Fall of an Empire

Southron Wastes

Global positioning systems register every direction as facing north; this must be Cybertron's South Pole. Because of the directional confusion, little construction has been done except for some survey and astronomical equipment, leaving the Southron Wastes a thick, barren, but fairly undamaged region of Cybertron's crust. Except, of course, for that massive chunk of the planet, missing ever since Decepticon scientists accidentally triggered their own experimental weapon, eliminating not only a piece of the planet but the weapon itself, the scientists who developed it, and all records of the research.

In the bright light of day, the field of view encompasses a huge amount of territory in every direction, the pitted steel crust dully reflecting the light through a thick layer of dust. There is little else to break the monotony of the view.

LAST TIME ON THE TRANSFORMERS..

In Darkmount's library, Kickback had finally found the answer to the clue given upon Scorn's abrupt disappearance. Chatterbug. Just a name, shortwaved to Juggernaut before she departed. While the recently returned from the dead Insecticon was busying himself with that, Blueshift and Juggernaut ripped their way into what appeared to be Backfire's secret base. It wasn't, apparently 'Septic Tank' isn't code for 'Secret Hideout'.


 * In episodic fashion, the emblem doth rotate to reveal the Decepticon logo to signify another episode has begun!*

AT THE CAVE'S ENTRANCE..

Scorn is dropped to the ground by Surefire and Friendlyfire, they pad up towards the entrance of their hideout with exhausted looks on their faces. "Sure is heavy for being a femme." one of them asides with a smile, the other replies with a chuckle.


 * SLAP*
 * SMACK*

Both insult and laughter was met swiftly by two backhands from Sapphire, the femme Seeker. "So, you've finally seen the light?" she hisses towards Scorn.

A WAYS AWAY..

Following Kickback's lead, Juggernaut simply remains silent for the long trip after Scorn. He's still not sure if she's a traitor or not, or if this stink will ever wash off.

Kickback's antennae are homing in on a specific frequency, turning like a weathervane here and there as he proceeds onward. He doesn't know where he's going, he doesn't know where he'll end up, he only knows that he's not about to just leave this business with Scorn unfinished.

Scorn was *his* to mold and shape, and not anyone else's.

It's probably the device strapped to her chest that makes Scorn heavier, but she doesn't comment on the seekers' little remarks, instead huffing softly and righting herself after she's dropped. The trip was less than desirable with the way they handled her and the scrambler weighing on her and blocking any in or outbound communication. Of course she doesn't need her comm to get a signal out, but we'll talk about that later.

For now the mantis turns to Sapphire addressing her, standing tall with hand resting on a hip and chin lifting to eye the seeker. "I have. And I fully intend to take my rightful place amongst you. As your Queen." She smirks sharply, reaching out to give Sapphire a little pinch to her cheek. "My little clones can't be lead by just one of the two that made them, now can they?"

Blueshift has his ray gun in his hand, following Kickback slowly. "Boy, I can't wait to kill Backfire!" he says, pointing the gun at the back of Kickback's head 'accidently'

Komatsu D575A Superdozer  dozers along behind Kickback, Jugs, and Blueshift, mumbling to himself. "I tell you what I'm gonna do, yeah, I'm gonna exit stage right, then enter stage left and I'm gonna beat on everybody centerstage yeah, and then I'm gonna probably do some damage to 'em too, yeeeah. Exit, chased by a bulldozer yeah, cause the pain train is coming, and by pain train I mean me, and I'm Bonecrusher, you dig..."

"That sounds like a lot of moving around, why not just stay in centerstage and punch them all?" Juggernaut replies to Bonecrusher, edging up to the front of the group. Blueshift's gun position draws a passing glance, but the lummox actually nudges Kickback on the arm with what he thinks is a gentle pat. "So, what you think Scorn's deal is? Traitor??"

BACK AT THE CAVES..

Smacking the caress aside, Sapphire afixes Scorn with a glare unlike any other. "One of two? Oh, you must be mistaking your place in this new regime." she cackles, clapping her hands together. "You thought, wait.. haha. You thought you were here to be Backfire's Queen?" she smiles, she the one to dole out a little pinch on the cheek this time. "Isn't that.. cute."

Some of the Seekers start to wheel out a large round contraption that has feed lines running from the base to something else behind it.

From the shadows, a weak voice comes. "Insectress, is that you?"

"May I suggest that all of you maintain silence for the time being," Kickback states a bit harshly. "We want to maintain the element of surprise, and that isn't going to be possible if we're all clattering dental plates about how cool we're going to be once we get there."

He presses on, following the signal. Scorn, let's hope you don't suddenly go offline or get silenced. Otherwise, this is going to be a very short excursion.

"Yes, I should shoot Scorn straight away..." Blueshift nods to Juggernaut, considering this. "Surprise. Yes. Our main weapon is surprise. Surprise and our fantatical dedication to Galvatron."

"I'm a bulldozer," adds Bonecrusher, in complete agreement with Blueshift. "And I ca'nt just stay centerstage because if anybody tries to upstage me with their fists or guns or teeth or something then I'm gonna have to make sure it's curtains, yeeeeeeeeah." The Constructicon pauses, trying to think of more stage based explanations of causing pain.

"Stage managers."

Scorn's smirk drops to form a sneer at the returned pinch, her lower jaw splitting and clicking together along with a soft, threatening hiss. A hand lashes out, snagging up the femme by the wrist and squeezing a brief moment before casting it away from her. "Hmph. It's the least I can do for you lot."

That's all she has to say about that, attentions pulled away by a familiar voice. And there's only one person who calls her Insectress. "Backfire." She turns, hands neatly held at her back and a pleased little smile hinting on her lips. "I've finally come to join you and your followers. At your side, if you wish it." A brief, sharp look to Sapphire before looking back to the yet to be revealed Backfire. "I must say, I'm surprised. I honestly thought all the clones died, but it appears I was wrong. You've molded them into quite the force to be reckoned with."

Sapphire reels to the side, thinking about laying into Scorn right here and now.. but thinks better of it, a look back to the shadowy figures has her second guessing herself. Stepping out of the way, her head merely bows and she stands statuesque-still.

The sound of creaking wheels can be heard from the shadows, the weak and timid voice once again chirps up when Scorn addresses it. "Join me?" he inquires, letting out a pained cough. From out of the shadows, handfuls of Seekers begin to pour out into the vicinity from either side. In all matters of shades, colors, the one thing they do have in common is their rather slender appearance as opposed to your regular standard fare Seeker. The round device is set down before Scorn, Sapphire walks up to it and starts to make adjustments. "Did you ever ask yourself Scorn, why you? What made you so special?" she snidely sneers snidily with a sneerily snide sneer. From the center of the object, large canisters raise and fill with a noxious green energon.

The cable that leads from the object to the dark shadows courses with green energon, as the figure is finally wheeled into view. Backfire sits, emaciated looking, in a wheelchair. Several stasis cuffs are restricting his movement and abilities, feed lines run from his wrists, chest, neck, and thighs to the device. It's draining him of his energon.

"Join me?" Backfire repeats, optics somewhat shying in the light cast over the area. "You've only doomed yourself, silly curr." Suddenly, Sapphire takes one of the feed lines from the device and slams it into Scorn's arm.

MEANWHILE, WITH THE DECEPTICON TEAM..

Shutting up, Juggernaut follows behind Kickback and keeps his fists on the ready. The group approaches a large expanse, a tiny ridge hangs over a cave.. with a bunch of Seekers around it?

Blueshift holds up a hand. "SEEKERS!" he half-shouts. "I knew they were all traitors too! On the count of three, we rush in and murder them all!"

"Scorn is not a traitor until I hear it from her own manibles," Kickback states firmly. He pauses, standing for a second, antennae moving back and forth as if he's listening to something that no one else is hearing. Once he's caught the signal again, he continues walking along.

He doesn't like playing Insectihound. They don't seem to live long.

Not that he hasn't died a few times himself.

"I want to get to the bottom of this before we start pointing any servos. We have enough trouble with thinning ranks--" he shoots Blueshift an accusing look. "--So let's make certain we know where everyone stands before we start cutting off any more heads. There could be some kind of faulty programming or mind control at work."

He's had experience with that, too.

Kickback reaches over to try to cup a hand over Blueshift's mouth. "That's where we need to be - but this will not be as easy as it looks. We need a plan before we charge in."

"Wait!" Blueshift snaps his fingers. "We could be in disguise! You could pretend to be insecticons loyal to Backfire who have captured me and Bonecrusher as we are such great warriors. Then when Backfire least expects it, we can spring into action and murder him!"

Bonecrusher agrees with Blueshift. "I like the part where we do a whole lot of murdering and maybe some punching too."

Blitzwing pistons after the assorted Decepticons, taking up residence behind Kickback and Blueshift and looming over the pair. With a beleaguered sigh, the triplechanger unshoulders his gryo-rifle, flipping the sights upright and gazing down the length of the barrel, tweaking the instruments. "Whatever's going to happen - it's going to be messy." He chuckles then, glancing to Juggernaut and nodding in his direction. "My kind of party."

Blueshift snaps his fingers. "We do my plan. Or my backup plan, which is when Bonecrusher stands on my shoulders and we wear a big cloak so it looks like we are giant. Then we set Bonecrusher's head on fire so they think we are some sort of giant Transformer god"

"That sounds like the dumbest plan ever, Blueshift" Juggernaut replies, clenching his fists and cracking a servo-knuckle or two. He gives Kickback a look as if to say 'is that what we are doing or what'. Upon Blitzwing's arrival, the Insecticon gives him a curt nod and reaffixes his gaze on what's happening below.

Nodding along, he hears Blueshift's backup plan. "Okay, -that- sounds like the dumbest plan ever."

"Well it's the only two options!" Blueshift retorts. "You've got to choose one!"

"What was option one, again?" Juggernaut asks, scratching his head.

"Blitzwing," Kickback says, tapping his chin thoughtfully, "Do you think you could draw the Seekers out of their nest? You're more military minded than I am, do you have any sort of strategies for extracing hostages from among a large group of hostiles in an enclosed space? Because I believe that I just might be able to get past them and see what's going on, if you and the others don't mind bloodying your knuckles on these... abominations."

Blitzwing depresses a series of buttons along the length of his rifle stock, and the weapon hisses and chirps in response; pieces and parts rise and fall as the thing rearranges itself according to Blitzwing's command inputs. The triplechanger doesn't look at Kickback directly to converse with him, but responds nonetheless, now holstering the rifle and unsheathing his electron scimitar. Running a hand along the blade, he grunts. "Yeah, I can handle it. If Bonfire was any indication, these guys are all bark and no bite. I'll get their attention - easy. And keep them ~busy~."

"No, we're doing the prisoner plan! Come on, it'll be great!" Blueshift punches at Blitzwing's rifle. "We can get right in there, totally surrounded and then just mow them all down, it'll be awesome!"

Blitzwing retaliates by shoving the tip of his rifle in Blueshift's mouth. "Are you /trying/ to get us killed? That's traitor territory."

"Considering how many innocent Decepticons he's killed, one wonders about his judgment on traitors," Kickback muses.

"AHHHHHHHHH when do we start punching?!" Bonecrusher paces back and forth, starting to tune everyone out as his withdrawls start to kick in. "igottabreaksomethingrealsoonfeelthatatomstructureripapartlikeaturbofoxinmyhands,yeah,igottapullsomethingapartandhurtitrealbad..."

Blueshift slowly munches on the barrel of Blitzwing's gun. "My plan won't get us killed. Come on, let's do it!"

Blitzwing tries to shake Blueshift free of the gun. *Primus, just pull the trigger. No one will rat you out!* "Neither will mine. What's your point?"

Scorn is vain as all hell, yes, so why wouldn't she think herself special in this situation? She helped make these clones, they should be greatful to even be around her. For once she wants that brief, shining moment of importance and power. But this dream, as well as the true reason why she even came here, fall at the sight of Backfire when he's wheeled into the light. Optics widen in shock as she takes a step back. "..Backfire?" So this is it, the truth. He wasn't using the clones, it was the other way around. Or at least that's how she sees it.

Another step back and she pivots to flee, but Sapphire is on her like lightning and stabbing the feed line into her arm, forcing a screech from Scorn that can be heard faintly by the group headed their way. Whatever signal Kickback and Juggernaut are following also spikes in alarm. "Ngh, you bitch! I..! I.." The strange feeling of lightheadedness hits with a force as the tube begins draining her energon at a fast rate, the femme swaying and stumbling a step before falling to a knee, weakly trying to claw at the tube.

The locust's expression tightens. He can hear it.

"Blitzwing, get their attention. Bonecrusher, Blueshift -- start killing those Seekers. Do not *stop* killing them until all of them are dead."

Kickback transforms into locust mode. "Juggernaut, I'm going to need back up. If you have a smaller mode, get ready to use it. We're going to sneak in there while the others are distracted."

Kickback seems to shrink out of sight, transforming into a Tiny Grasshopper almost too small to see.

At Kickback's words, Blueshift gets out his ray gun and runs out into the open shouting "DEATH, DEATH TO YOU ALL!" and pew-pewing away. "Bonecrusher!" he shouts urgently. "Set your head on fire, stat!"

Bonecrusher epically POINTS at Kickback and Blueshift. "No body bosses Bonecrusher, DIG IT?!" He takes a running start at the ridge, raising his arms to the sky and pointing to the heavens...and leaps! At the heigh of his jump, the Constructicon transforms into bulldozer mode, hopefully landing on a whole bunch of Inseecktercons. "I hope you're ready to get BEAT UP because BONECRUSHER is READY to DO THE BEATING!" His horn emphasizes with a blood curdling battle cry:

Toot tooooooooooooooooooooooot!

Blitzwing doesn't answer. Instead, the glowing purple blade is sheathed and the triplechanger leaps up, landing again a moment later as a menacing tank. The turret swivels with a whine as the war machine advances to the ridge line, bearing down on the far left of the collected group below. *KRA-KOOM!* One giant round pummels the ground, erupting with explosive firepower. The tank turret pivots again, now bearing to the far right of the group. Another round leaps from the triplechanger's cannon, ripping Cybertron a new one. And in another flash, just as quickly, the tank escapes into the air on steely wings, thrusters powering Blitzwing off into the atmoshere - but not after dropping two heavy warheads to further terrify and agitate the Seekers in the pit.

Blitzwing transforms into a Leopard 2A6M tank.

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

"Ah, so you remember your dearest?" the figure wheeling Backfire up comes into view, and lo and behold.. he looks JUST LIKE BACKFIRE! The orange and brown Seeker has a cocksure smile planted on his face, a whistle escapes his mouth as he pushes the Seeker-captive along. Padding to a stop in front of Scorn, "Pops here has kept us going for now, but with your energon mixed with his? We'll have ALL the power we need to overthrow the old regime." he announces, giving Backfire a pat on the chest.. which leaves the chained up Seeker letting out a heavy wheeze.

The machine pumps energon from Backfire and Scorn, mixing them in the large canisters situated at its center. The pinkish green energon swirls around inside the tubes, neither actually blending with the other.. but resisting the mixture. Sapphire eases Scorn down to the ground, then drops her like a sack of potatoes. "Refire, do you.." she twitches, picking up the high frequency noise Scorn was sending. "WE'VE BEEN CROSSED!" she seethes, her head whipping up to the ridge.

Just then, the Decepticons gathered each pull their little schtick. Blueshift's deathray catches one Seeker unawares, his head explodes into little bits and he topples over dead. Another couple are CRUSHED under Bonecrusher's treads, their bodies making satisfying cruches as he drives over them. Blitzwing's attack is felt less so, as they'd all been made aware of the foreign presence. Still, Seekers go flying left and right as his shells detonate.

Snatching up one of the vials, Sapphire quickly shoots the mixture into her arm and hisses at the others. "QUICKLY, INJECT YOURSELVES WITH THE MIXTURE AND ATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTACK!!" she roars. What's left of the Seekers follow her orders, injecting themselves and taking the battle to the opposition. Refire merely stands and watches the battle unfold before him, he places a booted heel ontop of Scorn's head. "And look at this, Ma and Pop have front row seats to the beginning of the end.. one big happy family."

Nodding, Juggernaut shrinks down into his tiny Pill-Bug mode and follows along.. albeit on the ground, he doesn't fly in bug mode. :(

What trickery is this? Is that really a Cute Tiny Robotic Pillbug??

Kickback was just *sure* Juggernaut could fly. Whoops.

Fluttering towards the pillbug, the Devil's Horse grabs hold of the smaller isopod, and flies rapidly towards the entrance of the cave, keeping well out of sight, and keeping Juggernaut hidden at the same time. The signal cuts off, but Kickback was able to triangulate the general last position of Scorn. He flies as fast as he can towards that spot.

Blueshift aims his speed ray at the nearest seeker-thing, shooting at it's face. "I can see Backfire, he's sitting in some sort of throne! I'm going to kill him myself!"

Combat: Blueshift strikes Squadron of Seekers with his Speed Stealing Gun attack!

Combat: That attack has temporarily impaired Squadron of Seekers's Agility. (Crippled)

Komatsu D575A Superdozer  churns forward with a satisfied sigh as he runs down fleeing Seekers, absorbing laser fire like a sponge. One Seeker attempts to turn on him at the last moment and fire before getting caught under his dozer blade, but mistimes and ends up firing his optical violation ray wildly, emptying the clip with his dead triggerfinger compressed!

Combat: Komatsu D575A Superdozer  misses Blueshift with Squadron of Seekers's Optical Violation Ray Area attack!

Combat: Komatsu D575A Superdozer  strikes himself with Squadron of Seekers's Optical Violation Ray Area attack! Combat: That attack has temporarily affected Komatsu D575A Superdozer 's Accuracy. (Blinded)

Combat: Komatsu D575A Superdozer  strikes Scorn with Squadron of Seekers's Optical Violation Ray Area attack! Combat: That attack has temporarily affected Scorn's Accuracy. (Blinded)

Combat: Komatsu D575A Superdozer  strikes Squadron of Seekers with Squadron of Seekers's Optical Violation Ray Area attack! Combat: That attack has temporarily affected Squadron of Seekers's Accuracy. (Blinded)

Combat: Komatsu D575A Superdozer  misses Tiny Grasshopper  with Squadron of Seekers's Optical Violation Ray Area attack!

Combat: Komatsu D575A Superdozer  misses MiG-25PD "Foxbat-E"  with Squadron of Seekers's Optical Violation Ray Area attack!

Combat: Komatsu D575A Superdozer  strikes Tiny Robotic Pillbug  with Squadron of Seekers's Optical Violation Ray Area attack! Combat: That attack has temporarily affected Tiny Robotic Pillbug 's Accuracy. (Blinded)

 Bonecrusher says, "I CAN'T SEE"

 Blueshift says, "Just keep killing"

<Decepticon> Blueshift says, "Don't stop killing"

<Decepticon> Bonecrusher says, "What about punching?!"

MiG-25PD "Foxbat-E" <Blitzwing> careens past and away from the flock of Seekers, but just as quickly returns for another strafing run, unloading full belts of ammunition into the armada. Is that jet laughing?

Combat: MiG-25PD "Foxbat-E" <Blitzwing> strikes Squadron of Seekers with his Vulcan Battery (Laser) attack!

<Decepticon> Dustoff says, "Kickback, this is a friendly reminder. You are due for your routine diagnostic and operational capability assessment."

Kickback makes a sharp turn to avoid the Seeker's beam, but Juggernaut might not be so lucky. He keeps flying, headed into the cave, moving as fast as he possibly can, which is remarkably fast considering he is excessively small. Sticking towards the ceiling of the cave, he lets Seekers move past him below on their way to deal with Bonecrusher, Blitzwing and Blueshift outside. He maintains radio silence - but uses the high frequency Insecticon EMF that Scorn had signalled them with.


 * You're strong, Juggernaut - do you think you can handle what we may find in there? I can feed you tactical data to assist you in more effective slaughter, if you wish. **

Scorn didn't sign up for this. Not at all. She only wanted to doublecross them once they took her in. And while she does that, the sound of the other Decepticons heard overhead, the Clones in turn doublecross her. It's like a weird.. quadruplecross or something, man. "So.. so you're the one.." Scorn croaks weakly past clenched teeth once she's on the ground, gaze locked on Refire. "You raided that lab.."

She leaves the tube, unable to yank it out, and instead tries to claw at the ground and pull herself towards the mech. She doesn't get very far, only managing a few inches before fatigue has her venting and she finds a boot pressing the side of her head into the ground. "Ngh.. You won't get away with this. They're.. they're going to kill you.." Scorn grabs at it, but can do nothing, especially when Bonecrusher's blinding ray goes off, making her wretch and hiss while trying to shield her optics.

<Decepticon> Kickback says, "I'm afraid I'm indisposed at the moment. Can it wait?"

<Decepticon> Dustoff says, "I told you, I make house-calls. And that I'd find you if I had to. I'll let you think on that a moment."

<Decepticon> Kickback says, "Well, if you *really* want to come find me, you're more than welcome. I'll even send you a signal to find me."

<Decepticon> Dustoff says, "Way to make it easy, grasshopper. Let me guess, trouble? Heh. On my way."

<Decepticon> Kickback says, "I certainly hope you're capable of killing things. There are a great deal of hybrid Seekers that need euthanized."

Campfire's face slows to a crawl when shot by Blueshift, in a really doofy looking expression nonetheless. Slowly stomping up towards the spaceship moded detective, Campfire attempts to hit him with a really poorly telegraphed punch. "Diiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeee Bluuuuuuuuuuueeeeeeee Onnnnnnneeeeee" he slowly drawls, spit drool pooling out of the corner of his mouth. The laser light show erupts courtesy of Flashfire's pistol and Bonecrusher's dozer blade, his dying act sending out multiple shots throughout the group. Up above, a couple of Seekers attempt to corner Blitzwing into a targetlock.. but not quick enough, leagues of their brothers ending up rattled with bulletholes seconds later because of the Triplechanger. <<I've got him in my sights, Eagle One Fox Two!>> Surefire emits, sending off a couple of potshots Blitzwing's way.

With the are erupting into utter chaos, Refire snatches up an energon cannister and hefts it in his hand. "The 'one'? Yes. Besides Sapphire and myself, this lot is an idiotic pool of poor traits and even poorer intelligences. Is it no surprise that ONE of your creations would rise above its programming, embrace its true potential?" he glows, digging the heel further into Scorn's temple. Injecting the cannister into his arm, Refire is affixed with a sudden flash of energy that crackles from his frame.

MEANWHILE, IN THE CAVE..

Kickback finds himself in a HUGE complex with maze-like cooridors hastily constructed. More technology seen at the previous base, but obviously still in use.

Combat: Squadron of Seekers sets its defense level to Fearless.

Combat: Squadron of Seekers misses Blueshift with its Coordinated Group Effort Area attack!

Combat: Squadron of Seekers misses Scorn with its Coordinated Group Effort Area attack!

Combat: Squadron of Seekers misses MiG-25PD "Foxbat-E" <Blitzwing> with its Concentrated Firepower attack!

<Decepticon> Dustoff says, "Sounds fun. And don't you worry. Never met a mech I wasn't alright with letting die."

"Right, that's it!" Blueshift leaps into the air, transforming into spaceship mode, intent on rocketing through the seekers and heading to kill Scorn. "Scorn is mine! Let's end this madness now!"

Blueshift leaps into the air, flipping into the form of a small spacecraft

Combat: Blue Spaceship misses Squadron of Seekers with his Wing Slice attack!

Being carried along, Juggernaut is forcefully wrenched from Kickback's grasp upon being hit by the laser light show. Thankfully, he was near enough to the entrance that he can roll on by without bringing too much attention to himself.


 * Handle? I can handle ANYTHING these second-rate toaster ovens throw our way! What about Scorn, though? **

Komatsu D575A Superdozer <Bonecrusher> drives a criss crossing path of destruction through the area. Remember those stupid Family circus cartoons that were one panel that showed how the dumb kid crazily got from point ! to point B instead of just walking in a straight line like someone who isn't an idiot? It's like that but with a bulldozer.

Combat: Komatsu D575A Superdozer <Bonecrusher> strikes Squadron of Seekers with his Constructicon Circus (Ram) attack!


 * We save her, ** Kickback transmits to Juggernaut. ** Justice against Scorn, if even necessary, will be carried out by Insecticons. NOT by these wretches, and certainly NOT by Blueshift. **

Kickback follows Juggernaut down further, racing to reach Scorn, taking note of the unusual situation playing out below. What exactly is going on down there...?

The sounds of a high-revving engine become all too clear, followed by a trail of dust as the sand rail on steroids blasts through the terrain. Suspension is, of course, working overtime as the road less traveled is precisely the road taken, headlights (and every other light available) throwing high intensity beams forward as the multi-barreled cannon fixed atop his roof winds up. There's the soft sound of an electronic feed motor before the deafening staccato of the minigun unloading its ammunition towards the Seeker-Swarm is heard, reverberating quite nicely as spent casings are left to clatter to the ground. Granted, he's not actually expecting to hit jack, it's purely suppressive in nature, and a means to gain a nice look at what exactly is going on in this mess of chaos as he slams on brakes, skidding to a halt.

Combat: Storm SRT-V Dustoff  sets his defense level to Aggressive.

Combat: Storm SRT-V Dustoff  strikes Squadron of Seekers with his Get your heads down fools! attack!

MiG-25PD "Foxbat-E" <Blitzwing> barrel-rolls through a pack of stationary Seekers waiting in mid-air to intercept him - but Blitzwing powers through them without a moment's hesitation, cleaving them in twain with his sturdy wings. The Seeker pack in pursuit of the triplechanger attempt to shoot him down, but they all blow up their halved comrades instead. Looping back around, Blitzwing shudders visibly as twin weapon bays open up on the underside of his fuselage. With an eerie howl, two huge missiles rocket after a lingering pair of cronies.

Combat: MiG-25PD "Foxbat-E" <Blitzwing> misses Squadron of Seekers with his Missile Frenzy (Full-Auto) attack!

Scorn winces in pain at the heel pressing down harder, arms shaking as they grasp Refire's leg. She'd admit that yet, him and Sapphire were quite beyond expectation, especially when paired against the others. In all rights Scorn should be proud. And she does, a little, but when they first attacked that lab, that was when they began to lose her favor. And now? Oh now she just wants to murder the lot of them and mount Refire and Sapphire's heads on a shelf.

Wait.. that signal. Is that..? "Kickback!!" Scorn suddenly roars when she picks up the Insecticon EMF he emits, wanting him and Juggernaut to find her. It's then that she uses the last of her strength to wrestle Refire's boot from her head, avoiding any energy he's giving off, and hissing as face splits open to clamp down hard on the seeker's ankle.

Combat: Scorn strikes Squadron of Seekers with her Ankle-biter (Punch) attack!

<Decepticon> Dustoff says, "You weren't kidding about this being a mess. Alright then, who's needing attention?"

Those unlucky Seekers who'd stuck to the ground find themselves the unfortunate recipients of some dozing, they lie buried in heavy tread marks with arms flailing. Others aren't so lucky to just simply be stomped into ground below, the blade shearing off head, chest, arm, leg, and hands alike as the Constructicon's GTA-esque rampage continues.

The cronies instead run into eachother midflight, crashing to the ground before Blitzwing's assault can wreak havoc on their frames. Quickly though, they are replaced by four more aerial targets who attempt to rain death on both Blitzwing, and the newly arrived Dustoff. <<Sunfire, Spitfire.. MAKE THEM PAY!!>> Surefire orders, taking the lead and firing off more blasts.

Refire let's out a snarl as Scorn's mouth wraps around his ankle and digs deep into the Insecticlone innards under the Seeker armor. "You wretch!" he shouts, launching himself up and away from her.. towards Blueshift? "Sapphire, see to her.. I'll send this one to the pit myself!" Refire grunts, aiming with his arm-mounted blasters at the blue spaceship dude.

On the ground, Sapphire attempts to heft Scorn up by her neck and send a quick punch into her abdomen. "Such a fool, you are. We couldn't keep you under capture, so what instead? We INVITE you back." she cackles, aiming another punch towards her stomach. "And YOU fell for it!"

Combat: Squadron of Seekers strikes Blue Spaceship with its Concentrated Firepower Area attack! Combat: That attack has slowed Blue Spaceship, making him less efficient.

Combat: Squadron of Seekers misses MiG-25PD "Foxbat-E" <Blitzwing> with its Concentrated Firepower Area attack!

Combat: Squadron of Seekers strikes Storm SRT-V Dustoff  with its Concentrated Firepower Area attack! Combat: That attack has slowed Storm SRT-V Dustoff, making it less efficient.

Combat: Squadron of Seekers strikes Scorn with its Gut-Pawnch! (Kick) attack!

<Decepticon> Dustoff says, "Hahah...uh, the silence is killing me. But -ow!- seriously... uh, who's needing some help here?"

<Decepticon> Kickback says, "Busy!"

Komatsu D575A Superdozer <Bonecrusher> transforms into his robot mode and punches someone in the face. Problem: It's Scorn.

He just gets really carried away. BONECRUSHER transforms into his ROBOT BRUISER mode!

Combat: Bonecrusher strikes Scorn with his Punch attack!

<Decepticon> Dustoff says, "Move, communicate, and shoot, Cons!"

<Decepticon> Kickback says, "Dustoff, we're going to have an insecticon in need of repair as soon as I can get her away from these idiots."

Sticking with Kickback for now, Juggernaut finally eyes Scorn in a fight with Sapphire. He still owes that one for burying him under a pile of rubble! But then Bonecrusher comes stomping up, punching Scorn in the face? That's it, transforming into his robot mode; the Insecticon bodyguard launches himself at the Constructicon with fists flailing away.

"YOU. DON'T. TOUCH. HER!" he rages into a frenzy.

Robotic Pill-bug parts shift, condense, and fold away to reveal.. THE JUGGERNAUT!!!

Combat: Juggernaut sets his defense level to Fearless.

Combat: Juggernaut strikes Bonecrusher with his BAD TOUCH! attack! [Pulled -2]

Dusty is caught in the hail of gunfire that results from apparently upsetting all the things. That's the problem with storming in... especially when there's so many other things. He transforms, still trying to get an idea of who is where as he draws out his rifle and scrambles to cover, looking towards the cave. <<Roger. Light the way and I'll be there.>> He takes a few moments, rummaging through his pack to pull out a field-repair kit, making a hasty repair of the nice series of gaping holes left in his light-armor thanks to the seekers joint-effort before simply making a run from cover to the cave entrance. <<That really hurt... ow.>> In a ridiculously complicated series of twists, turns, and noises, Dustoff's SRT-V form is shed to reveal a ruggedly handsome mech.

Combat: Dustoff sets its defense level to Protected. Combat: Dustoff quickly patches up some of its minor injuries.

He can see Scorn. He can hear her.

Kickback waits for the dust to clear (literally, thanks to Bonecrusher), hovering where he flies, scanning Sapphire, looking for where to hit her where it hurts the most.

He chitters faintly, red creeping up over his field of vision, along with a touch of madness.

Combat: Tiny Grasshopper <Kickback> sets his defense level to Fearless. Combat: Kickback analyzes Strange Seeker <SS> for weaknesses.

Blueshift is shot up by the nasty evil seekers. He dives down, intending on ploughing right into them, despite his obviously bad aim today. "That's it, Bonecrusher!" he shouts. "Kill the traitor Scorn!"

Combat: Blue Spaceship strikes Squadron of Seekers with his Full-Body Strike attack!

MiG-25PD "Foxbat-E" <Blitzwing> evades yet another retaliatory salvo from Refire's Seeker squadron, throwing up ailerons to brake hard and fast. Blitzwing then rockets at full burn, tiling his nose up to zoom up along the face of the cave wall. Explosions blossom at his rear and lick at the tips of his thrusters. Swooping back around in a huge loop, now above Sunfire and Spitefire, Blitzwing screams in descent, shifting modes in mid-air with a raspy cackle while reaching out with two giant machine mitts towards each Seeker's face!

Blitzwing transforms into his robot mode. Combat: Blitzwing misses Squadron of Seekers with his Grab attack!

Scorn manages to get a few drops of energon from the wound, but it's not enough to stabilize what she's lost already so Refire is able to pull away easily enough to join the fight and let Sapphire take his place. She bares her clenched teeth when hoisted up, hands gripping at the one around slender throat. "..I should've known. You- Ergh!" She reels at the punch to her midsection, thin armor not able to protect her well enough. Another connects and she's nearly curling in on herself in pain, but she tries to power through and keep speaking. "Y.. You do take after me, after all.." Words are nearly spat, not liking that fact anymore.

Bonecrusher spied from the corner of her view brings hope as he comes stomping up, Scorn ready to see him lay into Sapphire. But much to her surprise she gets the punch instead, finding a big fist slamming into the side of her face and making her world spin as head slumps aside. That hurt more than the gut punches. Ow.

Sapphire actually steps back out of Bonecrusher's way, when he suddenly starts to pummel Scorn in the face. This is turning out to be quite the showdown? Do they still think Scorn is a traitor? That lingering question is quickly answered when Juggernaut leaps out and assaults Bonecrusher with his own fury of fists. Is it Insecticons versus the Decepticon regulars? What is going on here??

A row of Insecticlone-Seekers are indeed ploughed through by Blueshift's damaging run, they all fall to either side and desperately wring hands up in the air; pouring energon from their wounds that quickly leads to their deaths. Refire turns on a dime, racing back to the cave entrance and the others. Landing, he rips the stasis cuffs off of Backfire and hefts him up into the air. "See what your pathetic loyalty has inspired? NOTHING. They shall burn beneath our grasp, in their stead a much more efficient EMPIRE shall rise from their ashes." he pratically loses it, tossing Backfire to the ground next to Scorn.

Surefire and Spitfire barely manage to avoid the plummeting Blitzwing, coasting to the sides and banking outward. The remaining alive Insecticlones take to the air, besides Refire and Sapphire.. there are only about six or seven of them left. Each individual finds a target, transforming to drop down on it from above. "FEAST, INSECTICLONES! DEVOUR THEM TO MAKE WAY FOR THE NEW!!" Refire is batshit crazy insane yelling now, pacing back and forth.

Sapphire sneers at Scorn's reply, bending down low to make optic contact. "Whatever helps you make peace with your maker!" she hisses, drawing up an open hand.

Combat: Squadron of Seekers misses Blue Spaceship with its Feeding Frenzy Area attack!

Combat: Squadron of Seekers strikes Blitzwing with its Feeding Frenzy Area attack!

Combat: Squadron of Seekers strikes Dustoff with its Feeding Frenzy Area attack!

Combat: Squadron of Seekers strikes Bonecrusher with its Feeding Frenzy Area attack!

Combat: Squadron of Seekers strikes Juggernaut with its Feeding Frenzy Area attack!

<Decepticon> Dustoff says, "Uh... you guys having fun in there? Sounds like a regular brawl. Should be coming up now, KB, following the beacon you lit off earlier. Who's the Hi-Pri?"

<Decepticon> Kickback says, "I don't know, because I'm about to do something terribly foolish. Check in with blitzwing and blueshift."

<Decepticon> Blueshift says, "JUST KILL EVERYONE"

<Decepticon> Needlenose says, "/Not wearing a Decepticon insignia/"

<Decepticon> Needlenose says, "Primus, the number of times that's caused unnecessary problems..."

Bonecrusher is astonished when Juggernaught attacks him. In his oh so satisfying punch haze, he had no idea he had hit Scorn.

"Blueshift, they're all traitors! All them bugs are gonna get BEAT UP and if they play their cards right they're gonna get a LITTLE BIT SCRAPPED too!" He charges at Juggernaut and leaps a very short distance into the air for a powerful DOUBLE AXE HANDLE! Combat: Bonecrusher strikes Juggernaut with his From the second rope! (Punch) attack!

<Decepticon> Bonecrusher says, "I'm gettin' attacked by Insectons! They're all traitors!"

<Decepticon> Dustoff says, "Check in with-nng...ow... Check in with who? You're the one that called me to you for someone in need. I swear..."

<Decepticon> POW Backfire says, "Is.. is.. is this thing on?"

<Decepticon> Misfire says, "BRO!"

<Decepticon> Blueshift says, "TRAITOR"

<Decepticon> Blueshift says, "DIE"

<Decepticon> POW Backfire says, "Where?"

<Decepticon> Misfire says, "Tell them you aren't a traitor Backfire!"

<Decepticon> Harrow says, "WHAT!"

<Decepticon> Needlenose says, "Ha ha, maybe one of you should draw a picture to prove how not a traitor you are."

<Decepticon> Blueshift says, "The Insectrons are all traitors too!"

<Decepticon> POW Backfire says, "Traitor? I've been kidnapped by my own brain babies, been forcefed scraplets the last seventeen cycles, and you all think I'm a traitor??"

"WHAT? Blueshift runs towards Bonecrusher in shock, taking out his ray gun and aiming it at the insecticon. "I always knew those Insectrons were up to no good!" He squeezes the trigger, sending out death rays at Juggernaut The spaceship flips up into the handsome form of Blueshift

Combat: Blueshift strikes Juggernaut with his Speed Stealing Gun attack!

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

<Decepticon> Blueshift says, "You've been mincing about like an evil guy"

<Decepticon> Blueshift says, "And you kinapped Harrow"

<Decepticon> POW Backfire says, "Why would I kidnap the Dominatrix? How could I get a date with her that way??"

<Decepticon> Blueshift says, "But she's your sister!"

<Decepticon> Blueshift says, "Your evil knows no bounds!"

<Decepticon> POW Backfire says, "..."

<Decepticon> Harrow says, "..."

<Decepticon> POW Backfire says, "She's my SISTER?"

<Decepticon> Harrow says, "Uuuuughhhhh."

<Decepticon> POW Backfire audibly vomits.

<Decepticon> Harrow says, "Oh COME ON!"

<Decepticon> Misfire says, "...Just glad to know you are still a good guy Backfire."

<Decepticon> Dustoff says, "If you're gonna do crazy, KB, do it now."

<Decepticon> Blueshift says, "Sorry Backfire but either way you're getting a space bullet in the head"

The unexpected Insecticlone dropping from the sky catches Juggernaut unawares, he snatches up the little guy and SMASHES him up against the one that had latched onto Bonecrusher. Dusting himself off, the Insecticon pads toward the Constructicon. "Lissen' up, Scorn ain't no traitor.. not that we know of yet. So you keep yer mits to yaself, and we're all gooooooOOOOMPH!" he lets out, broken off by the double axe handle that bows him low.

Reeling from the punch, the Insecticon is no doubt doubly surprised by Blueshift's sudden assault. The ray steals what little agility the guy had, transforming into his armored Pill-Bug mode he attempts to roll into them both.

Shifting, contorting, and expanding; parts allign into Juggernaut's.. Gigantic Robotic Pillbug mode!!

Combat: Gargantuan Robotic Pillbug <Juggernaut> misses Blueshift with his Decepticon Bowling! Area attack!

Combat: Gargantuan Robotic Pillbug <Juggernaut> strikes Bonecrusher with his Decepticon Bowling! Area attack! Combat: That attack has temporarily impaired Bonecrusher's Agility. (Crippled)

Combat: Gargantuan Robotic Pillbug <Juggernaut>'s risky attack leaves him temporarily incapacitated!

Dustoff takes a blast to the leg as he makes it into the cave, rolling with a grunt and pulling himself up. He keeps following Kickback's beacon, though, until the sight that greets him causes a great deal of pause. So... let's get this straight. There's a Bonecrusher and a Juggernaut punching things, Kickback and some Seeker femme? He spies Scorn getting accosted by Sapphire and brings his rifle up, watching through the enhanced optic atop it. "Kickback! Can you get her clear?" He keeps a post out of the fray, rifle getting slung to one side, as he starts setting things up for some serious triage. Unshouldering his pack, he drops it down and tugs out the reserve tanks, especially since Scorn's looking like she's losing a fair bit of energon.. As for the heavy (confused) combat? He'll leave that to Jugs, Bonecrusher, and Kickback...and whoever else that is involved in the mess. <<If you're gonna do crazy, KB, do it now.>>

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

Blitzwing underestimates the Seeker's awareness, reaction time, and speed, and harmlessly passes through the sky in which Surefire and Spitfire had been occupying just a moment before. Preparing for a counter-strike, Blitzwing lazily rolls his massive frame over in mid-air, certain to to be the recipient of another speedy laser salute by the duo. Instead, he is unceremoniously greeted by a ravenous Insecticlone horde. Blitzwing roars at the abominations, crushing the skull of one that just took a chunk out of his neck with one hand, while pummeling another in the side of the face as it chomps on his torso. The broiling, violent mass of Blitzwing and Insecticlones plummets from the sky like a multi-hued comet - and the impact site is right on top of Sapphire!

Combat: Blitzwing strikes Squadron of Seekers with his Comet Crush (Ram) attack!

After Blitzwing's massive strike, dust rises into the air, obscuring things in the immediate area.

"Sapphire... fire... fire...."

The voice is a smooth, silken, tenor, harmonic resonance vibrating through it with the metallic crackle of a thousand mandibles chewing, tearing, clicking.

"Sapphire-Fire-Fire....!"

Droning wingbeats hum against the noise and chaos, silver flashing against the sky from above, casting a shadow over the Seeker and her intended victim below. Jet black puncuates the scenery in the form of an enormous locust.

The Devil's Horse appears seemingly out of thin air.

"THERE IS ONLY ONE SWARM, AND YOU ARE NOT PRIVILEGED TO SUBMIT TO IT-IT-IT! KYAHAHAHAHA!"

Kickback lunges for the female Seeker, diving upon her and thrusting his legs outwards to try to crush her with them in one tremendous kick. Kickback's head turns 180 degrees as he falls backwards, arms splitting into two forearms, wings tucking back against his body and legs unfolding at the knees, transforming him into a Robot Grasshopper.

Combat: Grasshopper <Kickback> strikes Squadron of Seekers with his Crushing Kick attack!

<Decepticon> Dustoff says, "Yeah...that's pretty crazy."

<Decepticon> Blueshift says, "Bonecrusher have you seen Backfire yet? The moment you spot him, destroy his brain module"

<Decepticon> POW Backfire says, "For the last time you simpleton, I am NO traitor!"

<Decepticon> Bonecrusher says, "I'll BEAT IT UP too!"

<Decepticon> Blueshift says, "I am sure that will cause all the Insectrons to shut down"

<Decepticon> Misfire says, "Can't we just break his legs first and torture him to make sure he isn't a traitor, first?"

<Decepticon> Blueshift says, "Bonecrusher, when you see Backfire, cut off his legs so he can't escape, we can then torture him for a confession"

<Decepticon> Swindle says, "Well now, sounds like even after Scorponok's display there's still rebels willing to make trouble in Crystal City."

<Decepticon> Dustoff says, "Tough cookies for them, I'd help out at the city, yeah...but, trying to save a bug, it seems."

<Decepticon> Blast Off says, "Riffraff always want to cause trouble... it's in their nature."

Blueshift looks between the fallen Juggernaut and the seekers still milling about. He swings his sword at the nearest seeker, eyes casting about and looking for Backfire. "The fiend's got to be here somewhere. Probably trying to escape so he can sup at Rodimus Prime's table!"

Combat: Blueshift strikes Squadron of Seekers with his Vorpal Saber attack!

Scorn's optics widen at the raised hand, not liking the way Sapphire says that last line. Is this it? Is the last of Scorn? Thankfully no as her savior alights from the sky, the massive locust falling upon Sapphire and giving her a swift kick. The femme takes the opportunity, wrestling herself out of the seeker's graps before she goes flying and stumbles to the ground beside Backfire.

She's too weak to retaliate at the moment, so she does the next best thing and rips the scrambling device from her chest, casting it aside and ripping the tube from her arm before moving to turn the pump device off so it stops draining Backfire. All the while she does this she yells over the now open comm.

<Decepticon> Scorn says, "Damnit, all of you stop fighting each other! Blueshift, Juggernaut, Bonecrusher, focus attention on the seekers!"

<Decepticon> Blueshift says, "Yeah like I'd take orders from a TRAITOR"

<Decepticon> Dustoff says, "Can it, Blue. You're clogging up comms. Is the broken bug on here? Uh, guessing that's you, lady. Gonna pull you clear and see about getting you patched up."

<Decepticon> Blueshift says, "What? No! Don't repair her! Cripple her in case she is a traitor"

<Decepticon> Blueshift says, "That is the Decepticon way!"

<Decepticon> Scorn hisses, "You dumbaft, you really think I turned traitor? As if I'd be so stupid. I went with them to lead the Cons to them. That's why you're here in the fragging first place!"

<Decepticon> Scorn says, "Ngh. I need energon. Not repairs."

<Decepticon> Dustoff says, "Taking the bickering as an acknowledgement. And I've got that too. Just hold tight."

Sapphire is enveloped in a hellacious combination of plummeting Blitzwing landing technique and Kickback's impression of 'Crouching Insecticon, Hidden Kickback'. First flattened by the triplechanger, she barely manages to flail away from the unconventional attack by kicking to the side and activating anti-gravs to propel herself. "You'll pay for that, you peice of shiiii.." she's broken off, being mauled by Kickback who seemingly jumps in from nowhere. The attack leaves a LARGE dent in her bubbled chest-plates, knocking her off her feet and away a few meters.

Blueshift manages to dispatch the last of the Insecticlones with a swipe of his sword, Wildfire falls to the ground headless and pouring out energon from a neck stump. It sprays up at Blueshift, dousing him in the green-pink mixture.

Refire lands next to Sapphire, picking her up by the arm and reaffixing a dangerous glare on the other Decepticons. "Vile scum of the nine realms!" he spits out a nasty globule of energon from his mouth, wiping at his mouth with his free hand. Giving his 'sister' the once over, Refire helps her to her feet and lets her stand on her own. He begins to channel something, lights emanting from his palms.

Sapphire launches herself forward, attempting to ping from one target to the next with graceful kicks and land in front of Scorn last. "This is YOUR doing!" she hisses, her broken outer armor faceplate revealing a split maw that clacks open with a nasty chattering. "Make your peace!" she roars, attempting to chow down on Scorn's neck.

Combat: Squadron of Seekers strikes Blueshift with its Kicks That'd Make Chun-Li Jealous! Area attack! [Pulled -1]

Combat: Squadron of Seekers strikes Bonecrusher with its Kicks That'd Make Chun-Li Jealous! Area attack! [Pulled -1]

Combat: Squadron of Seekers strikes Gargantuan Robotic Pillbug <Juggernaut> with its Kicks That'd Make Chun-Li Jealous! Area attack! [Pulled -1]

Combat: Squadron of Seekers misses Grasshopper <Kickback> with its Kicks That'd Make Chun-Li Jealous! Area attack! [Pulled -1]

Combat: Squadron of Seekers misses Blitzwing with its Kicks That'd Make Chun-Li Jealous! Area attack! [Pulled -1]

Combat: Squadron of Seekers strikes Dustoff with its Kicks That'd Make Chun-Li Jealous! Area attack! [Pulled -1]

Combat: Squadron of Seekers strikes Scorn with its Kicks That'd Make Chun-Li Jealous! Area attack! [Pulled -1]

Bonecrusher goes back to back with Blueshift (and it looks awesome) to regroup against the Insecticons and the Inseekticons, subspacing in his Constructicon pistol. "I'm gonna make 'em all regret that supping! Gonna put 'em right through that table the hard way, YEAH!" He fires a shot off at a random Inseekticon and then takes aim at Kickback. "They're rescuing Scorn! We better HURT 'EM! Don't listen to Scorn! Blitzwing, Blueshift and Dust...face- she's trying to play us like a Constructitrumpet!" He takes a shot and then gets ultra kicked by Refire and falls into a nearby pit.

Combat: Bonecrusher strikes Grasshopper <Kickback> with his Constructicon Pistol attack!

<Decepticon> Dustoff says, "Someone get these things off me, I can't fix a thing if I'm dismantled beforehand."

<Decepticon> Bonecrusher says, "Remember meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee"

<Decepticon> Blueshift says, "No! They killed Bonecrusher!"

<Decepticon> Kickback says, "Dustoff, get to Scorn, Blueshift, attack the seekers, Blitzwing, keep doing your thing. We are getting all TRUE Decepticons out of here NOW-NOW-NOW!"

Juggernaut transforms back into his robot mode, trying to settle the peace with Blueshift and Bonecrusher. "You guys are just confused, THEY are the enemy.. not any of us!" he pleads, when suddenly Kickback is shot and Sapphire sends Bonecrusher tumbling down a hole. Not the guy's biggest fan, but not a dirty traitor either, Juggernaut launches himself down the hole after Bonecrusher.

"You -so- owe me for this!"

Robotic Pill-bug parts shift, condense, and fold away to reveal.. THE JUGGERNAUT!!!

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

Dustoff comes around to make a run for Scorn, only to be laid out by a bouncing kick of excessive kicking. He falls back with a grunt, momentarily stunned. It takes a little bit just to get back up as he grabs his gear and runs over to grab Scorn rather unceremoniously by the arm so he can pull her back. "You really know how to make friends, you know that?" He slamps his pack down, looking himself over... ugh, he's a mess, crumpled armor and everything. "Let's get a look..." He rather unceremoniously runs an energon feed from the reserve tanks while pulling out another of his kits, setting to patching up some of the more notable injuries on the bug, whether she cares to have them patched or not. "I'll have you back in the fray in no time... Just, uh," he looks over at the others in the room, "Save me a wing." He looks back at his work, snapping a locking clamp and a quick-cover over Scorn's injuries, letting the self-adhesives do their work.

Combat: Dustoff quickly patches up some of Scorn's minor injuries.

Blitzwing emerges from the impact crater slowly and painfully, slapping at his backside because he's POSITIVE he just landed on something. Or /someone/. As he rolls back to his feet, an electric whip of energy blurs right by his face, inches from his 'nose'. The triplechanger grunts, "Hnh?," staggering back as he lifts one his large, armored forearms to block the next blow. Sapphire's foot bounces off of Blitzwing's arm with a resounding *CLANG!*, and his whole arm hums with vibration for a long moment afterward. Blitzwing whips his hand about a few times to clear the sting, packing the hand of that arm into a fist and pounding it into an open palm. "If there's one thing I enjoy, it's putting womechs in their place." Blitzwing chuckles darkly, stalking after his attackers. The triplechanger ducks under Refire's viscous assault, his own fist winding up and gaining speed. He erupts, moving much faster than anyone of his girth should, throwing an uppercut at Sapphire's jaw with as much momentum as he can possibly muster - following through and whipping a NASTY backhand to the side of Refire's dome.

Combat: Blitzwing strikes Squadron of Seekers with his Fists That'd Make Guile Cry! (Ruckus) attack!

Blueshift is overcome with Juggernaut's self-sacrifice. "NO! How could I be so foolish! I'll save you!" With that, he leaps down the pit after Juggernaut, who has leapt down after Bonecrusher

Kickback transforms nearby Scorn, taking a shot to the chest, making him hiss angrily. He stands his ground to try to protect Scorn and Dustoff as they work, his right arm reconfiguring into a submachine gun. He takes aim at the Seekers too close to his position, attempting to drive them back with suppression fire, kicking up a tremendous cloud of dust and debris. The Robotic Grasshopper's legs fold together, feet forming at the knees; it stands up backwards, upper limbs clamping together and shifting plates into arms, as its wings flip up and forward. The grasshopper's head turns around, mouth opening, to reveal the face of Kickback.

Combat: Kickback strikes Squadron of Seekers with his Suppression Burst attack! Combat: That attack has temporarily affected Squadron of Seekers's Accuracy. (Blinded)

If Scorn is unable to turn the pump off she'll just resort to pulling out Backfire's lines. Either way she stops it from bleeding him dry. She may not like the moron, but it's the least she can do for a fellow POW. Once he's free she turns to Dustoff who comes up to see to her injuries while Sapphire's bouncing off the others in the room, the femme grunting softly and letting him do his job. "Just hurry, this isn't a time to be sitting around.."

It's nice to get patched, but dear Primus does the flood of fresh energon in her lines really do the trick, almost immediatly snapping her out of whatever sluggish state she was previously in. Senses sharpen enough that she notices Sapphire finally springing into view, Scorn quickly shoving Dustoff out of the way while shifting to her mantis mode. "Move!"

Bodies meet with a force, Scorn screeching shrilly at jaws clamping down on her neck. Energon pours from her neck, but she hardly notices, too busy seeing red. How /dare/ she try to eat her. Only after Blitzwing strikes and gets Sapphire off does she make her move, gnashing mandibles and springing forward and aiming a single, razor sharp blade to slice nice and clean through the seeker's neck.

Combat: Scorn sets her defense level to Fearless.

Scorn crouches before shifting into her scythe-armed mantis mode.

Combat: Robotic Praying Mantis <Scorn> strikes Squadron of Seekers with her Plasma Sheathed Blades attack!

Sapphire latches down onto Scorn's neck, feasting heavily on the energon and inner circuitry like a blood-crazed Vampyre. She lifts up her head and lets out a shrill call, while the pink energon cascades around her now revealed mandibles. The life-sustaining Cybertronian liquid flits off all around her, as Sapphire looks back down to regard Scorn with a sneer. "Your head will make a WONDERFUL trophy on my mantle!"

Suddenly, she's struck by a NASTY uppercut from Blitzwing that sends her reeling and deposited on her aft in a heaped mess. With her head whirling around in confusion, audio cutting in and out or creating an echo effect, Sapphire doesn't have time to react to Scorn's assault. The blade winches itself into her jugular, severing almost all of the connections.. leaving her head dangle at the end of the weapon. With a spit and sputter of energon, a faint smile washes over her face.. her body quickly turning dark grey and black. "Wasn't.. *cough* supposed to end this.. weeeeeeeeeeeeh.." she speaks her last, dropping to the ground dead as a doornail.

Refire reels around from the backhand, his own hands still in front of his body as light shines from his palms. The physical assault ripped away his own Seeker armored faceplate, revealing a clicking pair of mandibles that leak energon of his own. "You.. you.." he mumbles, looking toward Sapphire's corpse. Jutting his hands forward, his scream is only drowned out by the hellacious light show that litterally explodes from his palms. The entire area is bathed in a noxious mixture of Insecticon and Seeker energon, even striking himself.

Backfire, now free of the hoses, does his best to inch towards Dustoff. "Hey, pal.. can I get a refill?" the idiot smiles, his face busted up and broken from his prolonged capture.

Combat: Squadron of Seekers strikes Blitzwing with its Eat Your Heart Out Goku! Area attack! Combat: That attack has temporarily affected Blitzwing's Accuracy. (Blinded)

Combat: Squadron of Seekers strikes Kickback with its Eat Your Heart Out Goku! Area attack! Combat: That attack has temporarily affected Kickback's Accuracy. (Blinded)

Dustoff is shoved off to the side, but...hey! At least the work was done and done well. Or, so he assumes, partly thanks to Scorn running off into the thick of it without hesitation. "Yeah! There you go...give 'em hell!" He pushes himself to his feet, reaching out to grab Backfire by the hand so he can pull the mech back to cover. "Come on, you..." He ducks almost instinctively as Sapphire goes bersker on all the things again. He'll worry about that later, though. First things first. Reaching for his pack, he checks the reserve tanks before running lines to Backfire to suppliment the energon drained as he sets to work patching up the more critical injuries. "You're in luck, pal. Great thing about us medics? We make sure you feel good." He smirks behind his faceplate. "While you die, of course, but still... you'll feel great. Honest." He pauses just a moment, reaching for his rifle to pull it closer. Just in case things get any more crazy... Well, crazier than half the fighting force jumping into the pit-of-who-knows-what. "Man, I tell ya... Women, crazy, aren't they?" He gives a nod to the fight going on nearby.

Blitzwing comes back around fully to face his opponents properly, but by the time he does, Sapphire has already been executed. Blitzwing frowns at this, but who better to be her executioner? Refocusing his attention to Refire, the triplechanger begins to stalk after the psuedo-Seeker, rolling his neck with a *pop* *pop*! "And the cheese stands alone...," Blitzwing mutters. He growls as Refire lights up the place, throwing his hands up to shield himself as best he can from the fiery onslaught - but he does not come out of it undamaged. With his world sizzling, Blitzwing can barely make out his immediate surroundings, optics have been so washed out with the white-hot weapon wash. "You are merely delaying the inevitable!," the triplechanger growls. "You had your opportunity - you failed! Now be a good Decepticon, if is the last thing you do, and submit! I promise I will terminate you ~cleanly~."

Combat: Blitzwing sets his defense level to Neutral. Combat: Blitzwing takes extra time to steady himself. [Pass]

<Decepticon> Scorn says, "Try and keep him recognizable. Backfire and I will be needing his body as evidence."

<Decepticon> POW Backfire says, "You don't get to lay Insecticlone pods in my head anymore, Scorn."

<Decepticon> Kickback says, "Yes. I want to know more about that little stunt, LATER."

<Decepticon> Scorn says, "I'd have to agree. Remind me to smack Buzzkill for coming up with that horrid idea in the first place."

<Decepticon> Bonecrusher says, "It's really dark down here"

"Crazy? I just learned my almost ex-girlfriend is actually my sister!" Backfire replies to Dustoff.

Dustoff blinks. "Uh...yeah. Dude, whatever floats your boat and keeps your energon pumpin'. Just...uh, leave me out of it."

It was always supposed to end like this. Scorn wouldn't have it any other way otherwise. Calmly she rights herself once Sapphire falls, feeling no resentment towards terminating her own creation. Instead she stoops to awkwardly cradle the severed head between the flats of her blades, musing with a soft hum, "Afraid you'll be the trophy instead, my dear." With that said she stuffs the head into subspace for safekeeping.

Shots wizzing by her head bring Scorn back to fight, swiftly ducking and spying Refire losing control of his emotions and going ballistic. "Blitzwing, his chance for redemption has long passed! Kill him!"

The brilliant weaponsfire scrambles Kickback's optic sensors. Everything goes to scrambled monochromatic static.

It is the sound of Refire's voice that stirs Kickback to violence. It is the arrogance, the presumption, that anything or anyone other than himself should be the Master of the Hive, that forces his optics to reboot, that rushes energon to critical systems - spraying pink in a sudden spurt from all his injuries - and overwhelms him with bloodlust.

He turns towards Refire, and a cold smile washes over his silver face.

"I've got some bad news for you. I'm sorry little boy, but this is it. The end of the line for you. I'd ask you to apologize for all the trouble you've caused... but instead, I think I'll ask you to KNEEL!"

He points his gun at Refire's legs and fires, blowing out the Seeker's knees, and putting bullet in one of the Seeker's main fuel lines.

"If you were able to think rationally you would have realized that while you were pursuing Scorn, I was pursuing *you*. You were being drug to your death. Take a good look at yourself: A broken little brat that's beyond all repair. And like it or not, this is where you're gonna die."

"I suppose I should torture you for all the trouble you've caused the Decepticons, but I'm not as vulgar as you. It would bring me no satisfaction. Judging by your wounds, you've only got a few more seconds before you bleed out, so I think I'm going to sit here and watch as you turn go gunmetal gray. I dedicate your last dying moments Munch and the other Decepticons you've killed. My Vector Sigma give them peace."

Combat: Kickback strikes Squadron of Seekers with his Critical Shot (Laser) attack! Combat: Squadron of Seekers is completely disabled.

<Decepticon> Dustoff says, "Alright, how are we looking? I've got this Orange Sherbert dude almost stable. Anyone else need some tender loving care?"

<Decepticon> Dustoff says, "Or rough care. I don't mind either way."

<Decepticon> Needlenose says, "I don't know what you guys are doing, but you're missing out in Crystal City."

<Decepticon> Dustoff says, "Uh... *there's a pause* No. I don't think I'm missing anything. It's quite chaotic enough here as is."

Refire attempts to regain his composure after the release of his energon spherical attack, his hand emitters still brightly glowing as they cool down. Blitzwing's offered surrender brings little more than a cocksure sneer to his face, "No, I will not fall in line like the lot of you. My fate holds something more prestigious than begging for SCRAPS at the table!" Refire seethes hatred, his arms swinging wildly as he screams at the Triplechanger. Scorn's shriek call only brings attention to herself, and in turn.. Backfire.

A flit of anti-gravs brings the Insecticlone leader over towards Dustoff and his newly admitted patient. His arm-mounted rifle hums to life and points down at the Seeker still laying on the ground. "This is YOUR fault!" he accuses with outstretched finger, pointed down at Backfire. "You stalled the process, YOU witheld the exact combination of energon, YOU ARE THE FOIL TO MY GREATNESS!!" he roars, about to put Backfire out of his misery.


 * Pewwwwwwwwwww*


 * Pewwwwwwwwwww*

Two shots through his legs deposits Refire to his knees, the third *Pewwwwwwwwwww* bores a hole through his main feed line. Fruitlessly attempting to fire at Backfire with his last remaining stores, the attack actually backfires on him (haha, pun) and knocks him back a good twenty feet. His head mopes up, affixing on Kickback.

"You haven't seen the last.." Refire trails, looking at wounds and checking his systems. Fighting to stand, the Insecticlone-Seeker stumble steps towards the device in front of the cave. If he could only get to one of the cannisters, he could turn the tide! A heavy labored step is accompanied by the sound of his knee-joint fracturing, he collapses on the ground.. mere meters away from one of the cannisters.

"Pity is for the WEAK!" Refire screams at Kickback, flailing on the ground before his systems go into permanent stasis shock shutdown. The coloration quickly flees his body, replaced by the standard greys and blacks all Cybertronians undergo when they expire. Refire manages to lift his head, giving all of them a glare before the color soon fades from his face.

"This isn't ove............"


 * PLUNK*

Refire falls back, dead.

"Wrong," Kickback muses, enjoying the last gasp of the dying Inseekticon. "Pity is something only the strong can afford to show."

Blitzwing slaps some Insecticlone goo away from his shoulder. "I want my money back."

Dustoff saw the attack coming and was about to throw himself between patient and attacker, reaching for his weapon, but... Kickback beats him to it. The medic just stares at Refire before going back to tending to Backfire, rifle set to the side once more. "Well, that was interesting..." Wincing, he becomes all to aware of the pain caused by his own battered self. Still, doesn't stop him from whistling as he works now that the fight seems to have ended.

<Decepticon> Kickback says, "Gather the remains and take them to the lab."

Backfire manages to stare down Refire, ready to accept his fate his 'son' deemed handing out to him. When the attack backfired, a small smile escaped his face and he cannot help but let it grow larger when Kickback puts the wayward 'child' in his place. Propping himself up on his elbows, the Seeker simpleton can't help but smile at Dustoff. "Tell me about it."

Dustoff looks at Backfire. Or, rather, the work being done... "Yeah, you're stable. For now." He claps the orange dude on the shoulder before standing, retrieving his rifle, and limps towards Kickback. "How about you? How're you holding up, eh?" He looks back at the mess left behind briefly.

"Hungry," Kickback says. "A small leak here and there, but mostly? Hungry."

Robotic Praying Mantis <Scorn> is ready to line up a shot of acid spit when Refire moves to attack Backfire. Thankfully she doesn't have to, however, with Kickback shooting him in the legs and letting him bleed out. The mantis intently watches the life drain from him, forming an inward smile when he finally dies. "Good riddence. That's one less thing I have to worry about now." She snorts and shifts back to her base mode, giving the body of Refire and Sapphire disapproving looks while walking past and moving towards the others.

Stopping for a brief moment next to Kickback in particular she glances to him at her side, speaking lowly, "..Thank you for coming for me. I'm glad you and Juggernaut understood my message." It's hard for her to express her thanks, which is clear enough by her unsure tone. And even moreso by how hurriedly she snaps wings open after, fluttering off to the cave to survey and secure the equipment the Clones had for study. Standing up straight, Scorn shifts back into sexy robot mode.

Dustoff says, "Yeah yeah..." He looks Kickback over and frowns. "I'll get the repair bay prepped. You look like you'll make it that far." He limps his way to Scorn. "How about-" he blinks watching Scorn run off. "Doing well. Got it." He coughs. "Right."

Blitzwing frowns, "Thank you... /Kickback/? Right, right, as ~USUAL~ I do all the hard work and get NOTHING IN RETURN. No, no, it's okay guys. Don't worry I'VE GOT IT. IT'S COOL. YOU'RE WELCOME. BREAKING THINGS IS WHAT I'M HERE FOR," the triplechanger grunts, rising up into his jet mode and taking off for the sky, leaving a billowing cloud of shrapnel and debris in his wake. Blitzwing takes to the skies as a MiG-25PD Foxbat-E jet.

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

The scene comes to a close, Decepticon regulars showing up to painstakingly collect all the evidence and scraps they can from the wreckage left behind. Wounded are seen to, equipment is collected, and the area is scrubbed of any evidence that there ever was a giant amassed Insecticlone-Seeker army.

MUCH LATER, AFTER THE AREA HAS BEEN ABANDONED..

A few keys of music can be heard through the deserted caves, followed closely by a light step of feet. Approaching the cave's mouth, the figure comes out into the light and hits a couple of hidden switches that deposits a recording device into his hand.

"Not over by far.." Overture smiles, disappearing into the cave again.