it, instead leaning back in her pilot chair, sighing deeply and feeling more fatigued than usual. The

reason why is simpler than one would expect though, Velum looking down to spot fresh blood soaking quickly through already stained

shirt at her midsection. Welp. She grunts faintly, adrenaline beginning to wear off, and holds a hand to the reopened wound from

her fall, trying not to move much and just letting the others finish Shockwave off.

<Autobot> Velum says, "Ngh. If any of you Bots are capable, I need some medical attention myself once we're done. All this

excitement opened up a wound and I'm kinda bleeding all over myself here."

Combat: Exosuit <Velum> takes extra time to steady herself. [Pass]

<Autobot> Shiftlock says, "Can you pilot your way out or do you need a lift? I'm pretty sure I can still transform and drive,

providing I hold my fuel pump in first."

<Autobot> Tailgate says, "Pug...! Don't.. don't kill Shockwave like that... It's not right."

<Autobot> Hubcap says, "Well, if we'd known we could have brought a doctor."

<Autobot> Shiftlock, sharply, "Tailgate. This is SHOCKWAVE. We *have* to kill him."

<Autobot> Repugnus says, "Kay. I'll stop. Elita, you wanna take over for me?"

<Autobot> Tailgate says, "No"

<Autobot> Talia McKinley says, "Lemme see if Ah can't get First Aid onna horn so he can be ready for ya."

"No!" Jetfire exclaims when Ravage manages to deliver his payload, and his attempts to switch up the identification codes

fails. Ah, but all was not lost! Hubcap succeeds in locking the Casseticon out. "Phew...excellent work, Hubcap." And even better,

the Decepticons were fleeing, like the cowards they'd always been. -Now- he can get to the -real- work. He glances over at

Tailgate, battered yet begging, and synthesizes a long sigh as he keys a few comments into the console. The data socket opens up,

revealing a series of circuits and cables.

"Tailgate...I'm sorry--I just can't let you do this. You've been weakened..." Which decreased his chances of getting out

of it mentally unscathed significantly. "I haven't taken any damage, I'm more likely to get out of it alive and unharmed."

Unraveling the cables, he opens a panel in his chassis to connect up and begin the procedure..

<Autobot> Repugnus says, "I mean, you were putting more effort into it than I was, Elita."

<Autobot> Remedy says, "Don't kill Shockwave that way?"

<Autobot> Velum says, "I'm good, Shiftlock. You get yourself looked at. And well, eh, I didn't really think of it at the time."

<Autobot> Tailgate says, "We're Autobots! If you tear Shockwave to pieces you're doing exactly what a Decepticon would do to an

Autobot who was down. Please...."

Combat: Jetfire takes extra time to steady himself. [Pass]

<Autobot> Velum says, "Also thank you, Talia."

<Autobot> Shiftlock says, "... Tailgate they *executed my friends* on *live TV*."

___    ___    _  _   ___   _   _

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 * (__  | (_) | | .` | \__ \ |_| |_|

\___|  \___/  |_|\_| |___/ (_) (_)

<Autobot> Shiftlock says, "This isn't even THAT undignified."

<Autobot> Elita One says, "...."

<Autobot> Shiftlock says, "We put him down now and half the war is DONE."

<Autobot> Repugnus says, "There's that argument about being no better than 'cons again. Guys, guys, guys. If we're still alive and

they're not, we're better by default!"

How is it that no one thought to RUN when Ravage ran? He ducks behind the wall to the door as he listens to the radio.

<<Commander, are you clear? All is ready.>> He listens further as no reply comes. Though, he can hear Elita One stomping on the

purple mech. <<Understood. I shall arrange for the proper accommodations. Farewell, if it indeed is such.>> The cloak on the

Decepticat shimmers and fades as his systems pull up the remote detonation sequence.

Hubcap may hear it first. After all, the bomb was left with him... Jetfire, perhaps next. And Tailgate, too. A soft whine,

increasing in pitch as the metal object flares to life, a disc-shaped light on its side flickering in a rapid circle of red before

a green pulse flickers.

Once...

Twice...

The explosion accents the third as he detonates the incendiary, chuckling softly to himself as scanners survey the aftermath.

"Terribly sorry, Commander. For the greater good. Glory to the Decepticons, Glory to the Empire." Oh yes, he will absolutely

linger long enough for that much. Though, he's not anticipating anything retaliating. Even better, Decepticons in Vector Sigma's

presence were at a severe minimum. If Vector Sigma even cares.

Combat: Suddenly, Ravage appears out of thin air!

<Autobot> Tailgate says, "I'm not saying they're not terrible people. But you're reducing yourself to their level when you do

that. If you just let revenge and hate blind you like that--well, don't you think that's where all the Decepticons started?"

After a couple infuriated shots, Elita drops her cannon, wounded as everyone else is, then sits, her face in her hands as she

tries to recompose herself.

Combat: Sneak Attack!!

Combat: Ravage strikes Bug Creature <Repugnus> with High-strung Catnip's Huge Explosion #11257 Area attack!

Combat: Ravage's High-strung Catnip is destroyed!

Combat: Sneak Attack!!

Combat: Ravage strikes Shiftlock with High-strung Catnip's Huge Explosion #11257 Area attack!

Combat: Sneak Attack!!

Combat: Ravage strikes Elita One with High-strung Catnip's Huge Explosion #11257 Area attack!

Combat: Sneak Attack!!

Combat: Ravage strikes Exosuit <Velum> with High-strung Catnip's Huge Explosion #11257 Area attack!

Combat: Sneak Attack!!

Combat: Ravage strikes Tailgate with High-strung Catnip's Huge Explosion #11257 Area attack!

Combat: Tailgate falls to the ground, unconscious.

Combat: Jetfire expertly evades Ravage's attack!

Combat: Sneak Attack!!

Combat: Ravage misses Jetfire with High-strung Catnip's Huge Explosion #11257 Area attack!

Combat: Sneak Attack!!

Combat: Ravage strikes Hubcap with High-strung Catnip's Huge Explosion #11257 Area attack!

Combat: You took 29 damage.

Combat: Ravage's attack has damaged your Accuracy!

Combat: Sneak Attack!!

Combat: Ravage strikes Shockwave with High-strung Catnip's Huge Explosion #11257 Area attack!

Combat: Shockwave falls to the ground, unconscious.

<Autobot> Repugnus says, "Actually I think it started when--ARGH"

<Autobot> Shiftlock says after the explosion, "... oh that wasn't good for my struts hangin' out. SIT REP!"

<Autobot> Talia McKinley says, "..."

<Autobot> Repugnus says, "...blown to hell, can't see so good."

<Autobot> Talia McKinley then flatly, "The Cons bein' poor losers again I take it."

<Autobot> Jetfire says, "Ah! Is everyone all right?"

<Autobot> Velum wheezes, "Damn that smarts.."

<Autobot> Repugnus says, "Yeah. Guessing Shockwave ticked off someone important because he was in here with us when we got blown

up"

Swindle moves south to the Istoral Trench.

Swindle has left.

<Autobot> Remedy says, "Should I have the repair bay ready for casualties?"

<Autobot> Talia McKinley says, "Sounds like it."

<Autobot> Hubcap says, "Please do."

<Autobot> Repugnus says, "Get the meat processor ready for Velum, too--er, I mean, Happy Autobot Hospital!"

___    ___    _____   ___   _   _


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 * _ \ | (_) |   | |   \__ \ |_| |_|


 * ___/  \___/    |_|   |___/ (_) (_)

<Autobot> Velum says, "Tch, shut up Repugnus. Not diein' today."

Shockwave starts to climb to his feet. He suspects he knows what Ravage is planning and has no intention of sticking around. Just

as he's up, Elita One smashes him with a plasma bolt that's almost as devastating as that Nebula Cannon, knocking Shockwave down

again. "Nnngh..." he stares out past the smoke rising from his chest at Elita One. Is it hate? Frustration? Fear? Shockwave's

thoughts are hidden behind his expressionless optic, but once Repugnus arrives he definitely raises his hand in a feeble attempt

to ward him off.

It is unsuccessful, and the first swipe knocks his arm away, letting the second and all that follow hack away at his body.

Soon Repugnus's claws (and probably his entire body) are coated with mech fluid. Shockwave's arm rests on the ground helplessly as

Repugnus savagely tears into him. Then, from safety, Ravage delivers a brief eulogy and lets the bomb detonate, washing the room

with fire and debris. The floor underneath Shockwave is one of the things ripped to shreds, and the last anyone sees is his

unconscious purple frame vanishing into the underground.

The explosion can be felt, heard, and seen even from the outside. The door that Ravage had meticulously picked the first time is

blown off its rotating hinges, clattering down the corridor as fire rushes out after it. On the inside, the temple bursts into

flames, ruining the controls and destroying the data slots. There's a brief flare as the shield around Vector Sigma ignites.

Finally... FINALLY, as the Creation Factory's self is under threat, it takes action. As the fire rises, sprinklers from the

ceiling spray the greatest friend the Autobots have ever had: Fire Retardant Foam.

Slowly, the fires are brought to a more manageable level. Vector Sigma continues to hover, purples and yellows swirling

around one another. Its forcefield is destroyed and its data slot ruined, but it is still functional... and it is now in the hands

of the Autobots.

<Autobot> Remedy says, "Okay. I'll be ready to accept casualties here."

Hubcap's head snaps up. "Wait, what are you doing, Jetfire?" Then he hears it, a subtle whine building up. "Clear the roo-" Boom.

Oops, too slow. Hubcap is thrown across the chamber by the blasts concussive wave.

<Autobot> Talia McKinley says, "y'all just get back here and rest up. Ah've got the Firehawk here on Cybertron too, Ah can take

her out on patrol to pick the slack fer ya recoverin'."

And then there is an explosion. Fortunately, Jetfire manages to duck behind some of those archives, avoiding taking damage

from the bomb. But...Tailgate is not so lucky. "Tailgate!" he calls out, and once the flame retardant foam has taken care of the

fires, the scientist is at the minibot's side, doing what he can to stop the energon flow and stabilize his condition.

Combat: Jetfire quickly patches up some of Tailgate's minor injuries.

Bug Creature <Repugnus> had been JUST about to put the finishing touches on Shockwave, but alas, fate intervenes on behalf of the

cyclops yet again, and the blast knocks him off his feet, and right into a datapad sitting on a pedestal. He smashes the pedestal

and continues flying across the room until he clatters some distance away. He tries to stand, but as he does, he says, "Eh...

think I'll... take a breather..." and flops onto his face as smoke swirls around him.

Shiftlock turns partially away from the blast as it blows free from the entrance to the chamber, taking further damage and being

thankful she didn't catch any exposed fuel lines in that blast. She can barely move, but she's not giving up, as she presses

closer to where the rest of the Autobots are, trying to find survivors. She keeps her weapons at the ready, just in case.

Combat: Shiftlock sets her defense level to Guarded.

Combat: Shiftlock takes extra time to steady herself. [Pass]

<Autobot> Repugnus says, "...say, does Flame Retardant Foam really kill us or is that just a Decepticon superstition?"

<Autobot> Talia McKinley says, "Ya need anything Velum? Other than Ah reckon ya've gone too long without a heavy drink."

<Autobot> Shiftlock says, "Did your processor get hit."

<Autobot> Hubcap says, "It doesn't kill us, but it's really not good."

Exosuit <Velum> doesn't expect Ravage's little surprise in the slightest. So much for worrying about being vulnerable. The

explosion sends her suit is flung away and sent sprawling onto its back, armor charred and flaking mismatched paint. Inside, the

hard landing jostles Velum in her seat, making her reel at the pain shooting through her and clutch hand tighter at the wound.

"Rgh! Shit.. that hurts.." She wheezes, sitting there a moment, fighting through it until the pain dies down to a more manageable

level and she scrabbles at her controls to make the exo slowly sit up. That's it, she's done for this mission, just remaining

where she is and tryig to fight off the sudden lightheaded feeling while foam rains down on them all.

<Autobot> Velum says, "More blood would be preferable. And a painkiller. Feeling kinda.. lightheaded over here."

<Autobot> Shiftlock says, "... You guys sound like you had fun without me in there. Stupid Swindle."

<Autobot> Repugnus says, "Get that woman some mercury, stat!"

<Autobot> Talia McKinley tries not to chuckle. "Must be bad if its keepin' ya from wantin' booze.

<Autobot> Sky Lynx says, "I have an evac shuttle en route to your last-reported location."

<Autobot> Talia McKinley says, ".... We don't got mercury in our blood, Repugnus."

<Autobot> Shiftlock says, "Oh good, because as cool as it is to poke my own innards, holding them in is not as much fun as

advertised."

Ravage admires the mayhem for a moment before turning to simply walk out. He's not worried at all... No one's bothered him since

the explosion, and since Shockwave is no longer visible, he has little reason to linger any longer than is required. With a soft

chuckle, the feline starts stalking away from the fire suppression systems and the chaos left behind.

Combat: Ravage begins retreating, leaving himself vulnerable to parting shots from MiG-25PD "Foxbat-E" <Blitzwing>, Jetfire,

Shockwave, Exosuit <Velum>, and Shiftlock

When Ravage attacks unexpectedly, Tailgate's remaining energy gives out and he falls into temporary stasis lock, Then a fire

breaks out from the explosion, and the stifling heat wakes the little minibot. "Ungh... " He tries to crawl away, but is

unsucessful. and part of his arm ends up melded to the floor. Thankfully, Jetfire manages to repair some of his damage.

"J-Jet-fire.. p-please... l-let.. m-me h-h-help...."

<Decepticon> Hubcap says, "Oh, by the way, Ravage?  Hubcap's in your brain, purging your code."

<Decepticon> Ravage says, "Beg your pardon?"