Defending Ayotzinco

The peaceful countryside of Ayotzinco is not quite so peaceful right now. The attack has been expected since before the Olympics. Folk are likely on edge, weapons are likely ready. Who knows when it is likely to come?

And now, somewhere on Cybertron. . . the two Primes are engaged in. . discussions. And the Decepticons are aware of it.

If one is watching. . seismic Sensors are working overtime right now. If anyone is actually paying attention to them, the existance of something very large moving underground will not be difficult to miss. But it is moving fast; tunneling with the aid of not only metal-rending claws and blades but the aid of an electrovolt cannon that renforces tunnel walls with molten glass. This is none other than Scorponok, who is moving as fast as he can tunnel towards the gates of the city. As the renforced gates are approached the tunnel slopes upwards towards the surface until it is just about to break. At which point Scorponok pauses, waiting for others who are assembled.

"No prisoners. No mercy. Penetrate as deep into the city as possible. Destroy the Autobots; sow terror, and claim that which is ours!" . . "Questions?"

Tetrajet in jet mode merly rocks a wing toward Scorponok and heads out to attack.

Lion did not know the massive Headmaster Scorponok could tunnel, but that doesn't stop the dastardly subterrainian sneak attack. The black and yellow lion stalks behind the burrowing arachnic machine, waiting patiently for thier time to strike at the city above.

Sunder's not averse to tunnelling if the situation calls for it, though he usually prefers the open skies. Dirt from above sprinkles onto his headcannon and wings. "Indeed," he says, "No prisoners." He flexes his talons in anticipation.

Back in New Crystal City, it took Scorponok about 0.000014 seconds to convince Motormaster to come along. Scorponok walked into the room, Motormaster saw that crazy glint in his optic (you know, the crazy glint all Decepticons get when there's gonna be some killin' goin' down) and was all like f--- yeah! So now a black semi-truck with a grey trailer is rolling along behind Scorponok. "Is this really as fast as you can go?" he asks, clearly eager to get up there. "There's Autobots just beggin' to be crushed by my wheels, Scorponok, and I don't like keeping my fans waiting."

Dreadwind trudges along somehow being assigned to an attacking force for once rather than defending something precious to the Decepticons, with carefully laid plans the Decepticons get ready to unleash their fury, unfortunately Scorponok makes a single mistake, asking for questions, "Yes, why are we bothering? It's not as if we'll be able to hold the city for long, no matter how well we may do we will be seriously wounded and pushed back." Hi-Test is silently watching the other cons wating for his moment to shine, or keep Dreadwind on track, probably the latter.

Cyber-Tank  is patrolling outside the gate of Alphabet City when his sensors pick up the Decepticons. He calmly sends a radio transmission to the other autobots around to warn them, "Decepticon detected." He sounds rather calm, but why not? Last time the Decepticons attacked they broke their teeth on the autobot resistance.

Combat: Hardhead sets his defense level to Neutral.

Flying high above the ancient city of Ayotzinco and completely oblivious to any danger lurking either on the ground or underneath it is none other than Swoop: World's Best Dinobot. He soars in wide circles over the city like some sort of vast predatory bird. Riveting.

Sludge is crouched amongst the overgrown foliage, making plants that reach over a humans head look like a lawn in need of a little trim. The dimmest of the Dinobots idly nudges leaf blades with a finger, listening to the soft whispering rustle and distant deep vibration sounds it makes. Oh wait, the deep vibration has stopped. Sludge likes it better this way. A bird has long since perched on his back. "Hurrrr nice green plants... Sludge like." He then slowly looks up at Hardhead's alert. He looks around. "Sludge see no Ceptycons."

F-15 Eagle  bolts through the sky towards the city after receiving Hardhead's transmission. He catches up to Swoop and idly barrel rolls to and fro just behind him. "'Cons 'cons 'cons," he sings, obviously pumped.

Fortress Maximus has been working almost nonstop since the most recent Decepticon assault. Launched just days after the Olympics ended the city took its fair share of damage. Fortress Maximus was not about to stand idle when this could be fixed. So while others manned the defenses and medical teams saw to those injured, Maximus wasted little time rebuilding. Though it was slow going at first as he was recovering from the battle himself he has finished most of the structural reinforcing in the city center.

As a transmission is received from Hardhead, Maximus quickly drops his tools of construction and picks up the weapons of war. Rifle in hand he moves towards the gates to assist those assigned to defend the city. "Everyone gear up, watch each others backs. We drove them back last time, we can do it again. We shall hold the city."

Combat: Air Raid sets his defense level to Fearless.

Giant Scorpion bursts out of the ground like the giant bug that he is; scattering rocks; soil, mud and all sorts of nastiness in all directions. Purple and green armor soon follow and just like that. . Scorponok is now in the fray. Which also means that he is likely to be the first target of Automated Defenses.

Either way, the giant bug transforms to become a giant robot -- his head slotting into place as he raises his rifle. "Attack!" He bellows, firing a blast at the gates as he goes. He is searching for another target, when. . . Fortress Maximus is spotted. "GALEN!" The bellow of fury is beserk, high pitched and is /clearly/ that of Zarak. "I KILL YOU!"

Subtle.

Either way, the distance is great and the power of Scorponok's rifle is well reduced due to the range.

Combat: Scorponok sets his defense level to Neutral.

Activating his transformation sequence, Scorponok begins to twist and shift. When the movement stops he stands before you in robot mode.

Combat: Scorponok strikes Fortress Maximus with his Extra Long Range Shot (Pistol) attack!

The tunnel breaks, spilling soil and sunlight down into the invasion route. Razorclaw digs his claws into the rough rock underfoot and makes a powerful leap for freedom, arcing high and exiting the tunnel. The big black cat isn't ready to jump into action just yet, however. First, a suitable target must be selected from among the Autobot defenders. His sharp eyes spot a well-known sillouette above the skyline, and he slinks into the shadows, waiting for a chance to strike.

Combat: Razorclaw sets his defense level to Protected.

Combat: Razorclaw analyzes Swoop for weaknesses.

Sunder's own talons are scraping and flinging loose dirt out of the way behind Scorponok and Razorclaw. He emerges from the tunnel and his optics flicker as they reajust to the light levels on the surface. He spots an Aerialbot and quickly goes after him. Warming up his headcannon, the Sweep attempts to bring Air Raid down to his level! "Ahhh, so I will get to Hunt after all!" he says.

Tetrajet circles the area above the city and catch two blips on his radar reading Autobot. He turns toward them and speeds up picking the odd looking one to fire upon.

Combat: Sunder misses F-15 Eagle  with his Headcannon Blast attack! [Pulled -3]

Dreadwind follows behind all the other Decepticons his eagerness hidden behind his forever gloomy exterior. Eventually he manages to drag himself out of the tunnel through the loose earth and stands there watching and waiting for the inevitable one shot maim that is headed his way. Hi-Test scrambles up behind him, "Come on Dreadwind shift your bulk, the others are all moving out, i'll make sure we get through this without a scratch."

Kenworth K100  is right behind Scorponok, charging upwards to the surface after the Headmaster clears the way. Bursting up onto the ground, the truck doesn't even take a moment to get his footing again, transforming into robot mode with his sword in one hand, and Atom Smasher Cannon in the other. "Who's the biggest Autobot here?!" he roars. Fortress Maximus doesn't count, as he understands that Scorponok gets dibs. He stomps forward, clearly on the prowl for a target.

Motormaster transforms into robot mode.

Combat: Tetrajet strikes Robot Pteranodon  with his Laser attack!

Cyber-Tank  is in position when the Decepticons crawl out of their hole. No big surprise there, the veteran saw everything and he's hard to surprise. However, he's a bit worried when he sees all the firepoewr Scorponok brought with him. At least Duros is worried, Hardhead is just too stubborn to care. He simply shouts back at Zarak, "Ha shut up old fart. You're screaming that everything and Max is still around to kick your butt." And then, with a loud BANG, he fires a shell towards the entrance of the tunnel...hopefully, there is no one still in there...

Combat: Hardhead sets his defense level to Fearless.

Combat: Cyber-Tank  strikes Motormaster with his Incendiary Shells Area attack!

Combat: Cyber-Tank  strikes Lion with his Incendiary Shells Area attack!

Combat: Cyber-Tank  misses Dreadwind with his Incendiary Shells Area attack!

Combat: Cyber-Tank  strikes Scorponok with his Incendiary Shells Area attack!

Fortress Maximus was still organizing the defenses and sending people to shelters when Scorponok bursts free from the tunnel and wastes no time begining the assault. Struck in the shoulder Fortress Maximus shrugs off the blow and sets his mind to other matters. "Keep tight on the defense don't let them slip past. This city, these people are counting on us to defend them. Don't let them down." As the Decepticon forces pour from the tunnel Maximus nods to the defenders and brings his own rifle to bear. Having had it powered down he fires off what little charge it has built up and prepares to meet the attackers head on.

Combat: Fortress Maximus misses Scorponok with his Disruptor attack!

"Whoa!" Raid twirls and banks to avoid the shot, laughing the whole time. "Heeeere sweepy sweepy sweepy," he chimes in a haunting tone, now aiming for Sunder. The Eagle dives towards the tunnel entrance and fires off a shot, focused on a wing. Max's orders aren't the first thing on his mind.

Combat: F-15 Eagle  misses Sunder with his Laser attack!

Sludge listens to Fortress Maximus, but only because he is slightly larger than Sludge. That's /something/ at least. He still doesn't register any Decepticon threat that they are so cleverly hidden underground still. Until, ofcourse, the old school Hulk color scheme painted bug explodes from the ground. The bird on Sludge's back flaps off having a heart attack. The bugs filthy minions come pouring out after. Sludge rises to his feet. "Ohhhh... there they are." He frowns and stalks forward, pulling his Missile Launcher and sword out, deploying into the Autobot defensive line to hold off the invaders. "You Motormouth look for me Sludge. Sludge am found." Wow, what profound dialogue. As he starts to up his pace and make the earth his personal war drum as a consequence, Sludge's blue optics turn deadly with a horribly Seraphim like radience, and then a pair of laser beams shoot at the one he is staring lasers at, Motormaster.

Combat: Sludge sets its defense level to Fearless.

Combat: Sludge strikes Motormaster with its ANGELIC WRATH LASER EYES (Laser) attack!

Egads! Swoop is struck by a laser! Fortunately for him, he doesn't seem to notice it. Apparently it was just a regular laser and not an anti-Dinobot one. As he completes his circle in the sky, Swoop glances down at the commotion happening below and decides that maybe just maybe he should do something. He dives down down down towards the robot 'king of the jungle'; jaws agape to unleash horrible dinosaur lasers! Kapewpew!

Combat: Swoop sets his defense level to Aggressive.

Combat: Robot Pteranodon  strikes Lion with his Kapewpew (Laser) attack!

Motormaster had just demanded for the strongest Autobot to step forward. Suddenly things are exploding all around him. Holy sweet Straxus! Motormaster raises his arm to protect his beautiful face as shrapnel and flames washes over him. He glances down and sees that his legs are now on fire. "Huh," he says. He switches out from the Atom Smasher Cannon to his Cyclone Rifle. It is less awesome sounding, but he is at least able to shoot himself in the legs to blow out the flames. "THOSE WERE PUSSY MISSILES, AUTOBOT!" Motormaster roars, now able to think about offence once again. "BARELY EVEN FELT IT!" He sees Hardhead mouthing off to Zarak and figures, bingo, we have our culprit. The Stunticon charges, shouting an incoherent battlecry as he tries to run Hardhead through with his large, club-like sword.

He gets about half way before a pair of lasers shoot in his direction. The lasers glance off his armour, leaving a few burn marks. "Sorry Dickwad #2!" he shouts back at Sludge. "Dickwad #1 over here got me first! Oh but don't you worry, I'll get to you real soon." Motormaster completes his attempt to run Hardhead through.

Combat: Motormaster strikes Cyber-Tank  with his Sword attack!

Scorponok is stalking forward towards the gates in a hail of automatic defense fire. His eyes are fixed almost purely on Fortress Maximus, and his rifle is raised to take another shot at him when two things happen. The first is Fortress Maximus' own return shot which Scorponok nimbly sidesteps, letting it impact into the ground at his feet. A small geyser of sand, rock and debris is thrown up by the attack. Then behind him, the attack from Hardhead that he didn't see sends a screaming fireball in all directions from the hole that he just emerged from.

Scorponok is thrown forward onto his stomach, back armor visibly damaged. With a violent snarl, he transforms -- scuttling forward in his Scorpion mode. Clearly, he is annoyed. His tail lifts; a pair of red laser beams emerging from it. Merely targeting lasers, both reach outwards towards Hardhead and Fortress Maximus. The second the targeting lasers brush over their hulls, they flare red, glowy and angry. The effect is to create an ionized trail through the air for electricity to follow.

Electricity?

KRAKWHACKFRAKBRAKOOM!

Cybertronian-Made lightning arcs through the air at over 100,000 volts as Scorponok lets Hardhead know just how much he appreciated that shell. Fortress Maximus is targeting too just because. . well, he's Fortress Maximus!

Beginning to shift and twist, Scorponok drops towards the ground as his scorpion legs appear and his tail rises upwards. Once his claws are in position the transformation sequence has been completed and he stands before you as a monolithic scorpion!

The Sweep easily dodges Air Raid's return fire, as he pursues his prey. Brandishing his talons, Sunder grins, in anticipation of gutting the Aerialbot.

Combat: Sunder strikes F-15 Eagle  with his Talon Swipe (Punch) attack!

Combat: Giant Scorpion strikes Fortress Maximus with his The STING of SCORPONOK Area attack! [Pulled -2]

Combat: Giant Scorpion strikes Cyber-Tank  with his The STING of SCORPONOK Area attack! [Pulled -2]

Lion's slow and methodical approach towards Swoop is interupted by Hardhead laying down the heavy fire. Fiery shells explode all around, blasting small craters in Razorclaw's thick metal hide. In addition, Swoop sears another hole on his armor with a blast of laser. He lets out a bestial snarl as Swoop dives down, and he angles his large double-barreled cannon up at the swooping Dinobot. A thunderous retort echoes off the nearby buildings as he opens fire with his Concussion Blasters on Swoop.

Combat: Razorclaw sets his defense level to Fearless.

Combat: Lion strikes Robot Pteranodon  with his Twin Concussion Blasters attack! [Pulled -5]

Dreadwind doesn't even flinch as a shell goes off surprisingly close to his position, there are some cries of surprise and pain from the others and he feels left out yet again. "There is no end to the suffering, death follows and ignores me like everyone else." He stands there a statue of defiance or despair. Hi-Test however scurries around to the other side of Dreadwind, his first time in real combat and that was damned close, "Hey Dreadwind can we move over to that cover we'll be safer there for sure."

Tetrajet flies past the odd looking flier after his hit expecting a return shot but none happens. Trying to take advantage of the surprise, he and banks around for another attack on the same target.

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

Combat: Tetrajet misses Robot Pteranodon <Swoop> with his Laser attack!

Cyber-Tank <Hardhead> is struck by Motormaster's sword...backed with all the Stunticon leader's strength, it dives deeply into the headmaster's armor. A mixe of energon and oil starts to spill from the wound and Hardhead can't refrain from grunting in pain. He transforms back into his robot mode and he's suddenly struck by lightning which nearly sends him into stasis shock. However, his name isn't Hardhead for nothing. Leaving Zarak to Fortress Maximus, he raises his shattergun and fires it at Motormaster, "I heard Optimus shoved your sword up your tailpipe..." The cybertronian tank unfolds. At the same times the armored form of Duros leaps into the air, also transforming. Both connect to form the robot mode of Hardhead.

Combat: Hardhead sets his defense level to Aggressive.

Combat: Hardhead strikes Motormaster with his Shatterblaster attack! [Pulled -3]

F-15 Eagle <Air Raid> yelps as his undercarriage is torn to the Pits, wavering on his wings as he swoops overhead. He circles and transforms, landing before the sweep with the same grin on his face. "If it's hand-to-hand you want..." Raid lundges forward, joining fists to swing at Sunder's helm.

Air Raid folds and compacts, transforming into his robot mode.

Combat: Air Raid strikes Sunder with his Smash attack!

Fortress Maximus had turned his attention elsewhere as soon as he returned fire. Having to deal with keeping the people of Ayotzinco safe from the blasts is just as important to him as holding the city. For what good is it if all that is left is rubble and corpses. An unfortunate consequence of having his attention split is that he is unprepared for the assault Scorponok rains down on Hardhead and himself. As the electricity lances through his body Fortress Maximus can feel systems seizing up. Motor functions stall and he begins to topple, but hit the ground he does not. As he goes his body reconfigures itself and soon the air is filled with the whine of his thrusters and the dust they are kicking up. Into the sky he goes to hover above the city gates. Energy begins to crackle between the forward sections of his hull. Then in second the sky lights up as the battle station unleashes a blast of energy at the scrambling bug below.

Fortress Maximus shifts into battlestation mode.

Combat: Fortress Maximus sets his defense level to Fearless.

Robot Pteranodon <Swoop> is struck dead on by Razorclaw's shots. It kind of sucks! Actually, it really sucks! It totally throws Swoop off his groove and sends him down to the ground where he skids to a stop. The Dinobot lays there for but a moment before regaining his composure and taking to the skies again. Safer up there anyway. More importantly, it's where that other Decepticon is hanging out and shooting stuff from.

The Dinobot flies as fast as his blue body will let him towards Windshear. Just as it looks like a collision will occur, Swoop pulls up and throws his legs down to sort of kick the triangle jet. It's more humorous than anything.

Combat: Battle Station <Fortress Maximus> strikes Giant Scorpion with his Fusion-Powered Photon Cannon attack!

Sludge grumbles unintelligably as Motormaster might be insulting him He doesn't recognize the vocabulary. Mrs O'Brian the tutor hasn't taught the Dinobots the word Dickwad yet. It doesn't really matter. It's Motormaster, afterall. He's got a death coming everytime he shows up. Moto is enagged more heavily with Hardhead, however, and Sludge figures he can't just unleash the thunder or explosions on the Decepticon at this time, so he puts his missile launcher away and draws his Dino Derringer... a pathetically tiny weapon in his macro-sized hands. It might look more impressive in an average Autobot's hands. Maybe. Annnnyway. Sludge aims and picks his shots on the Stunticon commander. ~pew pew pew~ Oh god that's just silly.

Combat: Sludge misses Motormaster with its Dino Derringer (Pistol) attack!

Combat: Robot Pteranodon <Swoop> strikes Tetrajet with his MIGHTY LEG (Kick) attack!

"Well you heard wrong, Dickwad #1!" Motormaster shouts back, wrenching his sword out of the Headmaster's hide so he can swing it again. "Prime tellin' lies or are you just hard of hearin'?" The Stunticon then thinks about what he just said and figures he better add to it. "I SAID ARE YOU JUST HARD OF HEARING?!" He mouths the words in as pronounced a way as he can manage in order to make sure Hardhead gets what he's trying to say. Motormaster flinches as Hardhead shoots him, but he's too bulky to really get out of the way. It hits him dead on, and flakes of his armouring begins to peel off.

"Aw, izzat how it's gonna be, Dickwad #1? Hey Scorponok! What say, should I stab this guy's again?" He doesn't wait for an answer. "Or should I just kick the s--- out of him?" He turns back to Hardhead. "Aw hell, newb, I can do both, can't I?" He gives Hardhead a swift kick even as he circles around him. It's this circling that saves him from being shot again by Sludge, and the teeny tiny weapon's shots fly wide. He gives Sludge as sympathetic a look as he can. "Aw I'm sorry, am I neglecting you Dickwad #2?"

Combat: Motormaster sets his defense level to Aggressive.

Combat: Motormaster strikes Hardhead with his Kick attack!

Activating his transformation sequence, Scorponok begins to twist and shift. When the movement stops he stands before you in robot mode.

Razorclaw is still smarting from the incendiary shells, but with Swoop's attention diverted, Razorclaw can return to his typical methodical approach. The light glints off his red eyes and flame-like metal mane, and with a powerful leap the mechanical lion leaps up onto the roof of a nearby building, hoping to even the playing field with the airborne Swoop. His thunderous concussion blasters open fire again, in a narrow band of gunfire to avoid murdering the random Seeker that has attracted Swoop's deadly attention.

Combat: Lion strikes Robot Pteranodon <Swoop> with his Twin Concussion Blasters attack! [Pulled -6]

Scorponok is already transforming and moving when the blast comes. Lifting his shield in an effort to deflect some of it, the sheer power of the assault overwhelms the defensive item's forcefield projectors and tears into Scorponok's left shoulder. It carries away the entire pauldron, including the twin-barreled cannon that is mounted there. Black ichor is ignited by cerulean sparks, creating a wash of fire that threatens to consume the rest of the joint. But Scorponok does not falter. Instead he leaps, engaging his anti-gravities as he attempts to barrel straight down /onto/ the battlestation, shield's forcefield shimmering back into place as he aims the cutting edge towards a primary weapon battery.

Combat: Scorponok sets his defense level to Protected.

Combat: Scorponok strikes Battle Station <Fortress Maximus> with his Shield Smash attack!

Dreadwind looks down at his cowering mini-companion and then starts to stride slowly towards the combat, "There is nowhere to hide there is only pain, pain you are meant to receive now and pain that you will feel five fold for avoiding it in the first place, there is but a single release and that will not be a viable course for a long time yet. Till then we continue." Hi-Test keeps Dreadwind between him and the Autobots though appart from the early near miss none seem interested in either of them, the power of gloom compels them to not bother.

As Windshear struck the avain autobot again and went by he realized he had been hit. Off balance for a moment he leveled out and headed back for the Autobot, "I can do this all day, Autobot." He said and fired.

Sunder gets thunked in the head. Growling, the Sweep lunges at Air Raid. "I'll sharpen my talons on you, Aerial-brat!" Sunder snarls. "How about Hand-to-claw? Or hand to FOOT!" He lashes out with a boot.

Combat: Tetrajet strikes Robot Pteranodon <Swoop> with his Laser attack!

Combat: Sunder strikes Air Raid with his Aerial Field Goal (Kick) attack!

Sludge gets a little miffed. Oh-oh. His Derringer goes away. But someday it will kill someone. It's someones karmic fate to die by that most pathetic of weapons. But in the here and now, Sludge storms towards Motormaster, raising his arm. "You Motormouth get Sludge name right or me Sludge put it on you Motormouth's tombstone!" He brings the hammer down.

Hardhead is kicked back...hardest kick he took in a while. That's what happen when you're tough and small. That the only reason Brawn wasn't immortal. The headmaster steps back under the impact, which leaves a mark into his chestplate. "You sure talk a lot for someone as dumb as Skullcrusher..." The brave autobot warrior then steps fowards and shows the stunticon the meaning of his name.

Combat: Sludge misses Motormaster with its Hammer Fist (Punch) attack!

Combat: Hardhead strikes Motormaster with his Headbutt (Kick) attack!

Robot Pteranodon <Swoop> is struck once more by Razorclaw's cannons /and/ Windshear's lasers. He's such a popular guy! Swoop squawks out in protest of this horrible double-teaming and transforms into his super special awesome robot mode which can also fly around in the air so Windshear is still in danger.

Swoop withdraws his super sweet thermal sword and brandishes it with both hands. "Stupid triangle jet die now 'cause me Swoop need to focus on him Lion-guy!" Swoop swings the sword at the oncoming jet.

With an avian roar, Swoop unfolds into his robot mode.

Combat: Swoop misses Tetrajet with his Thermal Sword attack!

Battle Station <Fortress Maximus> is a bad aft oh yes. Hovering over the city like the SDF-1 before it lost its space fold he just unleashed the big gun. Granted this one didn't atomize everything for miles, but it sure seemed to leave a mark. As Scorponok transforms and rushes forward the slow aft engines that drive the battle station simply can't compete and the craft is struck, and struck hard. Hull crumples and sensor antenna snap off. The engines protest as he tries to keep steady but yields the sky and transforms. Dropping to the ground he transforms landing hard. Drawing his sword he lunges trying to catch his nemesis before the shield can be brought to intercept.

Fortress Maximus shifts into robot mode.

Combat: Fortress Maximus sets his defense level to Guarded.

Combat: Fortress Maximus strikes Scorponok with his Master Sword attack!

Air Raid staggers from the brute force, but springs back just as quickly, aiming to barrel a shoulder into Sunder's chest and hopefully knock him down. "Aerial-brat? Is that the best your primitive mind can come up with? I've heard 'em all, impress me Sweep!"

Combat: Air Raid strikes Sunder with his Ram attack!

"'Cruncher'," Motormaster replies. "'Skullcruncher'." He grins, not even bothering to insult Hardhead over that. Really, he thinks it speaks for itself. Hardhead lunges forward, headfirst, and hits Motormaster in the gut. Normally this wouldn't hurt so much, but someone had to go ahead and ruin his chest armour. Turning as Sludge enters melee range, Motormaster has to take a step back to avoid getting flanked by the two Autobots. Sludge's fist comes down, just as Motormaster brings his sword up. The arm smashes against the sword, with the end result being that neither sword nor arm wins... but Motormaster avoids getting struck by the overhead blow. "So it takes two Autobots to face me, huh? Can't say I'm surprised."

He's still backing up, concerned that they're going to attack him from opposite sides, thus making any sort of defence unsustainable. "Dickwad #1, I expected that sort of thing from you, being new to the war and all." That's Hardhead. "But /you/, Dickwad #2, I'm disappointed in!" He takes more steps back, "I thought Dinobots were made of sterner stuff." Just as he says this, he reveals his alternate scheme. Motormaster folds backwards as his legs clasp together to form a cab. The rest of his body shifts into trailer mode as the greatest semi-truck in history (cough) reverts to vehicle mode. His engine roars as he charges towards Hardhead. This is only because the Headmaster is closer and not because Sludge is gigantic and frankly a little scary when doubleteaming. Definitely not.

Motormaster folds down into truck mode.

Combat: Kenworth K100 <Motormaster> strikes Hardhead with his Road Rage (Kick) attack!

Hi-Test speeds up a little alongside Dreadwind, "Come on how about we shoot that big guy over there messing around with Zarak i err mean Scorponok. We'll be fine he probably won't even notice us if we take a shot or two, lets face it we're small fry in comparison, if i give you a boost we'll take him out before he even realises what's happening." With that Hi-Test leaps up behind Dreadwind transforming and vanishing from immediate sight. Dreadwind seems to glow briefly as Hi-Test vanishes and he moves with slightly greater purpose, "Fine, if you'll just be quiet and stop going on about how everything will turn out all right, it won't, it never does." With that Dreadwind draws his rifles and sizes up the large Autobot Headmaster and fires knowing that he is dooming himself to future suffering.

Hi-Test has left. Dreadwind takes Hi-Test.

Combat: Dreadwind strikes Fortress Maximus with his Thermal Melters attack!

Tetrajet avoids the swing from Swoop's sword and spins around to see the mech transform. He transforms as well and hovers, "IF you want to play it that way then lets go." He clenches his right fist and a metal blade extends out from the top of the wrist out about forearms length from his hand. He attacks.

With the shunting and shifting of plates, the nosecone of the tetrajet folds down to make a chest, intakes make shoulders, arms swing up and out from the back airbrake area. Wings spin downward from where they join the fussilage as wing cannons mount on either upper arm. The back of the aircraft splits, the twin turbines respective induciton systems making legs. Stabilators fold in, tailfins fold in and what was a jet is now the robot; Windshear.

The Sweep gets barrelled into by Air Raid! "Oh have you indeed?" Sunder says, "Well, I'll be sure to stay awake nights thinking of newer and better insults!" He backs up and pulls out his disruptor. "On second thought, perhaps I should just destroy you!"

Combat: Sunder misses Air Raid with his Disruptor attack!

Beginning to shift and twist, Scorponok drops towards the ground as his scorpion legs appear and his tail rises upwards. Once his claws are in position the transformation sequence has been completed and he stands before you as a monolithic scorpion!

Combat: Scorponok sets his defense level to Neutral.

Giant Scorpion is indeed not fast enough to get his shield up in time to deflect Fortress Maximus' blow. It slices a long line down his torso, but this damage is still not major compared to the effects of the other's initial shot. By now the fire in Scorponok's shoulder is burning almost out of control, encouraged and resupplied by the Headmaster Commander's moving and force-feeding it oxygen as well as fueled by still severed fuel lines. Forced to take an involuntary step back by the power of the blow, Dreadwind's thermal beams flash between he and the Autobot and give him time to catch his breath. He transforms again, dropping down into his scorpion mode as, trailing fire, he reaches out with his claws -- attempting to savage Fortress Maximus' sword arm as best he can.

Combat: Giant Scorpion strikes Fortress Maximus with his RANDY SAVAGE. Errr. . . ARM SAVAGE. (Kick) attack!

Combat: Windshear misses Swoop with his Arm Blade attack!

Sludge hasn't a dance partner if Moto prefers Hardhead, it's not his fault he called out Sludge *biggest next to Fort Max*. Sludge isnt just going to sit around picking daisies while Moto talks trash and invades Sludge's turf. Oh but look, Dreadwind decided to stop picking daisies. So Motormaster can feel safer now. The Dinobot notices the new team up against the fellow giant and narrows his optics, turning away from the Moto vs Hardy matchup. Sludge launches into the air, soaring like a brick, and a fist juts out in front mock Superman. "You lazy Ceptycon want fight, you fight me Sludge, not him Fort guy!"

Hardhead's head jumps into the air, unfolding into the armored form of Duros while the rest of his body falls forwards and switches into a Cybertronian tank. Cyber-Tank <Hardhead> attempts to duck out of the way but he's not known for his agility. The semi hits his left legs sending him flying over the stunticon and heavily landing on the ground. Not bothering to get back on his feet, he reverts back to his cyber tank mode. A quick maneuver later, the long and powerful canon is aimed at the back of the black semi. Energy starts to glow from its tip before Hardhead fires it at Motormaster.

Combat: Cyber-Tank <Hardhead> strikes Kenworth K100 <Motormaster> with his Laser Cannon Pulse ~High Yield~ (Laser) attack!

Combat: Sludge strikes Dreadwind with its Flying Fist of Funny (Punch) attack!

Air Raid dances out of the way, laughing like the idiot he is. "You're fun," he notes, leveling his own disruptor on the other be'winged mech. "C'mon, think of a better insult right here, you've got nothing better to do." Raid doesn't shoot just yet, apparently content with taunting. Smack him Sunder, you know you want to.

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

Swoop just chortles in Windshear's face as the blade harmlessly passes by. Swoop has a surprising amount of ego, you know. "Stupid Decepty-con! Me Swoop am superior!" And just to prove it, he lowers his sword and throws a punch at Windshear's face.

Combat: Swoop sets his defense level to Fearless.

Combat: Swoop strikes Windshear with his KAPOW (Punch) attack!

Fortress Maximus' blade strikes true just as he had hoped. Drawing back the blade he hardly has time to recover from the swing before he's blasted by the Dreadwind/Hi-Test duo. As the blast burns through armor and other vital systems Fortress Maximus is pressed from the other side as Scorponok renews his close quarters attack. Staggering back Maximus tries to recover. With one arm mangled and his armor breached he quickly drops down shielding himself with his sword as he raises an arm towards Dreadwind. The hum of his guns firing fills the air as the shell casings begin to fall.

Combat: Fortress Maximus misses Dreadwind with his Machine Gun Batteries attack!

Kenworth K100 <Motormaster> collides with Hardhead, knocking the Headmaster down on the ground. The Stunticon laughs as he careens around, turning and letting his trailer skid into perfect position so he can run Hardhead over again. "You're barely even a speed bump, Hardhead!" he continues to laugh and laugh an- abruptly he stops. Is it because Hardhead just blasted him with his cannon while in tank mode? While that did blow a large hole in his front grill, this is not the reason. It is because Sludge hit him where it hurt: His ego. He twitches, unsure of what to do.

"Grah..." he mutters. He can't let Sludge just /walk away/ like this, unchallenged. "SLUDGE!!" he roars, transforming back into robot mode, Cyclone Rifle in hand. "GET BACK OVER HERE!!" He pumps powerful wind blasts towards the Dinobot, unmindful if Dreadwind might get killed also.

Motormaster transforms into robot mode.

Giant Scorpion is still getting his bearings as the heat from the nearby fire begins to get to Zarak. Scorponok clanks his claws, then transforms back to Robot mode, staggering once before he begins to move towards Fortress Maximus. At this stage in the game his tactic is surprisingly simple. He just attempts to throw his claws around the other in a vicious bearhug and an attempt to engluf him in flames as well.

Activating his transformation sequence, Scorponok begins to twist and shift. When the movement stops he stands before you in robot mode.

Combat: Scorponok sets his defense level to Guarded.

Combat: Scorponok strikes Fortress Maximus with his ENGLUF IN FLAMES (Kick) attack!

Sunder notices that Air Raid didn't attack right away. What's he up to? No matter. He transforms to Sweepcraft mode and decides to play Aerialbot Rodeo. The energy lasso lashes forth and attempts to rope its prey.

Sunder's head disappears into his chest, his wings fold around him, and now he is in Sweepcraft mode, his headcannon still visible.

Combat: Sweepcraft <Sunder> misses Air Raid with his Rope a Dope! attack!

Dreadwind's spirit drops even further than normal as he is forced to attack and actually succeeds, so he isn't at all surprised when he hears something outraged barrelling towards him. He turns his head just in time to get squarely punched in the face and fall over backwards his faceplate dented but still functional, "This is why, i do't bother every action every attempt to try results in pain both given and received." The fact that Fortress Maximus tries to also cannon him into oblivion and misses does absolutely nothing to raise his spirits, it actually seems to lower them. "Why must my suffering never end, you Dinobot why do you bother, there is only pain and suffering here, for all of us, far better that we stop and lie here awaiting the end." With that he tries to shove Sludge away with the base of his foot.

Of course he missed. Thats what Windshear gets for swinging before he was set. He knew better than that and the return punch into his face was a reminder to not be so quick to lunge next time. Windhears head snaps to the side and a wave of static flashes across his optical view. That stung but hes had a lot worse in the past. He regains his balance and looks back at Swoop, "Now its my turn." Windshear says as a bit of energon lines his mouth where the fist struck him. He rears back his left fist and swings.

Combat: Dreadwind strikes Sludge with his Lie down over there (Kick) attack!

Combat: Windshear strikes Swoop with his Punch attack!

Cyber-Tank <Hardhead> is ignored by Motormaster... can't say he's going to complain about that because the stunticon commander was whooping his tailpipe there. This allows the veteran and his partner to take a look at the situation. Dreadwind entered the fight and is helping Scorponok with Fortress Maximus...and Hardhead hates Zarak...Duros hates Zarak, they hate Zarak. The tank turns his canon towards the Decepticon headmaster, "Hey you take this!" BANG!

Combat: Hardhead sets his defense level to Fearless.

Combat: Cyber-Tank <Hardhead> misses Scorponok with his Sonic Shells attack!

Swoop gets punched in the face! Ugh! "Hey! That hurt!" Swoop rubs his face while sporting the frowniest frown imagineable. "This how fight work: Me Swoop punch you, you die. Since you not dead yet, you cheating! SWOOP KILL ALL CHEATERS!" He takes up his sword and swings it at Windshear.

Combat: Swoop strikes Windshear with his Thermal Sword attack!

Sludge is shot in mid air by a cyclone, ripping at his joints amd stressing them. He regains control from the turbulence and shouts down, "No, you am boring and Sludge too busy. Sludge smash you when Sludge done with this lazy cepty-con!" Then to Dreadwind question, Sludge just registers a little of it. "Yes, pain and suffer, you." The kick jars the airborne Dinobot back with no steady footing planting him to the ground. The impact makes a dull metal clanking to his face. His pretty super model face. Sludge just comes back with ahefting throw of his own leg, swinging it like a wrecking ball at Dreadwind.

Too bad for Sunder! It was a valiant attempt anyway. Air Raid slips away from lasso and transforms, more than happy to take the fight into the air. He takes off in the opposite direction and darts back towards the Sweep, training a missile on him.

Air Raid shifts and twists, pieces sliding into place to form his F-15 Eagle mode.

Combat: F-15 Eagle <Air Raid> strikes Sweepcraft <Sunder> with his Heat-Seeking Missiles attack! [Pulled -2]

Combat: Sludge misses Dreadwind with his Mid Air Kick (Kick) attack!

Fortress Maximus with his focus on shooting at Dreadwind is too slow to recover as Scorponok closes. Thrashed again Maximus is sent tumbling as the claw sends him crashing down. With fluids leaking from his mouth he tries to get back to his feet but his systems groan in protest failing him. Knowing that he can't take much more of this the mighty headmaster undergoes a rapid transformation. Parts draw in as towers rise and armor shifts about. Once the transformation is complete internal systems begin diverting power to those less damaged. Galen does what he can to repair vital systems as do Cerebros and Cog. Maximus only hopes the defenders can hold out long enough to maintain their hold of the city.

Fortress Maximus shifts into fortress mode.

Combat: Battle Fortress <Fortress Maximus> quickly patches up some of his minor injuries.

<Autobot> Fortress Maximus says, "Status report people, how is everyone holding up? Can we hold?"

"WHAT?!" Motormaster roars. Suddenly the roles have reversed. "Listen no good useless sack of crap! YOU GET YOUR HIPPY AFT BACK HERE OR I SWEAR TO PRIMUS I AM GOING TO GO HOME, INVENT TIME TRAVEL, GO BACK TO 1984, AND KICK WHEELJACK IN THE FACE!" He's now stomping towards Sludge, and he even walks right past Hardhead in order to get to him, exchanging his Cyclone Gun for his sword. With the Dinobot close enough to the ground to be kicking Dreadwind, he figures it's bashin' time. "Out of the way, Dreadwind!" he shouts, swinging his sword without giving Dreadwind much time to actually do so.

Combat: Motormaster misses Sludge with his Sword attack!

<Autobot> Sludge says, "Sludge hold if Sludge get hands on Cepty-cons. They slippery."

<Autobot> Hardhead says, "I'm badly damaged Fort... I may last a little longer though.  But you know me, I'll stand my ground till deactivation."

<Autobot> Air Raid says, "Yeehaw! Peachy-keen here Max! This Sweep's MINE."

The Sweepcraft is rocked by a sudden missile attack! He pursues the Aerialbot hotly, warming up his plasma cannons. "I will have barbecued Aerialbot before the day is through," he vows, unleashing hot burning death upon Air Raid.

Combat: Sweepcraft <Sunder> misses F-15 Eagle <Air Raid> with his Dual Plasma Cannons attack!

<Autobot> Fortress Maximus says, "Well I'll do my best not to fall on you Hardhead. Not sure how much more of this I can take myself."

Scorponok is angry. There are few things that are as frightening as an angry Scorponok. To add to this is the fact that it is not just one of the pairing, but Zarak chomping at the bit as well here because he is /losing/ to Galen. Scorponok lunges as Fortress Maximus transforms. He lunges towards the battlestation. . . his momentium carrying him closer and closer as Hardhead fires on him. . . until, Scorponok runs right past Fortress Maximus. Yes, mark this on your calendars. He can see other targets. Gigantic claws reach out to attempt to lock into the tank's hull (with pains to keep the barrel pointed away from him). . and lift.

If successful, servo actuators straining he turns and begins to pick up speed again. First it is a ponderous step. Then another, and then carried by pure unadultrated fury, Scorponok changes his grip and attempts to beat Fort Max silly with a main battle tank.

Of course, if he misses hardhead he's going to look pretty stupid and grab a big rock instead. Dreadwind should dodge in fact a little voice behind him is screaming at him to do so but of course he doesn't adn it unfortunately pays off as Sludge aims for wheer the con would have moved to if he had had any sense. Dreadwind has only one sense, the sense of on coming doom, "It is not laziness, it is realisation that whatever we do is pointless, our lives out hopes our dreams are nothing but figments meant to push us onwards but ultimately unachieveable. Why won't you thick headed Autobots realise this?" Seeing as Sludge is still trying to awkwardly think his way through the fight Dreadwind raises his arms and his wrist weapons flare to life, hopefully a double whammy will knock some sense into him.

Combat: Scorponok misses Battle Fortress <Fortress Maximus> with his Soul Crusher Area attack!

Combat: Scorponok strikes Cyber-Tank <Hardhead> with his Soul Crusher Area attack!

Combat: Dreadwind strikes Sludge with his Double Wrist Blasters (Laser) attack!

<Autobot> Fairway says, "Fairway here. Ready and able to provide assistance if needed."

Windshear takes a slice so his side and puts his hand there as energon starts leaking. That was a good hit. He doesnt reply to what the Autobot said, and is now just focused on destroying him. He brings an arm cannon up and fires.

Combat: Windshear strikes Swoop with his Laser attack!

Sludge is dumb and dim and slow, but with that long tirade temper tantrum Motormaster is throwing while on the approach, Sludge picks up the jist of the intention and draws his sword, turning and raising it in a block. The swords clash. Neither blade wins. Neither swordsman loses. "NO MEANS NO!" And then Dreadwind reminds Sludge he's still there. Sludge transforms. The dino in the dinobot awakens with wrathful intent. He rises on two back legs and then drives his front ones down to the earth, all for Dreadwind and Motormaster.

The towering Dinobot Sludge transforms, becoming an even bigger monstrosity. A robotic Brontosaur!

Combat: Mecha-Brontosaurus <Sludge> strikes Motormaster with his Dino Rampage Area attack!

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

Combat: Mecha-Brontosaurus <Sludge> misses Dreadwind with his Dino Rampage Area attack!

Cyber-Tank <Hardhead> is used as a bat, his canon is ripped in the process and he screamsin pain. But a warrior never gives up, he transforms while he's being swung and manages to avoid hitting Fort Max. The headmaster heavily lands on the ground. It seems he wont be able to get back on his feet but he still manage to find the strength to draw his pistol and to fire it at the decepticon headmaster.

The cybertronian tank unfolds. At the same times the armored form of Duros leaps into the air, also transforming. Both connect to form the robot mode of Hardhead.

F-15 Eagle <Air Raid> streaks through the sky with Sunder hot on his tail, by the grace of Primus avoiding that searing shot. "S'matter Sweepy, can't keep up? Ha!" He banks sharply, engines screaming as he fires off another batch of missiles towards Sunder. They in turn follow the Sweep's signature, thick clouds billowing from behind.

Combat: F-15 Eagle <Air Raid> misses Sweepcraft <Sunder> with his Heat-Seeking Missiles attack!

Combat: Hardhead misses Scorponok with his Shatterblaster attack! [Pulled -3]

Battle Fortress <Fortress Maximus> remains unmoving as he's beaten with Hardhead, being a 'fortress' tends to make outward signs of expression impossible. Oddly enough his fellow headmaster manages to squirm enough to avoid having the two collide. Knowing that Hardhead can't possible withstand much more punishment Maximus finds himself in a difficult position. Aid his comrade or deal with Scorponok. Knowing that in a way doing one shall accomplish both the fortress shudders and breaks apart. Rising up into robot mode Fortress Maximus retrieves his sword and charges. The blade raised high he strikes. "We end this now Scorponok. This city shall not be yours!"

Fortress Maximus shifts into robot mode.

Combat: Fortress Maximus sets his defense level to Fearless.

Swoop is struck once more by a laser! Lasers suck! Swoop hates them! Mostly because he keeps getting hit by them. Nevertheless, Swoop continues his assault against Windshear...with his fists!

Combat: Swoop misses Windshear with his Punch attack!

Combat: Fortress Maximus misses Scorponok with his Maximum Force attack! [Pulled -1]

Scorponok begins to transform. The sequence seems somehow longer than his other modes and it becomes clear why. His body elongates, shifts and twists -- growing larger as he unfolds into his mobile fortress altmode. His turrets swing up and his anti-aircraft sonic cannon comes online while his ramps lower and repair bays open.

Windshear shifts back as Swoop's fist sails past him leaving the dinobot open for a smash to the gut which he attempts to so.

Combat: Windshear strikes Swoop with his Punch attack!

The Sweepcraft transforms after ducking the missile. He charges after Air Raid again, hoping to get up close and personal. "ARGH I will rip your solanoids out and stuff them down your servos!" he snarls. His talons are bared once again as he lashes out.

Sunder shifts into his fearsome-looking robot mode.

Combat: Sunder misses F-15 Eagle <Air Raid> with his Claws attack!

As Sludge transforms to his hulking dinosaur mode Dreadwind finally gets around to getting to his feet the shrieking in his head telling him to at least move a liitle finally gets its way. Rolling to his feet with the grace of someone who often finds himself standing up from a prone position, he grimly watches as Motormaster is trampled. Dreadwind sheds not a single tear for Motormasters painful misfortune, besides it's not as if he's not going to pay for his relentlessly successful attacks, "Why does no one ever listen? Why must they always turn from the truth, yes it is painful and a terrible burden but it is better than living a lie. Do you crave death so readily Sludge?" Rifles at the ready once more Dreadwind opens fire, maybe Sludge will warm up to him and be his friend after this.

Combat: Dreadwind strikes Mecha-Brontosaurus <Sludge> with his Thermal Melters attack!

Scorpstation doesn't step away from the attack. Instead, he steps into it; ducking beneath the blade and letting his momentum carry him on past the other Headmaster Commander. He could launch a devastating assault from point blank range here, but he does not. Taking a split second to leap back and out of range of Hardhead's shot he keys his transformation sequence. All at once, a mighty battlestation rises up and in a split second the reason for his repositioning is clear. His ramp is available for Motormaster -- with one end facing the mighty stunticon, and the other end providing a straight path for him to descend directly towards Fortress Maximus if he so chooses. He has little time, but both repair bays open; hoses connecting, a few seconds worth of repairs performed in the short time he has -- even as some of the equipment is likely to be shorn away.

Combat: Scorpstation quickly patches up some of Motormaster's minor injuries.

Motormaster audibly grunts as his sword fails to hit home. That was a slick block by Sludge, and Motormaster doesn't like it when another robot proves he's as strong (or stronger?) than he is. When Sludge shifts into dino mode and slams the ground, Motormaster goes completely flying, ass over teakettle. It isn't often something moves him quite like that, but this? This was some serious moving. Motormaster is sent hurtling backwards until he crashes into the bulk that is Scorponok's battlestation mode. Motormaster vanishes up the ramp, having not even had time to react.

There's a short period of silence as nothing happens from either Scorponok or Motormaster. Then, ten seconds later, down Scorponok's second ramp, comes barreling a massive semi-truck and trailer. Motormaster's laughter can be heard throughout the battlefield as he charges the much, /much/ larger target. "If this city won't be ours, Fortress Maximus, THEN IT WILL BE LEFT AS NOTHING BUT DUST!" Despite this being a seemingly suicidal charge against a much tougher opponent, Motormaster does not back down. No, he relishes in the glory and awe of it all, getting the chance to take down one of the best and toughest the Autobots have to offer as he tries to collide with the Autobot Headmaster leader.

Motormaster folds down into truck mode.

Combat: Kenworth K100 <Motormaster> misses Fortress Maximus with his King of the Road attack! [Pulled -1]

Hardhead drops his face onto the ground as both his attack and Fortress Maximus's miss thier target. The headmaster is running out of juice, abrely able to move. His commander doesn't seem in a better shape...the city could be lost. This makes his choice easier, "I'm gonna bring that bastard down with me." Slowly and not really easily, he transforms back into his now canonless alt mode. Gathering all his strength, he charges the Scorponok and as soon as he arrives near him, he detonates all his remaining ammunitions, knocking himself offline in the process. And poor Motormaster who made the mistake to come too close! Just before stasis luck Hardhead mutters, "It's up tp you now..."

Mecha-Brontosaurus <Sludge> sways his head as his long neck is shot up by the relentlessly down Dreadwind. His head comes back up turning back towards Dreadwind with a look. "Sludge want death for you sad cepty-con. You happy?" His tail swings left and then whips right back at Dreadwind. Hardhead's head jumps into the air, unfolding into the armored form of Duros while the rest of his body falls forwards and switches into a Cybertronian tank.

Combat: Cyber-Tank <Hardhead> strikes Kenworth K100 <Motormaster> with his Explosive Shells Area attack!

Combat: Cyber-Tank <Hardhead> strikes Scorpstation with his Explosive Shells Area attack!

Combat: Cyber-Tank <Hardhead> falls to the ground, unconscious.

Combat: Sludge sets his defense level to Neutral.

Combat: Mecha-Brontosaurus <Sludge> misses Dreadwind with his Tail Swing (Kick) attack!

F-15 Eagle <Air Raid> twirls skyward, out of range of those claws. "Slow-Sweep," he cries, cackling and loops once more, skimming the air just above the ground straight towards Sunder. He barely bothers to aim, letting loose a barrage of shots towards Sunder, complete with his own sound effects. "BADADADADADAH-!!"

Combat: F-15 Eagle <Air Raid> strikes Sunder with his Laser attack!

Oof! Swoop gets a fist right to the robogut! If he had lungs, the breath would be knocked out of them but he doesn't so his recovery time is a lot faster. "Stupid Decepty-con. You make big mistake. You leave here, you leave in pieces! Pieces for me Swoop to hold high over head and say 'LOOK WHAT ME SWOOP GOT'!" The Dinobot then throws himself at Windshear to unleash all his mighty fury upon the Seeker.

"YOU DIE NOW!"

Fortress Maximus swings away at empty air, which seems to be the norm when he squares off with Scorponok. the two massive titans tend to make a habit of doing more damage to the surrounding area then they do to each other. But today Fortress Maximus is off his game as he's been taking a beating. Spinning about he manages to avoid the racing semi and do to his position is shielded from Hardhead exploding by a building. His comrade, his friend is down. The city teeters on the edge of a knife as the Autobots struggle to push back the invasion force. Motormaster seems intent on taking it as a whole or leaving nothing left. And Scorponok as ever a thorn in the side of Maximus. An unrelenting pain that never goes away. With little left to offer in defense of the city Maximus stumbles from the shelter of the buildings and transforms. Parts shift and weapons rise into view. Moments later these wepaons are unloading holy hell upon those that seek to conquer the city.

Combat: Fortress Maximus sets his defense level to Fearless.

Fortress Maximus shifts into battlestation mode.

Combat: Battle Station <Fortress Maximus> strikes Kenworth K100 <Motormaster> with his Laser-Guided Mortars Area attack! [Pulled -3]

Combat: Battle Station <Fortress Maximus> strikes Sunder with his Laser-Guided Mortars Area attack! [Pulled -3]

Combat: Battle Station <Fortress Maximus> strikes Dreadwind with his Laser-Guided Mortars Area attack! [Pulled -3]

Combat: Battle Station <Fortress Maximus> strikes Scorpstation with his Laser-Guided Mortars Area attack! [Pulled -3]

Combat: Battle Station <Fortress Maximus> misses Windshear with his Laser-Guided Mortars Area attack! [Pulled -3]

Stunned from the wing attack, warnings flashing across his internal monitor, Windshear kicks in his afterburners to put some distance between he and the Dinobot. Oh hes not retreating by any means, but he needs a moment to reset himself. It is then he is hit from the ground. The Seeker climbs up a bit putting more distance between he and the Dinobot and any more collateral fire he may end up being hit with. And then he waits for the Autobot to come to him.

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

Scorpstation has been taking an incredible beating. But this is what happens. Scorponok transforms into battlestation mode and everyone unloads on him. Hardhead's selfless act opens a very big hole near one of his ramps that looks entirely nasty, and Fortress Maximus' shots don't help. Rising up on his anti-gravs, the Scorpstation begins to fly backwards in a zig-zag pattern as his repair bays open; internal systems trying to knit back togeather.

Combat: Scorponok sets his defense level to Protected.

Combat: Scorpstation quickly patches up some of his minor injuries.

Kenworth K100 <Motormaster> plumb ol' missed Fortress Maximus. "Whoopsie," he says, skidding around. By this point Motormaster is sporting injuries all over his frame. He looks like a wreck, but from his attitude you'd think he just rolled off the assembly line. "Still alive, f---wads...!" he wheezes. "You're going to have to do better th-" suddenly Hardhead's missiles slam into him, knocking the massive truck over onto its side. "SONUVA BITCH!" he shouts, tires spinning uselessly. "Well I'm STILL ALIVE. You're going to have to do better th-" suddenly explosions are going off all around the Stunticon Commander, consuming him in fire in pain. "SONUVA BITCH TIMES TWO!"

On the plus side, the force of these explosions rights him back up onto his tires, though he's starting to look more like a /melted/ wreck instead of a normal wreck. "St-ugh... still alive. You're gonna have to... *huff*, better than th.." he trails off, deciding he has no choice but to put the remaining energy he has to obey Scorponok's orders (read: Scorponok's challenge to him) by taking another go at Fortress Maximus. "You hit like a Nebulon," he hisses at the Autobot Headmaster.

Combat: Kenworth K100 <Motormaster> strikes Battle Station <Fortress Maximus> with his To The Last! (Kick) attack!

Dreadwind is much like the air of gloom that constantly surrounds him, always there slowly picking away at your defences till ultimately you start to succumb to both the dread and gloom and also to the damage that he inflicts. The worst thing is that he really doesn't want to be here doing any of this, "Happy? No there is no happiness, there is only the dark and cold loneliness of existence a life full of nothing but pain. You know what i mean, you have lost others like we all ahve and yet, you decide to carry on futilely, insisting that this all has a point, it doesn't." Dreadwind jumps the tail swipe but takes a mortar in his chest knocking him sideways the damage is extensive but it doesn't seem to stop him as he swings a slow lumbering fist at the small Dinobot head.

Sunder takes a pounding! More from Fortress Maximus than Air Raid, but it's still annoying. Parts of him look like they're hanging off loosely. In desperation he lunges at Air Raid again. His talons reach out to claw at the Aerialbot again, even though his targeting computers are off by a bit.

Combat: Dreadwind strikes Mecha-Brontosaurus <Sludge> with his Punch attack!

Combat: Sunder misses F-15 Eagle <Air Raid> with his Talon Swipe (Punch) attack!

Combat: Windshear sets his defense level to Protected.

Mecha-Brontosaurus <Sludge> really only hears a faint 'blah blah blah' as if Dreadwind is really Charlie Brown's teacher. Dreadwind needs to realize the futility in explaining futility to Dinobots. The fist connects and Sludge bites down with a grunt. "WHAT?! Wait... Sludge not care what you said." Sludge turns and raises a front foot, driving it down towards Dreadwind.

Combat: Sludge sets his defense level to Aggressive.

Combat: Mecha-Brontosaurus <Sludge> strikes Dreadwind with his One Foot Stomp (Punch) attack! <RP-Coordination> Monstereo sings, "Something tells me I'm into something good."

Battle Station <Fortress Maximus> is still standing when the smoke clears, or hovering at least as he has no feet in this mode. As the dust begins to settle he is rammed by what used to be a semi truck and silently wonders why he didn't hover higher in the air. His thrusters kick in taking him higher, numerous parts however are no longer up the the strain beaking and falling to the ground below. Despite this he does manage to fire off a short energy burst at the truck. "Is that supposed to be an insult?" Being bonded with Galen, fortress Maximus seems to miss the point.

Combat: Fortress Maximus sets his defense level to Guarded.

F-15 Eagle <Air Raid> dodges claws, but only just; he's cutting it close here, and getting a bit cocky. Circling around, he dives at Sunder, aiming to run Sunder through with his nosecone. "Incoming! DIE SWEEP!" he shouts, having a grand ole' time.

Combat: Battle Station <Fortress Maximus> strikes Kenworth K100 <Motormaster> with his Disruptor attack!

Combat: F-15 Eagle <Air Raid> misses Sunder with his Sweep-kebab! (Ram) attack!

And come to him, Swoop will. Swoop transforms back into his super cool dinosaur mode (which, ironically enough, isn't really a dinosaur at all) and takes off after Windshear. Is he as fast as the Seeker? Probably not, but he doesn't have to be! This is a chase that can, and will, end shortly. From underneath one of his wings, Swoop unleashes a missile and sends it sailing towards the Decepticon at breakneck speed!

Combat: Swoop misses Windshear with his KABOOM! attack!

Swoop turns into a flying dinosaur!

Combat: Windshear sets his defense level to Guarded.

Oh no, Sunder is no Sweep-Kebab! He moves out of the way of the intended ramming. "Not today, Aerialbot," he hisses, making a last-ditch effort to claw the black F-15 apart. <RP-Coordination> Fairway just wants to tell ya how he's feelin'.

Combat: Sunder misses F-15 Eagle <Air Raid> with his Claws attack!

Windshear watched the missle whiz by and watches the Dinobot head for him. He brings up both arm lasers and fires at Swoop.

Combat: Windshear strikes Robot Pteranodon <Swoop> with his Slow Ray attack!

Combat: That attack has temporarily impaired Robot Pteranodon <Swoop>'s Agility. (Crippled)

Scorpstation hurts. He is severely damaged at this point. Perhaps not as much so as some others, but he is most defenatly hurting. Almost weakly he unfolds into his Robot mode; lunging for Fortress Maximus as the other takes off. Gathering his strength as best he can, he crouches, then leaps -- attempting to land upon the mighty battlestation's deck once again. And this time he doesn't even bother with the shield or any fancy moves. Both huge claws attempt to punch straight down through the deck as far as they can, and then haul out whatever is easily grabbed in an effort to bring the station to the ground.

Activating his transformation sequence, Scorponok begins to twist and shift. When the movement stops he stands before you in robot mode.

Combat: Scorponok misses Battle Station <Fortress Maximus> with his brutalize attack!

"Doesn't get much worse," Motormaster mutters back. See, that Galen is a Nebulon is part of the insult. Motormaster was too subtle. It is a common problem of his. Cough. This time he makes contact with Fortress Maximus, but to his disappointment the Autobot leader isn't dead. This might be because he's a hojillion times his size. When the battle station rises upwards into the sky, Motormaster is understandably saddened that he cannot continue smashing the hell out of him. Worse still, a short energy burst rains down on him, detonating the rear section of his trailer and causing it to rip off. He loses a couple tires as well.

Still, however, despite all the pain he has suffered from numerous Hardhead missiles, numerous strikes from Fortress Maximus, and even a savage earthquake from Sludge, Motormaster is not licked yet. He is, however, kinda tired. His engine sputters and switches, but he still refuses to call it a defeat. Motormaster is not sleeping. Motormaster is /waiting/.

Combat: Motormaster sets his defense level to Fearless.

<Autobot> Fortress Maximus says, "Hardhead is down and I'm not going to be far behind. Are the rest of you going to be able to force the Decepticons back or do we..son of a! That is do we prepare to tactically withdraw?"

Combat: Kenworth K100 <Motormaster> takes extra time to steady himself. [Pass]

Dreadwind realises the futility of all actions and yet somehow he still goes around moaning about the unfairness and futility of life to any and everyone. Perhaps one day someone will understand him and be his friend, but deep down Dreadwind knows that will never happen or if it does that they will be annihilated seconds after becoming friends. He is stomped down his left leg buckling and twisted from the impact he holds himself up by placing one hand on the ground. Though the damage is slowing him down even further Dreadwind points his free arm at Sludge, weapons systems kicking to life.

Combat: Dreadwind strikes Mecha-Brontosaurus <Sludge> with his Single Wrist Blaster (Disruptor) attack!

<Autobot> Sludge says, "Me Sludge strong. Me Sludge only one?"

<Autobot> Swoop says, "Swoop strong too!"

<Autobot> Air Raid says, "No way... I'ma' kill this guy..."

The Brontosaurus, or Apatosaurus if you prefer, rears back from Dreadwind a step as the Decepticon pelts him with his Wrist Blaster. "Hurrr... Sludge have hidey weapons too... You see." With that, Sludge rears his head back a little, and looks like he's about to be sick. And then a tremulous thrum suddenly rolls up from his neck and a glowing blue pulse of energy is burped down at Dreadwind.

<Autobot> Sky Lynx breaks in on the radio. zzzzrrrrk.. "Maximus.. there are wounded at your location? I can be inbound in 5 breems utilizing my marvelous speed  I shall then relocate them back to headquarters.." kkrrzzz..

The second Swoop is struck by the lasers, a warning pops up on his HUD (all transformers have these kinds of things, you know) informing him of his sudden drop in speed. Apparently there is more to Windshear's lasers than just burning beams of light. Swoop spreads his jaws an unleashes a gout of fire at the seeker. Atleast I think it's fire. It could be lasers. Or maybe.../laser fire/.

Combat: Sludge sets his defense level to Fearless.

Combat: Robot Pteranodon <Swoop> strikes Windshear with his Laser attack!

Combat: Mecha-Brontosaurus <Sludge> strikes Dreadwind with his Energy Burp (Disruptor) attack!

F-15 Eagle <Air Raid> scowls as he misses his target, "LAME. Gack!" The Aerialbot rolls to avoid more claws and goes in for another pass, tilting to mow the Sweep down with a wing. "Stubborn fragger..."

Combat: F-15 Eagle <Air Raid> misses Sunder with his Wing-clip! (Smash) attack!

Battle Station <Fortress Maximus> has seen that move before, infact he saw it earlier this very fight when Scorponok managed to cave in a good portion of his hull. So is it any wonder that when the clawed terror leaps that Maximus flexes his engines to get the hell outta dodge? Safe from the strike Fortress Maximus never the less suffers as the stress of the rapid move threatens to tear even more armor free. Slowing he again hovers as one of his many weapon systems rotates around to lock on target. Big, green and purple is no way to avoid being spotted. Soon the target is found and the air is filled with tracer round and other more hurty types of projectiles.

Combat: Battle Station <Fortress Maximus> strikes Scorponok with his Machine Gun Batteries attack!

Scorponok lands in a defensive crouch after his missed assault; bullets cratering the ground around him until he cannot even be seen anymore through the haze of smoke and dust. When it dissipitates it shows a badly damaged Scorponok that looks almost ready to fall. He has commanded Fasttrack to link with him in a bare effort to keep himself moving, though he is putting most of his attention upwards as he raises his rifle; squeezing off a single strong blast that may or may not be the remains of his energy.

Combat: Scorponok sets his defense level to Fearless.

Combat: Scorponok misses Battle Station <Fortress Maximus> with his Pew Pew Pew Pew. attack! [Pulled -2]

Kenworth K100 <Motormaster> transforms into robot mode, though he's still kneeling on the ground. It is not easy, as he is in a lot of pain and low on energon. He looks up at the floating battlestation. "I'm not done with you yet, Maximus," he mutters. He can't quite summon the energy to fly up there, but he's got enough still in him to draw out his Atom Smasher Rifle and cut loose with several powerful blasts upwards into the sky. This is not an attempt to give Scorponok a much needed advantage over Fortress Maximus. This is because HE wants to beat Fortress Maximus.

Motormaster transforms into robot mode.

Windshear is hit with the laser or fire or firely laser and feels the damage center on the same system as before weakening it further. He was only having mild difficulty staying in the air but now its a noticeable problem. And this Dinobot looks barely touched. What the slag. Doing as controled of a decent as he can, Windshear aims his lasers again and fires.

Combat: Windshear's Slow Ray attack on Robot Pteranodon <Swoop> goes wild!

Combat: Windshear strikes Dreadwind with his Slow Ray attack!

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

Dreadwind's new power surging through his body forces him ever onwards even if he'd rather lie down and give up, even the flame belch does little extra damage, though it probably will start a nasty rust rash. "You don't understand, no one ever does, you may fight, struggle seemingly safe in your ignorance but there is no escape, no relief for you or anyone you care about." Struggling to his feet Dreadwind swings his damaged leg like a lead weight after all what's a little more pain at this point? and then another Decepticon attacks him, yet another assassination attempt and this time from the new guy.

Combat: Dreadwind strikes Mecha-Brontosaurus <Sludge> with his Kick attack!

Combat: Motormaster sets his defense level to Fearless.

Combat: Motormaster strikes Battle Station <Fortress Maximus> with his Atom-Smasher Cannon attack!

Windshear realizes something went bad wrong and the somber Decepticon he was talking to earlier got hit. Things had been going well wtih that weapon lately and he thought he had its small glitch repaired but apparaently.. not.. mmm... He hears the order to retreat and though hes stubborn hes no fool. He nods to the Dinobot and rumbles, "Till next time..." And he turns and heads off with the rest.

The Sweep is running painfully low on fuel. He pulls back from engaging Air Raid some more so he can recoup some of his loss.

Combat: Sunder sets his defense level to Protected.

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

Robot Pteranodon <Swoop> is like a Ford: he's built tough. Not as tough as, say, Sludge or Snarl but stil pretty tough. His body does sport a number of scorch marks and other wear and tear from the battle but it's not like he's bleeding oil all over the place or anything. When Windshear starts attacking another Decepticon, Swoop is....confused. Well, whatever! Better Draedwind than him! Swoop swoops (hurrhurr) at the descending seeker and tries to rake his chassis with his golden talons BUT it appears as though Windshear is retreating so instead he sort of hovers in place.

"HA! ME SWOOP AM WINNER! YOU STUPID DECEPTY-CON LOSER! HA HA HA!" Mecha-Brontosaurus <Sludge> growls and hiccups a remnant spark of power from his maw after the blast is burped. Once more Dreadwind buzzes like a fly in his ears. Too many words. He might actually understand if he cared what Dreadwind had to say. Frankly, Dreadwind's actions speak loud and clear where his monotonous drivel falls on deaf audials. He actually leaps up and over Dreadwind with a three-step gallop jump, and comes down. Gravity, is it against Dreadwind too?

Combat: Mecha-Brontosaurus <Sludge> strikes Dreadwind with his Belly Flop (Smash) attack!

F-15 Eagle <Air Raid> continues to tear up the sky. "Vhat sick men send BABIES to fight me!" he shouts in an Russian accent. He may or may not be quoting one of his beloved games. Running a bit low, Raid takes some time to focus his next attack on Sunder, more missiles, and make it count.

Combat: F-15 Eagle <Air Raid> strikes Sunder with his Heat-Seeking Missiles attack!

Battle Station <Fortress Maximus> manages to avoid the blast sent his way by Scorponok, but by doing so turns squarely into the one fired by Motormaster. As the energy slams into the hull a gaping wound is caused as the metal can resist no more. Smoke begins to pour from the starboard nacelle as Maximus begins a lazy spiral down. Seeming to be unable to transform he touches down with as much grace as he can muster. Smoke fills the air as a building slows him and eases him to the ground. Still he does not yield, not with there is still life in him. Pivoting the defensive station on the tower the station opens fire again hoping to force Scorponok back. One of them shall fall this day and Maximus just hopes it is not he.

Combat: Battle Station <Fortress Maximus> strikes Scorponok with his Dual Laser Blasters attack! [Pulled -2]

Combat: Scorponok falls to the ground, unconscious.

Scorponok has been having a bad day. Apparently some of the previous damage has been responsible for misaligning his targeting sensors. Either way, hopefully someone will drag him back because Fortress Maximus' shot is the last one and he simply curls over in a burning heap. Ayotzinco is, apparently, safe from him at least for the rest of the day. And most importantly of all. . . he's still ahead of the game by one, when it comes to Fortress Maximus!

Sunder notices that Scorponok has called a retreat, and also notices that he's very heavily damaged. "I will hunt you another time," he hisses at Air Raid, before transforming to Sweepcraft mode and departing the battle field. He heads back for some much-needed repairs. Sunder's head disappears into his chest, his wings fold around him, and now he is in Sweepcraft mode, his headcannon still visible.

Combat: Sweepcraft <Sunder> begins retreating, leaving himself vulnerable to parting shots from Decepticon Shuttle <Astrotrain>

Combat: Windshear begins retreating, leaving himself vulnerable to parting shots from Robot Pteranodon <Swoop>, F-15 Eagle <Air Raid>, Sweepcraft <Sunder>, Dreadwind, Sky Lynx, and Decepticon Shuttle <Astrotrain>

Motormaster grins as he blasts Sco- Fortress Maximus. "Booyeah. There's another with your name on it," he says, lifting his cannon to his shoulder again. But before he can pull the trigger, Scorponok goes down. Motormaster weighs his options. For some reason, he feels partly responsible for Scorponok being in this situation. But on the other hand, frak Scorponok! He's got him a Maximus to fry! Still... hesitating, Motormaster sees his allies fleeing and reluctantly puts the rifle away. He runs towards Scorponok, grabbing a cable from a side compartment (he has tons of crap in his trailer). He wraps it around Scorponok, shifts into truck mode, and drags Scorponok back to the hole, leaving a deep gouge in the Earth as he goes.

Motormaster folds down into truck mode.

Combat: Motormaster sets his defense level to Neutral.

Everything is against Dreadwind so why wouldn't a universal force be andd true enough it is as it causes the bulk that is Sludge to plummet all the faster towards him. Knocked to the groud his chest caves in, the cockpit glass shatters and yet no moan of pain. In fact no nothing, Dreadwind has apparently disappeared, crushed so thoroughly into the ground that the displaced spoil from the huge impact has hidden his resting place. Luckily for him a retreat order was barked not moments before the crush and instead of actually running just lies there hidden, alone in the dark (no Hi-Test doesn't count).

Combat: Dreadwind begins retreating, leaving himself vulnerable to parting shots from Robot Pteranodon <Swoop>, F-15 Eagle <Air Raid>, Kenworth K100 <Motormaster>, Sweepcraft <Sunder>, Sky Lynx, and Decepticon Shuttle <Astrotrain>

Within the command center on the bridge of the battle cruiser 'Maximus' Galen leaps up and fist pumps. "We got him! Take that Zarak!" Thankfully nobody can see what is going on in the tower or the victory dance Galen is performing of Fortress Maximus would soon join Scorponok having died of embarrassment. But this battle brings the Autobot headmaster one step closer to settling the score between them. Still the battle is not yet over, though the Decepticon forces are beginning to retreat. With an agonized groan he transforms into his robot mode and just stays there unmoving for many long moments before he props himself up and goes about the process of dealing with the aftermath of this most recent assault on the city.

Fortress Maximus shifts into robot mode.

F-15 Eagle <Air Raid> hoots and hollers, doing flashy loops in the air despite his fatigue. "That's right, run home little 'cons! I'll spare you the talons of the EAGLE! Haha!" More like he doesn't have anything left for a parting shot. Oh right, teammmates. "..." He follows Max.

Mecha-Brontosaurus <Sludge> gets up and forgets about Dreadwind, so in essense he does in fact disappear. Maybe he sank so far down he dropped into the Decepticon invasion tunnel. Sludge looks around dully. "Hurrr.. me Sludge say them cepty-cons all broken." Oh how profound. Robot Pteranodon <Swoop> continues his gloating to anyone within earshot. "Swoop is bestest Dinobot! Decepty-cons see and tremble at me Swoop's power! Swoop is- HEY!" Swoop's attention locks on to the retreating Windshear. "ME THOUGHT YOU WAS DEAD! COME BACK!" The Dinobot roars and begins to give chase but the damage he sustained just wont let him catch up to the faster Seeker. Too bad..

Suddenly Swoop remembers that he has two missiles. All is not lost for poor Swoop! He fires his last missile, praying for a totally cool explosion.

Combat: Robot Pteranodon <Swoop> strikes Windshear with his Missile attack! [Pulled -6]

Windshear suddenly realizes a missle just scrafed his back. No way, he got shot while he back was turned... He looks back at Swoop. "I will remember that Dinobot..." He continues to follow the rest of the Dececpticons.