Revival 12

Black Sportscar says, "we'll be lucky if we don't get a ticket, driving like this!"

Flaming Car prods, "Cheater."

You say, "Aah, who's gonna pull us over? Decepticons?"

Black Sportscar says, "heh, you never know!"

You say, "First Decepticon tries to give me a ticket's gonna get more'n he bargained for. C'mon, there's a good lookout point up ahead."

Black Sportscar moves over into the other lane and stomps his brakes.

Black Sportscar moves in behind you, "lead on, bro"

Rocky Mountains

The entire range of the Rocky mountains in this area is most majestic. Where the two plates smashed together millions of years ago, now this line of nature's strength stands. The sheer jagged shards of rock reach up into the air, towering over anything and everything around them. The fact that a relativly small race such as humans could conquer their hieghts is a testament to their tenacity. The criss-crossing roads across the ranges of the trees and cliffs are a reminder of their triumphs here. The winds are generally strong and plowing, making flight difficult close to the mountains.

Contents: Black Sportscar

Transmission from Firestone: Can you fly a shuttle?

Transmission from Firestone: Gold thinks her home planet disappeared.

You transmit a message to Firestone: Yeah, I can fly.. what?

Transmission from Firestone: Come back to base.

Flaming Car sighs at his radio and pulls off to the side of the road near the peak of one of the mountains.

You transmit a message to Firestone: What do you want me to do?

Black Sportscar pulls over, "whats up?"

You say, "Dunno. Firestone wants me to come back and pilot a shuttle or.. something."

Black Sportscar hrms, "Oh well...."

With a whirr of shifting pannels, the black sportscar transforms into the Autobot, Viper.

Viper looks at the majestic heights, the sun spilling over the snowcapped peaks.

Viper says, "Primus, but this is a gorgeous planet""

Hot Rod shifts into robot mode.

You say, "Yeah, kinda like a second home.."

Viper nods, "Yeah, it is..."

You transmit a message to Firestone: Hello? What's going on?

Viper squints his optics, looking down the moutainside... "They look like so many ants down there."

Transmission from Firestone: Gold is panicking.

You transmit a message to Gold: What's the deal? Your planet what?

Hot Rod stoops and picks up a clod of dirt, holding it up to Viper's face. "They ARE ants."

Hot Rod grins.

Viper snorts, "Heh."

Viper adds, "And they are gonna be all in your processors if ya don't put em down."

Hot Rod flips the clod down the side of the mountain, shaking a few ants off his hand. "Good point."

Viper looks down to where you picked up the clod of dirt, "And Hot Rod today, playing the part of Unicron for the helpless lil ants..."

Hot Rod frowns vaguely at the mention of Unicron and covers it quickly. "Heh."

Viper quirks his opticridge and nods, "Sorry," he looks back down the road, "so... back to AC or what?"

You say, "Nah, don't apologize." He sucks in a quick breath of the freezing air and looks back over his shoulder in the general direction of Metroplex. "I guess we should.."

Viper smirks, "Responsibilities...." he sighs

You say, "I don't even know WHAT's going on down there. Gold's freaking out over something.."

Hot Rod sighs and turns back down the road. "Let's go.."

Viper says, "Gold's that scientist from Darius' planet right?"

 Optimus Prime says, "All members of the council please meet in the meeting room as soon as you can."

You say, "Yeah."

Hot Rod checks his internal chronometer and curses. "Damn, the meeting!"

Viper nods, walking to the center of our lane...and leaps forward, shifting...

You say, "Optimus is gonna kill me--"

Twisting and folding, Viper compacts down into a sleek black sportscar.

Hot Rod takes two running steps forward and dives onto the roadway.

Black Sportscar says, "Yeah, right, like you aren't late on a regular basis."

Hot Rod transforms into what can only be called a high-tech, flaming.. car.

You say, "It's not like I do it on purpose!"

Black Sportscar cranks up and starts to roll out... "sure, you just like making an entrance!"

Black Sportscar says, "Go on and take point, Rod... I can keep up, even if I can't manage some of your moves!"

Flaming Car grumbles and swerves around Viper, managing a quick laugh despite himself. "Keep practicing, you'll get there."

You move south to the Environs of San Francisco...

Outskirts of San Francisco

Black Sportscar enters from the Rocky Mountains to the north.

Black Sportscar says, "You realize I'm blaming my lateness on you, right!?"

You say, "YOUR lateness? You're not the one who was supposed to ORGANIZE the friggin war council!"

Black Sportscar eeps, "Whoops?"

You say, "Uh.. yeah."

Black Sportscar guns it, creeping up on you..."Move it, Slowpoke!"

Gold enters from the Entrance to Autobot City to the east.

Gold has arrived.

Flaming Car blasts past a few slow-moving cars and jumps up over a barrier at the side of the road, streaking across one of Metro's loading ramps.

Black Sportscar's engine whines as he pushes it to full throttle, "were probably both in for it"

Metroplex

Entrance to Autobot City

Contents: Firestone

Black Sportscar comes into view from the countryside to the west.

Black Sportscar screeches to a halt, spinning around in a 180.

With a whirr of shifting pannels, the black sportscar transforms into the Autobot, Viper. Firestone is chasing a Gold.

Flaming Car skids to a bare halt and transforms, skittering to keep his balance as he bolts for the inner gate.

Hot Rod shifts into robot mode.

Firestone leaves to the Outskirts of San Francisco to the west.

You move east to the Main Lobby - First Floor...

Main Lobby - First Floor You move east to the Command Center...

AC Command Center You move north to the Meeting Room...

Meeting Room

Contents: Ultra Magnus, Arcee, Optimus Prime, Elita-One

Hot Rod BOLTS through the doors, almost crashing into the table before he gets his momentum under control. "..Sorry I'm late--"

Viper enters from the Command Center to the south.

Viper strides in, looking over everything carefully.

Ultra Magnus says, "You're not the only one."

Ultra Magnus smiles.

Viper skidders in, glowering at Hot Rod, "Umm, sorry I'm late."

Arcee sits down next to Elita.

Ultra Magnus says, "Who else are we missing, Optimus?"

Hot Rod stabs a finger at Viper, hissing, "It was YOUR idea!"

Elita-One sits silently at the table.

Firestar has connected.

Optimus Prime says, "Just Firestar and Silverbolt and Silverbolt had to stay in charge of Cybertron. Viper, I'm sorry, but this meeting is for the council only."

Viper shrugs, "You were leadin..." he says through clenched teeth.

Viper looks at Magnus, "Umm I thought I was on the Council."

Firestar walks in, and takes a seat.

Viper stands up, "Pardon me, if I was mistaken as to _which_ council was meeting, Sir."

Ultra Magnus says, "Oh, that is true. This is a war council, Viper. I haven't had an Autobot City Council meeting yet."

Hot Rod throws himself heavily into a chair near the lower part of the table, rubbing absently at a smudge on his arm.

Viper nods, "My bad."

Kup is seated across from Elita at the head of the table.

Viper looks relieved and disapointed at the same time.

Ultra Magnus smiles and nods, "I'll see you later. Although we could have been more specific."

Firestar sits at the end of the table with Rod.

Viper grins and gives a wave.

Viper leaves to the Command Center to the south.

Ultra Magnus sits at the far end of the table.

Optimus Prime turns to Arcee, "I would like your input on this as well if you do not mind."

Hot Rod shifts in his seat, not in any apparent discomfort, just unable to sit still.

Elita-One speaks quietly with Arcee.

Elita-One mutters to Arcee, "... you... about... later on?"

Optimus Prime says, "My fellow Autobots, since I was revived I have being going through the files on Decepticon activity in the past three years. Despite an initial waning of activity, it appears the situation has gotten worse and is starting to blossom into full scale war. The war on Cybertron devastated the planet and I cannot allow the same to happen to Earth. This council is meeting to dicuss the Decepticon situation and our options for getting rid of the threat they pose to Earth and Cybertron. I want them off both planets. And I would like to hear what resources we have to do this and what possible plans anyone might have in mind."

Firestar leans back, not really understanding why shes here.

Optimus Prime adds firmly, "We must eliminate the Decepticon threat once and for all. Now, comments?"

Firestar says, "Yah, anyone suggest a frontal assault on Darkmount gets slugged."

Ultra Magnus leans back to hear things.

Arcee says, "Um, Optimus, I'd like to interject something."

Scattershot says, "Full scale attack. Kill em all."

Optimus Prime nods to Arcee. "Please do."

Firestar glances at Scattershot, not at all suprised, she chuckles a bit.

Hot Rod mutters to Firestar, "... a..."

You whisper "How about a full assault on Darkmount?" to Firestar.

Scattershot grins at Firestar.

Elita-One crosses her arms and leans back, looking to Arcee.

You evade Firestar's attempt to grasp you.

Hot Rod grins and ducks away.

Firestar tries to poke Rod and fails.

Kup waits for Arcee.

Firestar shakes her head, "Ok, seriously now."

Scattershot growls, "I am serious. Always against the Horde."

Arcee says, "Well, we've never been a race of being to start conflict if it could be avoid it. I know that while we are in a war that must be fought, we've always tried to use diplomacy over brawn, I don't understand why the sudden change of procedure. What if innocent humans, cybertronians, people get hurt? I mean, while the current strategy isn't perfect, isn't it better than full scale warfare and the loss of the masses?"

Firestar says, "Cause sittin on our afts Arcee is gonna get us picked off one at a time, how up to date is the latest recon on Darkmount, or the undersea base?"

Elita-One nods thoughtfully and looks to Optimus.

Kup says, "This way hasn't exactly _saved_ lives Arcee. And most of the ones that have made it through have led miserable lives and don't know any other way of life save war."

Scattershot gets an odd look in his optics, but says nothing.

Hot Rod folds his hands together on the tabletop and studies them, quietly subdued.

Arcee says with a frown. "Better than the Dinobots rampaging through Polyhex killing scores of people when we can still talk rationally about this with the Decepticons."

Optimus Prime nods thoughtfully to Arcee and gathers his thoughts. "Unfortunately, the longer we react to the Decepticons, the more chance they will have of harming humans and other Autobots. It is a policy that has not done us any good in the past. My goal is to end the Decepticon threat within the next few months with as little bloodshed as possible and to get the Decepticons off Earth and Cybertron for good, even if we have to eliminate them to end this war."

Scattershot says, "What is a little bit of sacrifice in exchange for accomplishment?"

Elita-One begins to nod in agreement, and then stops and looks to Optimus at the note of elimination, a bit concerned.

Optimus Prime says, "From what I have seen, Galvatron has no desire for peace. Indeed, he only seems to wish to spread chaos, disaster and havoc. The more he does, the more people die."

Kup says, "Talk rationally with Decepticons... that'll be the day."

Ultra Magnus says, "Optimus, do you have plans for exiling the Decepticons from this section of space, or are you terming erradication of their faction? I can't think of many ways we could acheive your goals with little bloodshed."

Arcee looks at Elita, as if expecting some sort of support. "Yes, but that makes us no better than the Decepticons themselves, Optimus."

Elita-One says, "Optimus, she is right. We are not murderers."

Elita-One says, "While we do kill...it has always been if we must."

Scattershot says, "Saving lives is not murder."

Firestar says, "So what if we ain't no better, wake up Arcee, this is a war."

Elita-One says, "Not if we need."

Firestar glances at Elita, "What do you call what we did?"

Optimus Prime shakes his head. "No, we are not. But the Decepticons MUST be chased off of Earth and if we do not chase them off of Cybertron, we will lose our home."

Elita-One doesn't look at her, "We did what was necessary to save our lives."

Scattershot says, "What kind of home is Cybertron now anyway?"

Elita-One says, "*But* I do agree something must be done about the Decepticons."

Kup says, "We've already lost Cybertron once.... I will _not_ lose it again. Even if I have to give my life, I will die fighting for Cybertron."

Firestar says, "Then why not do what we used to do, hit and run guerilla tactics."

Optimus Prime makes a negatory gesture. "Useless. All it will do is provoke them."

Scattershot shrugs, "I ain't dyin' fer a planet."

Ultra Magnus says, "The obvious rebuttal to that is that it will incite open warfare and our holdings will start to come under constant attack. We have places to defend now as well as targets to destroy."

Elita-One says, "That is why we have this meeting to plan for such Magnus.."

Elita-One looks to Firestar, "The situation has progressed to a level that all but negated our effectiveness. Thought still a useful option. We must take them to ground.."

Ultra Magnus nods, "However, as one concerned mostly with the safety of this outpost and this planet, I can't condone actions that would provoke mindless attacks in return. Optimus, what are your ideas to remove the Decepticon threat without loss of life?"

Firestar says, "Look, we have to get the recon back off the ground, our information is out of date, constantly, did anyone know about new polyhex?"

Ultra Magnus says, "I'd like to think that if Galvatron wasn't there that they would be livable with, but I doubt it would happen conclusively."

Ultra Magnus looks over at Firestar, "New Polyhex? They are building again?"

Optimus Prime says, "First we must decide what the most essential, crippling targets will be to the Decepticons. Strike at those, and they will be at a loss of resources and troops to be able to effectively strike back before we have had another chance to attack."

Optimus Prime glances at Firestar

Optimus Prime says, "Tell me."

Scattershot comes up with an actually okay idea, "Striking at their resources wouldn't harm as many and would be just as deadly in the long run."

Firestar says, "Thats what I mean, they got us when they came up with New Polyhex, where are they gonna get us next, the Scrap Yards, Vilnacron, who knows?"

Ultra Magnus thinks, "We'd also have to completely neutralize Trypticon."

Optimus Prime says, "Is Trypticon currently on Cybertron?"

Firestar says, "Who knows?"

Ultra Magnus says, "As long as they have him, we could destroy Darkmount, and Polyhex and they could effectively strike back."

Hot Rod interjects quietly, "Yes. They moved him back to Polyhex a while ago."

Ultra Magnus says, "I was under the impression that he was."

Ultra Magnus looks over at Hot Rod, "There we have it."

Optimus Prime looks at Hot Rod. "Do you have any suggestions on how to take Trypticon down?'

You say, "Their undersea base has already taken some heavy damage from the attack earlier.. driving them off Earth shouldn't be too hard with a concerted effort-- Trypticon? I, uh.."

Hot Rod looks back down at the tabletop and drums his fingers against it. "I.. no, I don't."

Ultra Magnus notes, "It'd be like mounting an attack against Metroplex except with differnt weak points. There are soft spots. I *ahem* managed to sabotage his brain core when he first appeared, but that was at the behest of the Quintessons, and he trusted me at the time."

Ultra Magnus says, "Without a very good infiltration team, it won't work twice"

Hot Rod scowls vaguely to himself.

Elita-One says, "The femmes could do it."

Firestar murmurs to herself, "Staying home again, Lita."

Optimus Prime looks at Ultra Magnus. "Tripwire has been working on one. Perhaps in concert with the femmes."

Elita-One gives Firestar a narrowed look.

Ultra Magnus says, "If you go after it, I hope you succeed. However, Breaker couldn't crack his defenses with her small team months ago. I believe your collective skills are enough to get in, but his defenses are worse. I can dredge up an interior plan if you need it.""

Ultra Magnus says, "What to do about New Polyhex and Darkmount?"

Kup says, "I think the femmes along with Tripwire's team could do it... I mean Syke HAS broken into Darkmount twice and wouldn't have gotten caught if she wouldn't have been fooling around."

Elita-One says, "It would be appreciated." Optimus Prime says, "Is there a way to get to Darkmount without going through Polyhex? Perhaps tunnels?"

Firestar says, "There's the underground..."

Elita-One nods.

Ultra Magnus says, "There are also the swamps."

Firestar looks at Rod, "Remember the tunnels?"

You say, "Yeah, but it'd be a matter of FINDING the right path to Darkmount from below.."

Ultra Magnus says, "We have scouts who can find that out"

Firestar says, "You mean no one's mapped it?"

You say, "Well, we've mapped what we've seen, but I don't know about any backdoor to Darkmount. Closest we got was the molten river."

Ultra Magnus says, "Is this the same underground Scattershot's team is familiar with?"

Ultra Magnus says, "Perhaps they know of a way if that is so."

Ultra Magnus looks towards the youngster.

Scattershot decides that he doesn't have any interest in this conversation and just walks out.

Firestar says, "No, its the catacombs."

Optimus Prime's optics narrow as Scattershot leaves, but he doesn't say anything.

Optimus Prime says, "How well do you know the underground Hot Rod?"

You say, "Well, uhm.. I've done some pretty extensive crawling around down there.. know the area beneath Crystal City fairly well.."

Kup looks to Hot Rod as he replies.

Optimus Prime says, "How likely is it that there is a tunnel leading past Polyhex?"

You say, "Well, like I said, there's a tunnel that comes out at the molten river. We know that much. Beyond there, nothing. At least not on that level. Maybe lower."

Optimus Prime says, "Who would be the best choice to send on a tunnel exploration mission?"

Ultra Magnus says, "Twin Twist might have the knowhow but he's so disruptive. Perhaps it'd be better if we just sent a recon team."

Kup says, "How about the Technos?"

Kup says, "They lived underground for Primus knows how long, maybe they've already found the tunnel to Darkmount."

Optimus Prime says, "If Scattershot is willing."

Hot Rod considers. "Firestar's been down there a few times too.. Definitely the Technos, they're used to it, oh, and at least one person who can fly -- some of those dropoffs are nasty."

Ultra Magnus says, "That's them then. Scattershot can fly"

Kup nods to Magnus, "Strafe can fly also."

Firestar says, "Yes, but has anyone seen Strafe, or Nosecone, or Lightspeed lately?"

Ultra Magnus says, "I'm not sure I have, Firestar."

Optimus Prime says, "Scattershot has not and he is concerned about their welfare."

Kup says, "I think he'll be able to locate and would be willing to do this."

Optimus Prime says, "Our first priorities seem clear. Get a team to find a tunnel past Polyhex and then get a team to take down Trypticon."

You hear a knock on the door from AC Command Center.

Ultra Magnus transmits a message via radio.

Ultra Magnus receives a radio transmission.

Ultra Magnus transmits a message via radio to Nightshift.

Optimus Prime says, "As soon as we find that tunnel, we should send the team to take down Trypticon. After that, we will be able to attack Darkmount. Now, the question is, do we have the resources to do it?"

Ultra Magnus receives a radio transmission.

Kup says, "Even if we do find this mystery tunnel, can we get an assalut force through it?"

Optimus Prime says, "That is a very good question. One, perhaps, better tabled until we do find a tunnel."

Ultra Magnus says, "I think with a little help from our human allies we do."

Ultra Magnus says, "We mostly lack energon, not soldiers or weapons."

Kup says, "I agree with Magnus. Manpower isn't the problem... it's keeping the manpower powered that's the problem."

Firestar nods.

Optimus Prime says, "Then I would suggest we try and as much energon as possible. Do we current have arrangements with the humans on energon?"

Ultra Magnus says, "Actually, no. We get enough to keep Autobot City running, and enough to send to Iacon every so often, but human-Autobot relations are at a pretty low state."

Ultra Magnus says, "We do not have access to large amounts of their surplus energy."

Optimus Prime says, "Hmmm. That needs to change. There needs to be a way to get enough energon to power these assaults."

Kup says, "How about taking from the Decepticons?"

Ultra Magnus says, "No good Kup, unless we took it right before the major assaults. They'd just run to Earth and steal more."

Kup says, "They've taken enough from us we might as well show them that we've had enough."

Optimus Prime says, "Hot Rod will be in charge of the team searching for the tunnels. Elita will be in charge of the team to take down Trypticon. Kup, you are in charge of security for these missions. Ultra Magnus, I would like you to find a way to get us that energon, or find someone who can."

Ultra Magnus nods. "I'll start by talking with Carly."

Ultra Magnus says, "I'll see about locating the Decepticon's reserves as well"

Ultra Magnus says, "If we can take their energon at the same time we are getting ready to mount an attack, it would cripple them and they might even surrender"

Optimus Prime nods. "Good. Is there anything else that we need to consider before adjourning tihs meeting?"

Optimus Prime nods to Magnus . Ultra Magnus says, "Nothing related Optimus. I was sort of curious about your planned social programs and things of that nature."

Firestar says, "I'd like to at least get a satellite picture to use for recon..."

Kup says, "I'll arrange battle troops to divert con troops away from the targets... that's proabably the only way to help with those missions."

Ultra Magnus says, "I realize you want to end the war as quickly as possible, but there is so much more that is changing about us"

Optimus Prime says, "And the sooner we finish this war, the sooner we can concentrate on other things, Ultra Magnus. We are not in a peacetime situation here. We must be prepared to deal with that."

Arcee looks at Optimus, as though his mind is set and not going to change. "Why not at least allow the Decepticons a chance to talk before we implement all these warlike plans?"

Optimus Prime turns to Firestar. "See what you can get as far as satellite recon and other recon."

Optimus Prime turns to Arcee. "Rodimus already tried talking to them. I do not see that it has worked."

Ultra Magnus nods to Arcee, "It worked before. Shockwave actually sat at the table."

Firestar says, "Understood."

Ultra Magnus says, "Well, as much as I think it's irrelevant to how things should, Rodimus isn't you."

Ultra Magnus grimaces as he says that. Perhaps he wishes things actually were different.

Arcee says, "Galvatron may listen to you, how can you tell if you don't at least Try? It sounds like you've already made up your mind, as if you're on some kind of mission, to destroy the Decepticons. And Prime, its not like us to do that." Arcee seems determined and confident in what she says.

Ultra Magnus says, "That brings us back to a point we almost forgot."

Optimus Prime turns to Ultra Magnus, "Which is?"

Firestar says, "Were talking about the same Galvatron that used a plasma torch on me, just to spur the bots arrival, Arcee? Some man of peace."

Ultra Magnus says, "What will we do after we neutralize Trypticon, take their resources, and perform an attack they can't withstand. Assuming they surrender. What then?"

Arcee remains focused, looking at Optimus.

Optimus Prime says, "Then we take them to Charr and let them stay at their base there. AFTER we get them off Earth."

Ultra Magnus says, "Patience is not one of his virtues, Firestar."

Kup says, "All we have to do is drive them off Earth and Cybertron. After that we can switch back to a defensive stance and all be happy little beings living in peace with each other."

Firestar mutters something about the abscence of feces and a human fictional detective.

Optimus Prime says, "If you feel this strongly about this, Arcee, then I will arrange a talk with Galvatron. But after the fight in Japan, I do not expect anything but an attempt at war."

There is an extreme hint of sarcasm in Kup's tone.

Arcee says, "Well....*folds her arms* Okay then, Optimus. At least give them a chance for peace. If that doesn't work, then..." *takes a sigh and leaves it at that*

Firestar says, "Guys, we actually made some progress, may I suggest we adjourn at tha?"

Hot Rod looks up from his quiet contemplation at the end of the table. "I.. I don't think the Decepticons WANT peace. I tried the civil approach, but you heard Optimus. It's not working." He looks back down at the table, something else apparently bothering him, but not bringing it up. He mumbles, "Japan proved that.."

Optimus Prime receives a radio transmission from Tempest.

Ultra Magnus says, "Might I suggest we get as much recon done before we offer them peace"

Ultra Magnus says, "It will tip them off. And I agree that we adjorn."

Optimus Prime transmits a message via radio.

Optimus Prime frowns at his radio.

Ultra Magnus says, "Who is it Optimus, sounded like a human to me."

Optimus Prime says, "Tempest Mankiller?"

Ultra Magnus says, "Who?"

Ultra Magnus looks around at the others for some sort of knowledge of this name

Firestar says, "Militant leader...at least thats what weve heard..."

Scattershot enters from the Command Center to the south.

Ultra Magnus says, "Militants!"

Ultra Magnus stands up

Optimus Prime receives a radio transmission.

Scattershot strides back into the room.

Optimus Prime receives a radio transmission from Tempest.

Ultra Magnus says, "Optimus, what is she talking to you about? I can't advise trusting her more than you would Galvatron"

Optimus Prime transmits a message via radio.

Optimus Prime says, "She wishes to for an alliance."

Hot Rod scowls. "She's the leader of the group that tried to conquer Cybertron in the other reality. Don't trust her, whatever she's saying, Optimus."

Optimus Prime gets up from the table.

Scattershot waits a moment, to se what's being talked about before anything goes on.

Optimus Prime says, "Is it true she used to be an ally of the Decepticons?"

You say, "Yeah, I think they were."

Optimus Prime receives a radio transmission.

Ultra Magnus says, "As far as my intelligence has told me she wants to conquer Earth first, and then the rest of the universe. We are both obstacles to her designs."

Ultra Magnus says, "Us and the Decepticons."

You say, "They TRIED to con me over to their side just the other day -- guess they've had some kind of falling-out with Galvatron."

Hot Rod nods to Magnus. "Exactly. I'd trust her about as far as I could throw.. Trypticon."

Optimus Prime transmits a message via radio to Tempest.

Ultra Magnus says, "That is something else to consider, if we get rid of the Decepticons, that might open a power vacuum on Earth."

Optimus Prime says, "I am going to the Ark to meet with her and consider her offer of an alliance. At this time we cannot aford to waste any opportunities that might allow us to defeat the Decepticons more easily."

Ultra Magnus says, "Sadly, there are enough misguided humans who might vote her into control of the government or join her forces that it could become very bad if she were not playing against two fronts"

Optimus Prime transmits a message via radio.

Optimus Prime receives a radio transmission.

Ultra Magnus says, "Optimus, again I have to stress against this. If you have to go, I'm coming with you!"

You say, "Optimus, I'm tellin ya, she's just looking for a good place to put the knife."

Optimus Prime turns to Ultra Magnus. "I have been asked to take no more than one person with me. If you wish to be that person, then you may come."

Hot Rod scowls unhappily.

Caern enters from the Command Center to the south.

Optimus Prime looks at Hot Rod, something strange in his optics. "I will keep that under consideration. But I must try."

Ultra Magnus says, "If you are going to go, then it will have to be me."

Optimus Prime strides out of the room.

Optimus Prime leaves to the Command Center to the south.

Caern steps into the room and nods, "My apologies. I had pressing business elsewhere."

Firestar leaves to the Command Center to the south.

Ultra Magnus leaves to the Command Center to the south.

Caern watches the meeting break up, "I have apparently missed something."

Arcee leaves to the Command Center to the south.

Caern glances around, "Well?"

Caern sighs and shakes his head.

Caern leaves to the Command Center to the south.

You move south to the Command Center...

AC Command Center

Contents: Caern, Firestar

Caern glances over at Hot Rod, "Are you going to tell me what happened?"

Hot Rod shrugs heavily, scowling after Prime and Magnus. "Simple. We're going to war. Optimus wants me to get a team and find an underground route to Darkmount -- THAT'LL be fun.."

Caern scowls, "Not funny Rod."

Caern says, "What was the meeting really about?"

You say, "That's it. We were discussing strike points. Optimus want the Decepticons cleared out from Cybertron and Earth entirely."

Caern shifts uncomfortably.

Hot Rod sighs. "Not that I can see how we'll do it NOW, when we couldn't manage it in 11 million years of fighting, but he seems to know what he's doing.."

Caern says, "This has to be a joke. Why is it so very important to rout the Decepticons in all this time? Surely the Matrix would have told you how to accomplish it if it could be done."

Scattershot enters from the Meeting Room to the north.

You transmit a message to Optimus Prime: I'm moving to the edge of the Mt St Hilary perimeter. Yell if they try anything.

Scattershot grumbles a bit.

Hot Rod sets his jaw decisively. "I'm going to sit on the Ark perimeter until this thing with the Militants is settled. They may need backup. Anyone with me?"

Transmission from Optimus Prime: I do not think I will require assistance, but I will radio you if I do.

Caern glances over. He looks bothered.

Scattershot says, "I'll go wit ya, .. "He pauses and sets his optics on Hot Rod, "Who are ya?""

Scattershot grumbles, "'N where's Rodimus, I needta talk ta 'im."

Caern glances over at Scattershot and shakes his head slightly, "Its a long story."

Caern sighs, "Perhaps we should head to the Ark."

Caern leaves to the Main Lobby - First Floor to the west.

Hot Rod uhhs, "I am Rodimus. Was. Erm. What about it?"

Scattershot glares at Hot Rod, "No ya ain't." he mutters somethig to himself, "I just wanta know what 'es doing and why dis Optimus guy seems ta be runnin' tings."

You say, "Because I asked him to take over. And right now I'm headed to Mt St Hilary, you can join me if you want."

Scattershot looks at you and follows, "What's wit you, got some kinda big head, ya ain't Rodimus, I dont' know who ya are, but not Rodimus."

You say, "I WAS Rodimus."

You move west to the Main Lobby - First Floor...

Main Lobby - First Floor

Scattershot enters from the Command Center to the east.

Scattershot says, "Were not."

Scattershot tromps in after you.

Hot Rod sighs and turns around. "Scattershot, look at me. You think anyone ELSE has a paint job like this?"

Scattershot nods, "Yea, Afterburner."

Scattershot rubs his jaw, "It's jus' paint."

Hot Rod shakes his head. "You don't wanna believe me, fine. My name's Hot Rod and I'm going to the Ark. You're welcome to come along."

Jetskimmer enters from the Entrance to Autobot City to the west.

The jetskimmer's wings shift and pivot and vanish into a hidden compartment. When the transformation stops Caern stands before you.

Hot Rod transforms and blasts out the gateway.

Caern looks disturbed.

Caern calls, "Hot Rod...WAIT!!!"

Hot Rod pulls himself up short with an effort and a faint grimace of pain. "What??"

Caern says, "If you were planning to go to the Ark, don't."

Transmission from Ultra Magnus: We've run into a trap!

You say, "Why, what's going on?"

You transmit a message to Ultra Magnus: On our way--

Scattershot looks down at Hot Rod with a strong sense of disdain.

Caern says, "I was just there and stumbled into a ....tentative situation. I am afraid I have compounded it greatly. I don't know what would occur if you were to appear so soon after my departure."

Hot Rod jumps at his radio and bolts for the door again. "Magnus says it's a trap! C'mon, they need help!"

Hot Rod transforms into what can only be called a high-tech, flaming.. car.

Caern says, "I can't reach him Hot Rod."

You say, "I just DID! You don't trust me?"

You say, "Come ON!"

Scattershot transforms into what can only be called a high-tech, TechnoFighter.

Caern says, "Their radios are down. That's not it at all. We don't move in until we know what's happening though. Agreed?"

TechnoFighter transforms and starts to follow Hot Rod at full speed.

Flaming Car tears out the doorway. "Yeah, right, whatever!"



You move north to the Rocky Mountains...

Rocky Mountains

The mountain looks like it has lost its top. Literally. It seems to have erupted rather recently, lava burning thru the trees and greenry that once grew on its snow capped sides. Black rivers, some glassy, look like they are running down the sides. The jagged top of the once calm mountain smokes constantly now, spewing ash, soot and other debris into the air, almost choking you if you breathe.

The jetskimmer's wings shift and pivot and vanish into a hidden compartment. When the transformation stops Caern stands before you.

Caern says, "Hold up."

Hot Rod shifts into robot mode.

Scattershot transforms into his robot form.

Caern moves forward and takes up a defensive posture near the entrance.

Caern motions Scattershot to the other side.

Scattershot lands with a loud thud next to Hot Rod and Caern, "So, what're we doin'?" He swings his autocannon from subspace.

Hot Rod shifts his weight eagerly, trying to see inside the Ark, working his fists. "So what're we waiting for?"

Scattershot tromps to the other side, making no motions to be quiet.

Caern says, "We are waiting to see that we don't walk into a trap."

Hot Rod explodes, "We already KNOW it's a trap!"

You transmit a message to Ultra Magnus: We're right outside. What's going on?

Caern ignores him, "Scatter. You up for a scrape."

Scattershot ackles softly, "Always."

Caern says, "You take point then. You see anything you holler and we move in. We are here to back you up. No hero business Scatter."

Transmission from Ultra Magnus: We're under attack inside Mount St. Hillary! Get in here!

Scattershot shrugs, "Who said I'm a hero, I just wanna shoot sometin'"

You say, "That's it, Magnus says move in. Move in!"

Scattershot charges.

Caern pivots and moves forward.

Hot Rod charges past Caern, ignoring decorum, and bolts into the entrance.

Mount St. Hillary

Cavernous Entrance The light fades into shadows here, giving illusions of Decepticons roaming around in the darkness. The Ark's spotlight would once have shone here, illuminating the rest of the cavern, but it has long fallen to disuse. As you look around some more, you see an entrance to the bridge large enough to fit Omega Supreme to the northwest, and to the south east, you see the barren desert of Oregon.

Contents: Militant Vehicle , Militant Standard Troops #5862, Militant Standard Troops #5853, Chikome-Ollin, Ultra Magnus, Optimus Prime, Tempest, Aircraft 

Caern comes in through the cavernous entrance to the southeast.

Chikome-Ollin barks, "Militants, fan out and block their exits."

Scattershot comes in through the cavernous entrance to the southeast.

Optimus Prime moves towards Tempest, his optics narrowed . Scattershot charges in with a loud swinging his autocannon.

Optimus Prime looks at her armor, that she didn't have before, carefully.

Caern calls, "Autobots, cover fire. Scattershot clear that vessel out of the way." He points at the Repulsor.

Hot Rod yells, "I TOLD ya you couldn't trust em--!" slamming his shoulder against the Repulsor in anger.

A large Militant vehicle commonly referred to as the Repulsor, rather than it's long military number string. It's a 25 foot tall tower of strength and firepower, with various weapons mounted on two turrets at the fore and aft of the glossy black vehicle. The treads are half as tall as the Repulsor, covered by a protective layering of duotanium steel.

Tempest laughs, her eyes wild. "The fool and his court have arrived! finish this quickly!

Caern's autocannon spins to life, "This is a simple retrieval operation gentleman. Clear a path so our guys can get out. That's it."

Optimus Prime says, "Tempest, this is unnecessary..."

Scattershot heads for the Repulsor, shooting as though he loves this part.

Tempest lowers her artificial arm at Optimus Prime. "Obstacles must be removed. And the dead should stay dead."

Tempest strikes Optimus Prime with Missile.

Optimus Prime staggers back, the missile exploding against his chest.

Tempest looses a missile from the end of her arm and watchs with satisfaction as it finds her mark.

Caern turns and yells at Rod, "Stop gaping and get that blasted thing out of our way."

Scattershot heads around the Repulsor, blasting at it with acid pellets that sizzle and burn against the armor. He isn't paying attention to anything but slagging the ship.

Optimus Prime actually frowns again and reaches towards Tempest as he recovers from the blast.

Ultra Magnus runs and jumps to cover Op with his own body, from Tempest or Ollin's barrage

Hot Rod climbs up onto the Repulsor's treads, grabbing onto a laser turret and yanking back fiercely. "OPTIMUS! We're comin!"

Hot Rod snaps, "I AM, Caern!"

Optimus Prime succeeds in grasping Tempest, throwing her off-balance.

Optimus Prime manges to grab Tempest before Magnus gets between him and her.

Chikome-Ollin raises his arm, a shell sliding into his underarm mortar. "Militants, fire in the hole!" With a whoosh, the mortar shell launches into the air.

Ultra Magnus steps in between Ollin and Op then.

Tempest shouts with anger, pounding on whatever parts of Optimus she can reach.

Chikome-Ollin unleashes a wide-range blast, throwing all in the area off-guard!

Scattershot shouts odd pack cries as he assaults the ship, his energy sword igniting in his left hand while he continues firing with his right, not doing much to the ship, but putting up one terrific show.

Optimus Prime gets thrown back from Chikome's blast, inadveratntly squeezing the Militant in his hand.

Ultra Magnus falls forwards from the asssault.

Tempest says, "Put me down, you metal animal!"


 * CRACK*

Caern crouches down watching the spectactle and gapes in horror as he hears the sound.

Tempest feels the pressure constrict, then the splintering of her armor along the gash, and suddenly screams in pure agony.

Caern says, "By Primus."

Ultra Magnus gets to his knees again and aims his pistol at Chikome, "Back off!"

Optimus Prime turns to Tempest, his optics widening, as he gets back to his feet.

Hot Rod heaves the turret free of its moorings and hefts it over his head, pure fury lighting his optics-- and pauses.

Tempest continues to scream, dragging in sharp, ragged breaths, as sobs start to choke from her throat. Then the screams stop abruptly as the pain throws her into unconsciousness.

Ultra Magnus slowly pulls the trigger trying to hit the diminutive target.

Caern races forwards and leaps atop the tread of the repulsor and stands behind Rod.

Optimus Prime stares at Tempest for a moment, forgetting the battle around him.

Ultra Magnus misses Chikome-Ollin with his plasma attack.

From Militant Vehicle  Yuriko frantically plays with the controls as she tries to gain a lock on the robots...

Militant Vehicle  swivels towards Optimus Prime and locks on target.

Ultra Magnus says, "No! Optimus, move now!"

The splintered armor loses its presence in the real world and spins back into subspace with a purple glow, leaving her in her training clothes.

Optimus Prime carefully places Tempest on the ground, muttering "...forgive me..." or something that sounds like it.

Caern calls, "Optimus GET OUT OF THERE!!!"

Scattershot leaps onto the top of the ship and stomps across it, setting his feet against the hard steel and kicking at it as he continus his onslaught, "Bhahahah.." He laughs a bit maniacally to himself a cold grin across his face and optics blazing a brilliant white.

Chikome-Ollin's eyes narrow as he hears the scream, his attention turning to Optimus and Tempest. "Tempest!" He starts to move towards his fallen leader, the ground exploding behind him from Ultra Magnus' blast.

Tempest gangles limply in Optimus' grasp.

From Militant Vehicle  Yuriko's arms and hands flip switches and controls, she brings down a targeting scanner, she then locks onto Optimus Prime's legs. She mutters in japenese...

Optimus Prime gently puts the Warchief on the ground, his optics only focused on that.

Optimus Prime stands up slowly...

Tempest lies in a crumpled heap, hardly breathing.

Hot Rod yells, "Optimus, look OUT!"

Tempest's back is horribly twisted in the wrong direction.

Caern claws at the tank and the surround cliff face trying to pull himself over the Repulsor.

Yuriko powers up Militant Vehicle 's weapon array and fires it at Optimus Prime.

Optimus Prime turns slowly towards Hot Rod in what can only be incomprehension

Hot Rod throws himself at the swivelling turret.

Militant Vehicle  strikes Optimus Prime with cannon.

From Militant Vehicle  Yuriko closes her eyes and pushes the button.

Optimus Prime gets slammed in the back by the cannon.

Ultra Magnus says, "Optimus!"

Ultra Magnus stands up, in a real fury now.

Caern watches the impact in horror.

Hot Rod gets hung-up on one of the smaller guns and kicks himself furiously free, sliding down the side of the vehicle.

Caern manages to clear himself from the top of the tank and races towards Prime.

Tempest lies horribly still at Optimus' feet.

Optimus Prime's legs colapse underneath him as he takes the cannon shot in the knees

Ultra Magnus assumes a stance few have ever seen, and fewer want to remember, 32 feet of humoungous angry robot. He begins running toward the repulsor. "This ends now! Autobots, move!"

Ultra Magnus begins to pick up speed as he races toward the large vehicle.

Optimus Prime lands on his hands and grunts.

From Militant Vehicle  Yuriko says, "Chikome-san, I suggest you get honored Warlord Mankiller out from there..."

Scattershot is having a blast staggering about on top of the Repulsor at the moment.

Caern races towards the fallen Prime and coincidentally the stricken Militant leader.

Hot Rod rolls away with difficulty, extricating himself from the vehicle and scrambling to his feet.

Chikome-Ollin hurries to Tempest as the big obstacle that is Ultra Magnus gets out of his way. His voice barks rapidly, "Militants! Provide cover fire for Tempest!"

From Militant Vehicle  Yuriko starts swiveling the turret around to shake the robot off.

Ultra Magnus says, "I - SAID - MOVE!!!" as he runs up to the machine and slams into it, attempting to reach around and grasp it for leverage.

Tempest's breathing is shallow and ragged.

Caern comes alongside Optimus, "Get up Prime."

Chikome-Ollin barks, "Yuriko! Cease fire and let the Autobots go!"

Optimus Prime tries to get up, but his blown out knee joints refuse to cooperate.

Optimus Prime says, "Help me..."

Scattershot laughs as he continues firing, and stepping about. he suddenly vanishes over one side of the repulsor as his foot slips.

Caern reaches down and puts Prime's arm over his shoulder and tries to help him to his feet.

Hot Rod flanks Optimus's opposite side and grabs him by the upper arm. "C'mon, lean on us."

Optimus Prime leans on Caern and Hot Rod as they help him out of the Ark.

Chikome-Ollin kneels down next to Tempest. "Warlord! Just relax, we'll have you out of here in no time."

From Militant Vehicle  Yuriko frowns as she fiddles with the controls... "I was going to cover fire, changing orders to let the Autobots go?"

Tempest shows no sign of hearing.

Ultra Magnus puts his back into it, and actually manages to get the Repulsor off the ground a bit, with a mighty swing, he moves it across his body further to the interior and sets it down roughly.

Caern lumbers into a quick walk dragging Optimus with him as Hot Rod supports him from the other side.

Ultra Magnus says, "We are leaving, regardless of your orders."

Caern yells, "Scattershot, get off your aft and help him move that tank."

Chikome-Ollin barks, "Only fire on them if they continue to attack you. Otherwise let them go."

Scattershot grunts and comes scrambling up the other side of the tank, then vanishes again.

Ultra Magnus says, "Get Optimus out of here, now!"

Tempest's breath catches, then stops.

Scattershot hasn't a clue wha'ts going on, he just wants to shoot things and does so with a wicked vengeance.

Caern turns, "Hot Rod. Help me get him over the tank. Scattershot grab him from over there."

From Militant Vehicle  Yuriko gets shaken violently while Ultra shoves me aside...

Scattershot moves around the Repulsor from where he is and starts to push against it as hard as he can, then gets an idea.

Scattershot transforms into what can only be called a high-tech, TechnoFighter.

Optimus Prime lets himself be dragged along, almost listlessly

Chikome-Ollin pulls off his helmet, setting it aside. He flips the manual release on Tempest's helmet, pulling it clear of her.

You say, "Hang on, Caern.. I don't think there's room to get him over that.."

From Militant Vehicle  Yuriko growls, "I am not a door!"

Tempest is crumpled on the ground without armor.

Caern says, "We better make room or those organics are going to have us for lunch."

TechnoFighter turns his thrusters on full, trying to get his nosecone injust the right spot as he starts slowly moving against the repulsor, in what directionit's going, no idea.

Chikome-Ollin turns to the gumby troops. "Dammit, we need a Serpent over here now! She's not breathing!"

A medic detatches from the group of assembled troops and runs over to examine the fallen warlord.

Hot Rod grumbles, "I WARNED you... c'mon, Prime, this way."

Medic mutters to Ollin, "Not breathing.... could.... dying..."

Optimus Prime's hands clench briefly as he hears Hot Rod's comment and allows himself to be dragged out

Ultra Magnus gets upset with the slowness of things and runs back, attempting to carefully lift Prime onto his shoulders.

Caern turns and yells, "AUTOBOTS WE ARE LEAVING!!!!"

TechnoFighter continues, despite the fact he's not going much.

Caern leaves to the Rocky Mountains to the southeast.

The Serpent Medic works frantically to perform CPR and resuscitation.

Chikome-Ollin shoves the medic angrily. "No! She can't be dead! Bring her back or... Just bring her back!"

Optimus Prime glances back at the humans...

Hot Rod clambers over the edge of the treads and braces himself on solid ground, tugging insistently.

Optimus Prime's optics tighten.

TechnoFighter's vocalizer growl is almost louder than his engines as he continues pressing against the repulsor with little result, excpet perhaps pushing it slighly on its treads.

Optimus Prime leaves to the Rocky Mountains to the southeast.

You move southeast to the Rocky Mountains...

Rocky Mountains

Contents: Optimus Prime, Caern

Ultra Magnus enters from the Cavernous Entrance to the northwest.

You say, "They attacked you. It's not our fault."

Ultra Magnus says, "Hold on, Optimus. Just hold on. Hot Rod, see if a medic is around."

Ultra Magnus bends backwards, his limbs forming a boxy trailer, as his torso becomes the cab of a large car-carrier.

Caern says, "Save it Rod. Lets burn rubber."

Optimus Prime shakes his head. "I killed the human..." he says in a shaken voice

Car-carrier says, "Put him on top of me and secure him."

Caern hops up atop Magnus and motions for them to push Prime up to him.

Car-carrier says, "Optimus, she is no better than Galvatron or Megatron at his worst. You would not hesitate to kill them in self-defense, snap out of it. She is no better!"

Optimus Prime receives a radio transmission.

Hot Rod nods sharply and heaves, struggling against Optimus's far greater mass but fortunately the height isn't too great.

Caern reaches down and pulls Optimus atop the car carrier. He works quickly and secures Optimus before jumping down. "We are go Magnus. Roll out."

Caern leaps nimbly into the air. His form begins to shift and twist until he has become a speedy jetskimmer.

Optimus Prime has left.

Car-carrier nods and engages his engine

You say, "It was self-defense, Optimus. I told you you couldn't trust em."

Car-carrier leaves to the Environs of San Francisco to the south.

Jetskimmer arcs up into the air.

Jetskimmer leaves to the Environs of San Francisco to the south.

TechnoFighter enters from the Cavernous Entrance to the northwest.

Hot Rod transforms into what can only be called a high-tech, flaming.. car.

You move south to the Environs of San Francisco...

Outskirts of San Francisco

Contents: Jetskimmer, Car-carrier

From inside Car-carrier, Optimus Prime says, "He may be injured."

Car-carrier says, "Radio him and have him get out of there. If he doesn't answer and doesn't show up, tell me immediately."

TechnoFighter enters from the Rocky Mountains to the north.

Car-carrier says, "Ah, nevermind."

Car-carrier rolls down the highway towards Autobot City

Car-carrier passes through the gates to enter Autobot City.

Jetskimmer races through the air towards the city.

Jetskimmer passes through the gates to enter Autobot City.

Scattershot transforms into his robot form.

Metroplex Entrance to Autobot City

You move east to the Main Lobby - First Floor...

Main Lobby - First Floor

Contents: Caern, Car-carrier, Tyrannosaurus

Hot Rod shifts into robot mode.

Car-carrier drives in carrying Optimus on top of him.

Caern strides in a hurry.

Caern says, "Grimlock, transform."

Car-carrier comes to a full stop and waits for Optimus to be unloaded.

Caern says, "Optimus is injured and needs help getting down."

From inside Car-carrier, Optimus Prime says, "I ... will be fine..."

Caern leaps back atop the car-carrier and begins undoing the straps that hold Optimus in place.

Dixie enters from the Repair Bay to the south.

Hot Rod climbs up onto Magnus. "Course you will be. C'mon, let's get to medbay."

Caern motions to Hot Rod, "Help me get him down."

Dixie says, "What happened to y'all?"

Car-carrier says, "Ambush."

Optimus Prime has arrived.

Dixie says, "Come on. Lets get down to the med bay."

Car-carrier waits until everyone is off of him, and then transforms!

Caern gently lowers Optimus down to the waiting hands of the other Autobots.

The car-carrier transforms, pulling up into the form of Ultra Magnus, surrounding the cab as the trailer breaks up into limbs.

Optimus Prime allows himself to be liffted down, his knee joints literally blow to pieces and the bottom parts of his legs barely hanging on.

Caern jumps down.

Hot Rod keeps an arm around Optimus's back, letting him lean on him.

Optimus Prime says, "It was a tactical error... One that shall not be repeated..."

Caern moves into the MedBay.

Caern leaves to the Repair Bay to the south.

Optimus Prime allows himself to be taken to the repair bay.

Dixie leaves to the Repair Bay to the south.

Optimus Prime leaves to the Repair Bay to the south.

Out of nowhere, something slips on through the room, looking about curiously.

Ultra Magnus leaves to the Repair Bay to the south.

You move south to the Repair Bay...

Repair Bay

Contents: Ultra Magnus, Optimus Prime, Dixie, Caern

Dixie looks around

Caern helps Optimus up on to the table.

Dixie goes over to Prime and looks him over.

Caern steps out of the way and moves over to stand by Magnus.

Dixie tentatively touches him in a few areas. "This is definitely not good."

Ultra Magnus waits for a final analysis on the severity of his condition, he remains silent however so as not to disturb

Winged Raptor enters from the Main Lobby - First Floor to the north.

Winged Raptor comes in rather close to the ground, moving near Ultra Magnus and hopping up on a table so she can whisper to him.

Dixie starts to patch up the leaking energon from his legs first.

Ultra Magnus nods to Syke.

Dixie begins work on Optimus Prime's injured areas, working carefully to repair the internal damage.

Optimus Prime turns to Hot Rod, "Forgive me for not listening to you."

Winged Raptor looks at Optimus, twisting her head this way and that curiously, but saying absolutely nothing, only the tip of her tail moving.

Dixie moves to the other side of the table to work on Prime's other leg

Hot Rod shakes his head. "Don't say that. It happened." His expression grows dark, "They attacked us, they deserve what they get."

Caern shifts uncomfortably.

Optimus Prime's optics darken for a moment. "We should be protecting the humans. Not killing them."

Ultra Magnus says, "That wasn't an attack, it was an ambush. They went off to get ready for it"

Dixie looks up for an instant

Ultra Magnus says, "Optimus, she may be human, but she is hardly undeserving of her fate. Is intent and conviction a deciding factor?"

Hot Rod says fiercely, "Not them. They'll do everything they can to destroy US if they can. We're perfectly in our rights to defend ourselves."

Winged Raptor lays down on her 'stomach' and dangles her foreclaws across the front edge of the table, just looking at Optimus.

Dixie draws closer to his legs, trying to see some hidden places

Optimus Prime lays silent for a few moments.

Dixie gives up and pulls closer a movable lamp.

You say, "You didn't even mean to hurt her. She SHOT at you. You're not to blame."

Caern turns, "I need to go check some readings. I doubt they'll strike at us here but I want to make sure everything is in readiness if they do."

Caern moves towards the door.

Winged Raptor has no idea what anyone is talking about.

Ultra Magnus nods absently.

Winged Raptor mutters to Ultra Magnus, "... happened?"

Optimus Prime says, "They have threatened revenge for the murder."

Caern nods and steps out of the room.

Caern leaves to the Main Lobby - First Floor to the north.

Ultra Magnus mutters to Winged Raptor, "... Optimus.... killed... he picked... up... gunned down."

Ultra Magnus says, "The only attempted murder was the one they attempted on you."

Ultra Magnus says, "On our own property, I have half a mind to blow the Ark up if they are still in it."

Ultra Magnus must be really angry to talk like that.

Dixie raises an eyebrow but keeps to his work.

Dixie moves down to the rest of the lower leg.

Dixie begins work on Optimus Prime's superficial damage, bringing him back up to full strength.

Winged Raptor growls, "You know, the humans don't take it well, remember when Chikome attacked me and they put me in their rig." She goes intoa slight whine, "Then when I found him and he captured me and gave me to the Quints."

Dixie finishes up on Prime's legs and heads up towards his chest damage.

Ultra Magnus says, "I did not know that, but in light of their sad honorless showing today, I can understand them well."

Hot Rod says coldly, "She deserved what she got."

Ultra Magnus says, "May her god have mercy on her soul, if she has one."

Winged Raptor growls,"They did and I have them to think for my less than... autobotlike... tendecies at times."

Optimus Prime says, "I am not sure anyone deserves that..."

Winged Raptor looks to Optimus again.

Optimus Prime sits up from his position on the table.

Dixie gets up from Prime to inspect his work.

You say, "And if she'd killed you? Then what?"

Dixie nods and steps away to give him some room.

Optimus Prime doesn't answer Hot Rod's question.

Optimus Prime says, "We need to get to our job of stopping the Decepticons."

Ultra Magnus says, "Then it would not be us making plans to get rid of the Decepticons, we would be making plans to defend ourselves from them."

Hot Rod frowns slightly but doesn't comment.

Optimus Prime turns to Hot Rod, "Can you see what you can find out about the tunnels on Cybertron?"

Ultra Magnus's optics glaze over and his gaze tunes out, "It would be the Exodus all over again." He shudders slightly, at a certain point in his memory.

Winged Raptor looks over the others curiously.

You say, "..Yeah. Sure. I can head to Cybertron tonight if you want."

Winged Raptor just looks at Optimus.

Optimus Prime nods to Hot Rod. "Whenever you feel comfortable with it."

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

Krystal moves carefully, the heavy cloak masking the majority of her stiff motions.

You say, "I'll get together a team and get going as soon as possible."

Ultra Magnus hears something which snaps him out of his reverie of private memories and looks around, spying Krystal.

Krystal arches an eyebrow and glances back at Ultra Magnus with a slightly quizzical expression on her face.

Winged Raptor just watches Optimus. Krystal looks away finally and turns her attention to the rest present.

Optimus Prime looks at Krystal. "I do not believe we have met."

Optimus Prime says, "I am Optimus Prime.. And you are?"

=
====================== Rumors ==============================

Message: 8/7                      Posted        Author

Murderer? Mon Oct 07   Anonymous

You won't believe this, but I heard that the Autobot Leader -- you know, the big hero Optimus Prime --? I heard he *killed* a human! With his bare hands! Just picked her up and broke her in half. I knew something would have to go wrong when those big Bots brought a guy back from the dead. He's got no respect left for life. He's gone nuts. Look out, or you might be his next victim!

=
===========================================================

=
===================== Reports ===============================

Message: 9/5                      Posted        Author

Article from _SF Rep._            Mon Oct 07    Melinda Lossman

Headline: OPTIMUS RETURNS!

byline: Melinda Lossman

AUTOBOT CITY -- Optimus Prime, renowned leader of the Autobot faction, and alien protector first to make contact with the UN, has returned from the dead, unbelievable as it may sound. According to Prime himself, a new body was recently built for him, and his memories retrieved from a "certain source that held the best retention." Prime credits Autobot Medic and scientist, and apparently miracle worker, Whiz for the bit of "brilliant neurosurgery" that made Prime's comeback a success. Optimus resumed the mantle of leadership from Rodimus Prime, who lead the Autobots in his "absence". Rodimus, once again going by the name Hot Rod, was reportedly all to happy to give up the responsibilities of leadership, even though Optimus said that he did a "fine job", and that the Autobots were "closer to finding peace now than ever before." The transfer of leadership, which was Rodimus Prime's idea, went smoothly, according to Autobot Historan Night Thunder. Optimus himself reports full health and good spirits. "I had no feeling of being dead," he said. "Therefore, being alive doesn't feel any different." Although most Autobots claimed it is too soon to tell what effect Prime's return will have on the Autobot/Decepticon war, many reported feeling that their morale was raised, and that they felt uplifted by Optimus Prime's presence. Optimus himself seemed poised, confident, and apparently untouched by the worshipful glances some of his troops bestowed upon him. Instead, he renewed his resolve to keep the Earth safe from any attack. From the power and control eminating from his impressive red frame, one has little doubt he can live up to that promise.

=
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Ultra Magnus gathers himself together and heads out of the bay.

Ultra Magnus leaves to the Main Lobby - First Floor to the north.

Transmission from Scattershot: I know da catacombs well....

You transmit a message to Scattershot: Great, you're volunteering then?

Transmission from Scattershot: yea, me 'n my team.

Transmission from Scattershot: where ya need me? and who da heck are ya 'gain I dont' tink I got yer name.

Dixie says, "My job here is done. Good luck with whatever is coming up for y'all"

You transmit a message to Scattershot: *sigh* Hot Rod.

Transmission from Scattershot: Ok, Hot Rod, den where ya need me?

Dixie nods to everyone and starts to walk out

Dixie leaves to the Main Lobby - First Floor to the north.

You transmit a message to Scattershot: Meet me on the landing pad in a bit..

Transmission from Scattershot: Yea, on my way.

Optimus Prime watches Krystal carefully

Krystal glances at Ultra Magnus.

Optimus Prime says, "What can I help you with?"

Optimus Prime asks Krystal that.

Hot Rod jumps, then realizes he's not the target of the question.

Krystal receives a radio transmission.

Krystal glances quickly at Hot Rod, and clears her throat. Smiling slightly, she shakes her head, "Nothing, Optimus Prime...I was just checking on something..."

-

From: Optimus Prime                                           (Conn)

Date: Mon Oct 7 23:33:17 1996    Folder:  0   Message: 7

Status: Unread

Subject: Current Orders

-

Hot Rod is leading a team into the underground tunnels of Cybertron to see if there is one that leads underneath Polyhex to Darkmount. Ultra Magnus is in charge of getting enough energon for the assault. Elita-1 and Arcee are in charge of geting a team to take down Trypticon. Kup and Caern are in charge of security for these missions. Firestar is in charge of recon. Notify me when you have your plans and your information and we shall have another meeting to discuss and finalize details.

War Council Mail sent by: Optimus Prime.

-

Optimus Prime nods to Krystal.

Krystal nods curtly in respect and turns to leave.

Krystal leaves to the Main Lobby - First Floor to the north.

You move north to the Main Lobby - First Floor...

Main Lobby - First Floor

Contents: Firestone, Gold, Whiz, Tyrannosaurus

Whiz looks up from her thoughts. "Hey."

You say, "Hey?"

Whiz says, "Yeah, like 'Hi'. Hey."

Whiz says, "Heard you got into a scrape."

Hot Rod grunts, "Yeah, a scrape."

Whiz's optics dart back to the clasp on her toolkit, noticing that a scrap of newpaper still sticks out of it.

Whiz pokes irritatedly at the scrap, trying to tuck it back into the seam.

Gold looks up at Hot Rod, her face damp, looking somewhat forlorn and lost at the moment, not to mention a tad haggard. She then looks down at the floor and quietly shuffles out of main view, not seeking to intrude herself.

Whiz gets irritated and yanks the article from the toolkit furiously, glaring at the words again as if she's expecting them to change.

Gold says quietly, "What does the article say, Whiz?"

You say, "Whuzzat, Whiz?"

Whiz grimaces. "It's just a stupid misunderstanding, and a perfect invitation for a bunch of Decepticons to come gunning for me."

Whiz says, "For no stupid reason."

Whiz snaps the paper open and points to the article.

Mosaic enters from the Repair Bay to the south.

Whiz practically snarls, "Look, it's the girl who brings back dead people. It's not*my* fault he's alive again."

Hot Rod scans over the article quickly. "Oh. Uhm, well.. you DID figure it out when the rest of us couldn't."

You say, "Not your *fault*?"

Whiz says, "I didn't figure *anything * out. I -- oh, you wouldn't understand."

Hot Rod frowns. "If you say so.."

Mosaic comes out of medbay, wiping energon off of her hands.

Whiz grouchily stuffs the article into he toolkit again, until she can decide on something suitably horrible to do to it.

Mosaic says, "Is there a problem?"

Whiz says, "I tell ya, he sure came back *stupid*."

You say, "Huh?"

Whiz says, "Took the Matrix back when it's obviously such a burden, walks into a Decepticon trap, walks into a Militant trap, starts fights by promoting people all over the place, and now goes off and points the finger at me as the one who figured out some kind of Lazarus process, when it was everyone else who did all the work, and me who just made a mistake."

Whiz says, "I'm jsut wondering how he lasted as long as he did in the first place."

You say, "Well, he's.. still adjusting. What mistake are you talking about?"

Whiz grumbles something under her breath.

Whiz says, "Still adjusting? He gets weirder every day."

Firestone says, "Mmm."

You say, "Weird how? He didn't know about the Militants."

Whiz says, "Why didn't he listen to you then?"

Whiz says, "*You* would never make a mistake like that."

Mosaic nods in agreement. "I'd have to agree with her, Rodi..er, Hot Rod."

Hot Rod shifts uncertainly, "Yeah, well, everyone has to learn from mistakes.. he's never run into anything like them, so.."

Whiz says, "I'd better check your optics. I think you have a bad case of selective blindness."

Whiz smirks.

You say, "What's that supposed to mean?"

Whiz says, "Hey, you said yourself that everybody's got to learn from mistakes. Not find reasons why they weren't mistakes in the first place."

Whiz says, "I *know* I made a mistake the minute I stepped in that laboratory. At least I can admit it."

You say, "Well, he admitted it was a mistake too."

Trailbreaker enters from the Main Lobby - Second Floor above.

Nightshift walks in. "W'sup, y'all?"

Whiz hrms. "Nothin'."

Trailbreaker steps off the Gravlift. "Hi everybody."

Nightshift says, "What up, TB?"

Trailbreaker smirks, "Not too much, Nightshift."

Nightshift nods.

Hot Rod frowns in Whiz's general direction but doesn't offer comment.

Nightshift leans up against a wall.

Whiz says, "Well, I'm going to go perfect my miracle resurrection technique that Optimus decided to rave about in the newpaper, so that when all the Decepticons come after me, they don't kill me because I can't repeat it."

You say, "Oh, it's not that bad, Whiz. Newspapers exaggerate everything."

Whiz's face twists. "You just don't *get* it, do you? It's a big reminder that I did something awful, and I didn't even *succeed* at it!"

Nightshift says, "S'truth, man. Don't trip over it."

Whiz kicks angrily at the floor. "I don't even want to talk about it."

You say, "Whiz, what on Earth are you talking about?"

Nightshift raises his hands in surrender. "Aw'ight, aw'ight..."

Whiz's mouth works for a minute, as if she wants to say something, but she snaps it shut again. "Some of us have problems we can't run away from."

Hot Rod scowls. "Whiz.."

Whiz hrmphs. "Okay, okay. I'm supposed to be the cheerful one. I'll try to stop wallowing."

Hot Rod demands, "Wallowing in WHAT? What're you talking about?"

Whiz says, "I'm allowed to have my own problems instead of solving everyone else's all the time, okay?"

Nightshift says, "Question's on my mind, too, homegirl. Wha's eatin' you?"

You say, "So then it's out turn to help solve yours. What is it?"

Whiz grrrs. "Fine. Fine, let's all share the burden. I didn't go in there to fix him. But I accidentally did. so it's all fine and good for him to call me a genius, but I'm really just the same old Whiz who never has anuything turn out the way she wants it to, and because of my accident, now Dreamflight is dead and this whole palce is turned upside down following a dead guy who acts stranger every day. And every stupid problem of yours, and every problem that has come out of this, has all come from my one decision to walk into that room. *That* is what's wrong with me.

Whiz says, "Maybe *your* life has gotten much better, which I doubt, but mine has really taken a downhill slide straight to crapville!"

Nightshift says, "What'chou talkin', Whiz. You sayin' Prime ain't all there?"

Whiz says, "Is anyone who calls me brilliant all there?"

Hot Rod opens and closes his mouth a few times, blown over.

You say, "Then.. you.. but.. he's not.. I don't.."

Nightshift says, "Not disputin' that, homegirl, but that's a pretty serious prognosis. Got any other proof t'back it up?"

Whiz shakes her head. "No. The tests checked out."

Tyrannosaurus yawns and stretches.

Nightshift says, "Stuff can be deceivin'... Hot Rod, you notice any wack behavior from Prime? Anybody else?"

Tyrannosaurus growls, "Me Grimlock not notice anything."

You say, "Well.. no, not really..."

Nightshift says, "Well, I don't know what comin' back from shutdown's like, but there's no tellin' what after-effects it had on 'im. This could just be natural reaction."

Whiz says, "Then I was right all along, because he sure isn' the Autobot I've always read about."

Tyrannosaurus shrugs. "Me not see him much, he always busy with Caern or Elita or someone else other than me Grimlock..."

Nightshift says, "Correct me if I'm wrong, G, but weren't you an' him pretty tight back in the days?"

Tyrannosaurus growls, "Me Grimlock get along with Optimus."

Nightshift says, "Well, that MIGHT be somethin'..."

Tyrannosaurus shrugs. "Maybe he just busy, he got few years to catch up on..."

You say, "He's just trying to do what he thinks is best under the circumstances, Whiz. Same as.. anyone else.. in his position would."

Nightshift says, "Look, y'all, I ain't sayin' for sure that Whiz's on the money, but t'be on the safe side, maybe we oughta keep the optics open, know what I'm sayin'?"

Tyrannosaurus growls, "Me Grimlock think that maybe good idea."

Hot Rod bristles, "Oh, you don't trust him now? What's he gonna do, betray us to the Cons?"

Whiz grumbles, "Not on purpose."

Tyrannosaurus frowns. "Uh oh."

Nightshift says, "Yo, Rod, it ain't like that, man."

Whiz says, "He'll just say something to a reporter somewhere about Metroplex's defenses being down for a day and then *poof* we're under attack."

Tyrannosaurus has disconnected.

You say, "Oh, he's not stupid, Whiz. Give him some credit."

Whiz says, "You'll see when I get stolen into slavery and have to reanimate legions of dead crazy Decepticons."

Nightshift says, "Yeah, gotta admit, Whiz, tossin' defense status to the public's a bit of a stretch."

Trailbreaker smirks, "Just tell'em I did all the work, Whiz, I'll take the credit if you don't want to."

Whiz grimaces. "All yours, take it."

Nightshift says, "Look, y'all, Whiz's got a point. Prime's news bite may've put a crosshairs on her."

Hot Rod frowns oddly. He mutters to Whiz, "... *were*... doing... the..."

Whiz senses "Hot Rod frowns oddly. "What.. *were* you doing in the lab, then?""

Whiz clams up immediately, her whole body stiffening slightly.

Whiz mutters to Hot Rod, "*Dusting*."

Whiz whispers "*Dusting*."

Hot Rod scowls a bit more deeply. "Dusting?"

Whiz says, "Dusting."

Whiz says, "Wouldn't want to have a dusty corpse, would you?"

Whiz growls and heads off into the Repair Bay.

Whiz leaves to the Repair Bay to the south.