Pyramid Scheme

Egypt. Home of the Great and Wondrous Pyramids. Look at them. Standing there, tall and proud and looking more like they are destined for great things and to continue to do so for generations to come. It is a wonder, then, why there's a large convoy of vehicles headed in their direction. Sand is kicked up by tires, especially the tires of the massive missile trailer that has taken the lead on this particular mission. Speaking of... just what /is/ this mission, anyway?

"Combaticons. Decepticons. Together, you join me on the first of many assignments. You see, while those Foolish Autobots have decided to put the bulk of their so-called heroic efforts into reclaiming Cybertron... I have decided to take it upon myself to take and claim something for myself. Earth." Onslaught's voice rings out to those listening and perhaps even across the short-wave radio. "I thank each and every one of you for your assistance in this plan. By aligning yourself with my incredibly strategic and tactical mind, I can guarantee a victory this day. A victory that shall be the first of many. And it is this victory that will assist in the Decepticolonization of this planet. From there, it will lead to Terran genocide. And that, my friends and colleagues, will put us in the perfect position to remake this planet in our own image." Onslaught's overspeech just continues to flow and he hasn't even gotten to the plan yet. Perhaps, though, that is why he puts on his brakes. Not to mention that the destination of the Pyramids has been reached.

The gigantic trailer has been carrying something that has been hidden beneath a few tarps and bungee cords. Whatever is being held down must be something that Onslaught needs to make this plan work. "Join me. All of you. In what will be the grandest Pyramid Scheme this Universe will ever have known!" The bungee cords pop and the tarps blow off to reveal crates upon crates upon crates of small plastic boxes and sharpies.

"ENERGYPTIAN COTTON!"

Translation: Destroy Pyramids. Box Up Pyramid Bricks. Transport Back to HQ. Turn Pyramid Bricks into Energon Laced Cotton. Sell.

If he were in robot mode Swindle would roll his optics a bit at Onslaught having to over-explain the plan as usual. Nope, no surprise there. The jeep just keeps trucking alongside the missile truck. Come on Onslaught, get to the good part.

Oh there it is.

"And then we sell it for twice what it's worth to some shmucks that don't bother to look inside the box. Have you been reading my notes again Onslaught?" Though the way Swindle chuckles is more in amusement than anything else. "Just let me check with our tour guides."

The jeep's glove compartment opens and a small actuator arm reachs out to pull the cloth gag off one of the tied up humans riding in his seats. By the look of the dirty pith helmet and rugged multi-pocketed vest beneath the bundled ropes she looks like she's some sort of archeologist. Almost immeadiately she starts cussing and yelling at her captors. "You fiends! We only recently uncovered that set of pyraminds when the sands shifted a month ago. Their potential historical treasures have not been archived yet! You could be destroyi--mmmphhrrrgh!" And the arm shoves the gag balled up back in her mouth.

"Stow it sisters. That they're not a big mark on the maps yet is -exactly- why we're claiming your little pet project. No one will know the difference. Compared to the big famous ones out there everyone already knows about and would -notice- going -missing-."

Not part of the convoy, because he just works that way, and given what Onslaught is up to will likely attract unwanted attention, Discord has no intention of being at the centre of a battle (or anywhere near it for that matter). Instead he plans to help provide cover for Onslaught as best he can. And so an Egyptian Police car (honest) pulls up outside the cities most notorious jail (or at least the one closest to the pyramids). Right outside the main gate. the police driver gets out and starts talking with one of the prison guards.

Discords 'police officer' (who is being well paid, least he thinks he is) talks shop with the guard for a moment, long enough for Discord to get holographic cover in place so nobody spots the officer 'dispose' of the guard. Hiding the body, the officer then unlocks the prison gates, heading inside to give Discord access to the non-wireless security systems within. There might be a crime spree soon.

Space Shuttle  flies far overhead. Given that a very fast and very conspicious space shuttle might stand out a bit too much, he soars through the clouds, waiting for the signal to drop down and assist. WHY they're here, he's still not entirely sure.... messing around with the lowly fleshling's giant mudhouses seems like such a tedious, messy, annoying chore. But... Onslaught's plans usually produce something worthwhile, or so he has always believed, so the shuttle follows orders. Hearing a command to engage, he does just that, flying down as clouds whiz by his line of sight. He transforms into root mode and lands nearby Onslaught and Swindle's location. "You... expect us to do "grunt work", Onslaught? Is this what being a mighty space warrior such as myself comes down to?" He shakes his head, annoyed. ___   ___    _____   ___   _   _  | _ )  / _ \  |_   _| / __| | | | | | _ \ | (_) |   | |   \__ \ |_| |_| |___/  \___/    |_|   |___/ (_) (_)

EDC lives up to its name by maintaining a global presence, and one such arm of their domain is within the sweltering deserts of the Middle East proper. Naturally, they are quick to call in objects flying about that do not match the profiles of known friendly aircraft. So, Onslaught can blame the eyes-in-the-sky for the alert that went out. Of course, the ground-pounders are the sneaky ones, and the presence of one does not always lead the new guy on the radar to assume there could be more, and the priority was a lower call for a surveillance flyby. Point for the Cons! Onslaught's remarks about the Bots being spread thin is very true, but thin does not always mean unavailable, and that is why one particular mech arrives on-station, optical visor scanning for the UFO that blipped Cairo's radar watchdogs. <> Sky Lynx drops altitude as he continues to scan the surrounding area. <>

Rodimus Prime stands somewhere in the hangar bay/stomach of the lynx portion that makes up the second half of Sky Lynx. Scanning the ground below as the pair speeds towards the coordinates of the distress signal, Rodimus shakes his head. "Are you kidding? It was either this or a meeting with the Retoris Better Business Council. I'll take bahing Combaticons any day. Let's go ahead and buzz 'em, Lynx. Let them know we're here." Rodimus transforms into his RACING WINNEBAGO mode and revs his engines. "I never was much for the direct approach."

Rodimus Prime transforms into his Cybertronian Racing Winnebago  mode.

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Avalanche follows the /truckin' convoy/, making sure to keep an optic out for trouble. With this many vehicles, the Autobots are BOUND to notice their activities. "Lets to be getting this underway, comrades!" Calls the Tiger-con from the rear. Indeed, the desert is hard enough to traverse for the Decepticon. His mass usually makes him sink into the sand, but atleast in his tiger mode, the effects are not so noticable.

Onslaught makes with the dumping of the materials out into the sand with the quickness, before he turns his attention to the fact that there's going to be some serious action coming down the pipeline soon. He's come to expect some sort of interference every time he has a plan. Which is why he's already deciding to start giving out orders.

"Most of you know what to do. I'm sure we'll be getting company soon enough. Blast Off. You keep an optic out. Spot anything? Engage and Destroy. Everyone else? Destroy and Keep Swindle alive." Of course, because Swindle is the key to this entire operation. Or at least the longevity part of it.

"As for me? I will supervise and provide a location for the bricks to be dropped. And, if need be, I will call for the Big Guns." Onslaught would likely be smiling if he weren't in his truck mode. Which he isn't. For long. Because he's shifting and twisting and growing(?) into his enormous awkward and out of place looking battle station mode.

"Decepticons? DECEIVE!" ... there really has to be a better catch phrase for these guys.

Cybertronian Reformatting Sequence Initiated Variable Guise Access Code: 1090 Combaticon Command Center, Brutal Battlestation!

"And that is why I brought 'insurance'," Swindle adds as he pulls to a stop next to Onslaught as the commander transforms into his awesome bunker form, and transforms himself. When he stands up he's got the archeologist and her aide held by their ropes in one hand. "You know how Autobots are about getting gunhappy around human hostages, after all."

The poor lady just squirms and growls some more muffled cussing through her gag. The aid on the other hand looks abosutely terrified.

Swindle takes note of this, and frowns a bit. "I do hope you didn't soil my designer leather seat covers in your fright. Ugh, why must humans have their worst bodily functions tied to being scared." He shrugs a bit and starts walking towards the base of the pyramid.

As luck would have it his tan and grey coloration actually blends into the sandy landscape a bit.

As his corrupt police office gets into the server room of the prison (well he is an actual police officer, so nobody stops him for longer than it takes to check his credentials), Discord gets patched in by wireless USB dongle (USB34.0 that is) to the prisons security systems. Once in he commences systematically hacking it apart, till in a very short time the doors to the guards armoury locks itself (for now) and all the cell doors and all the various security doors open, letting every criminal walk right out there cells and closer to freedom. And yet, no alrms go off (well got to count to ten and give them a fair head start).

Discords police officer meanwhile has made a beeline for the exit he came in from, and gets back into Discord right after he shoots a guard who has come looking for the first guard. Well, no need for subtlety now. Still hacking the security systems so that when the criminals reach them they get access to the armourys, Discord pulls off and heads for the local police station.

The jeep flips back and up, revealing a lean mean black market machine. Combat: Swindle sets his defense level to Guarded.

F-35 Lightning II  flies into the area to support the Combaticons! And Discord. Maybe they can just pretend that Discord is Brawl. And then staple some rotor blades to Contrail, who can tell the difference between her and Vortex, anyway?

Eh.

In any case, the Autobots will be able to see her coming and shoot at her and such.

Combat: F-35 Lightning II  sets her defense level to Protected.

Combat: Combaticon Command Center  sets his defense level to Guarded.

Space Shuttle  nods to Onslaught. Okay, that is MUCH better. Blast Off approves of THIS use of his skills. Plus- less muddy, messy, dirty grunt work. It would chip his paint job, after all. The Combaticon shuttleformer flies up above one of the pyramids, scanning the area. Soon- there's a blip. A rather *familar* blip. Well... things just got interesting. <> Blast Off transforms and speeds towards Sky Lynx in shuttle mode. He would prefer not to outright attack Sky Lynx right now, but orders are orders, and there's no doubt the Autobots have come to stop them. But he will extend one courtesy to his fellow sophisticate shuttle. "Sky Lynx. Retreat at once or I shall open fire."

Combat: Space Shuttle  sets his defense level to Protected.

 Blast Off says, "We have company. Sky Lynx is coming this way, with an unknown number aboard."

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 Swindle says, "Well this is a fine oppritunity."

 Russian wrecking machine Avalanche says, "Let them come, I will BREAK them."

 Swindle says, "Injure Sky Lynx solidly enough and they'll have one less possible transport to interfere in the salvage operation tomorrow."

 Discord says, "Please be aware that this channel is not secure at this time. I will endeavour to correct this shortly."

Sky Lynx is paying attention to the scenery and radio chatter. Both of which are important in this case... > He spies the humans nearby Swindle and scowls inwardly...but his passengers will have to figure that one out. Especially since there appears to be a rather pointedly obnoxious amount of air-power on the Decepticon's side. "Blast Off, do you honestly believe that I am about to turn down a chance to teach you Combaticons a lesson in manners? Coming here uninvited is uncouth and terribly poor form..." He guns the engines, his intent to either push the shuttle down or simply shoo him out of the way before dropping down to give the passengers on-board a chance to disembark. <<Green light, my friends!>>

Combat: Sky Lynx sets his defense level to Fearless.

Combat: Sky Lynx misses Space Shuttle <Blast Off> with his Get out of my way! (Smash) attack!

Grimlock stomps his metal dino feet and roars as his body twists, tail splitting to become legs and arms and head emerging along with the familiar transmogrification sound.

Grimlock takes the opportunity to leap from Sky Lynx's cargo bay, even as he whizzes by Blast Off, he may not be so lucky as there's a secondary bogie heading straight towards him. Calling attention to himself to distract the other cons for a roadwise entrance on behalf of other bots, Grimlock roars heartily even as he flies through the air towards Blast Off, first forward!

Combat: Grimlock misses Space Shuttle <Blast Off> with his Fire Breath Rocket! (Ram) attack! [Pulled -1]

Cybertronian Racing Winnebago <Rodimus Prime> gets the green light, and peels out of Sky Lynx's hangar bay- most likely much to the chagrin of Lynx's paint job. The Winnebago drops past Grimlock air attacking Blast Off and hits the ground, closing the distance between himself and Onslaught's crew. Transforming, he gives the gathered Cons a once over. "Good for Decepticon Command, giving the second stringers a chance to step up. It's time to let the humans go, and pack it up for the night, folks."

Rodimus Prime dares to transform into his HEROIC ROBOT MODE! Blood! Will! Mighty hands of steel!

Combat: Grimlock sets his defense level to Guarded.

Combat: Rodimus Prime sets his defense level to Guarded.

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What a load Skylynx drops off, (stupid birds, messing up suits when you need to look good!) It's a mighty one indeed!. Grimlock, and Rodimus! Oh, this going to be..../fun/. Avalanche can't help but laugh at how long he's been waiting for such a mighty battle to arise. "Comrades, let us engage in beautiful SLAUGHTER!" The mighty tiger just continues to charge into the fray. Unfortunately, all the fighting is taking place in the air! Avalanche is unable to get up there, in his robot mode that is. Transforming into his robot mode, the Decepticon just roars out. "DIE AUTOBOTS!" Kicking off the ground and taking to the air, the Tiger-con goes for his FIRST target: GRIMLOCK. Grims is the last Dinobot he has to defeat, in order to claim he's taken them /all/ down. "You're to be mine, Brute!" Pulling his fist back, he tosses it at the Dinobot commander! Huh? (Type "help" for help.)

Combat: Mecha Tiger <Avalanche> sets his defense level to Fearless.

Leaping up, Avalanche transforms into his titanic robot mode.

Combat: Avalanche strikes Grimlock with his Knock Knock who's there...PAIN! (Punch) attack!

Onslaught has taken up residence nearby and is watching with all the sensors and tactical radars and whatever else that comes with him being a battle station at this particular moment. He's not even going to bother with dealing with this tomfoolery. "I will be assisting from afar. Unless our Big Gun is needed. If that is the case, I will make the call."

Onslaught sets his sensor sights on Sky Lynx, however, as a precautionary major. "Blast Off. Intel coming your way. Use it wisely or I will scrap you myself."

Combat: Onslaught analyzes Sky Lynx for weaknesses Blast Off can exploit.

<Decepticon> Russian wrecking machine Avalanche says, "Today, I will claim my victory over ALL the Dinobots!"

<Decepticon> Russian wrecking machine Avalanche roars!

<Decepticon> Contrail says, "Allow me to assist you, then..."

F-35 Lightning II <Contrail> studies the Autobots as she arrives on the scene. Onslaught doubtless has a solid plan. So for now, Contrail observes, and she studies the Autobots, passing on her findings to Avalanche. Even from 30,000 feet, Grimlock's pretty gruesome-looking... She reports:

Weakness: Stubby arms.

Combat: Contrail analyzes Grimlock for weaknesses Avalanche can exploit.

As the prisoners very quickly take control of the prison (they have numbers on their side, plus surprise and the fact the security systems are working for them, so any guard who begins to make headway quickly finds doors closing to contain them), and armed with the prison riot gear and weapons begin heading out of the prison. Quite a few just run away (crime spree!), but there's a few who seem to have been prepared for this, as if some terrible person paid them in some way to be prepared to go help out with something. And so several dozen armed prisoners head into prison vans and start driviong towards a particular set of pyramids.

Meanwhile their liberator, Discord, reaches the police station. As he passes the other parked police cars he fires darts at the tires, taking them out of commission. Driving to park next to the generator, Discord lets his police officer out, who takes up a guard spot to stop anyone coming close. Discord transforms and commences hacking the stations computer systems (starting with the cells, as only fair for all to be free), and then locking their armoury down.

The police cruiser unfolds and rises into a giant freakin' robot!

<Decepticon> Discord has encrypted this channel.

<Decepticon> Discord says, "This channel should now be secure. Autobot channel now being monitored."

<Decepticon> Discord says, "Appropriate reinforcements are now headed towards the pyramids Onslaught. They should prove problematic for the Autobots to deal with."

Space Shuttle <Blast Off> huffs as Sky Lynx *dares* to call him *uncouth*... but doesn't have time to come up with what would have assuredly been a witty response except for the fact that Grimlock comes barreling out of Sky Lynx's cargo bay, aiming to smash him. OH SLAG NO. The shuttle is *really* not pleased to see Grimlock at all, since he's VERY big and strong AND accurate. Never a good combination for a glass cannon to face. Fortunately, Grimlock misses... the shuttle's speed and agility saves him this time. Receiving a radio message from Onslaught, Blast Off replies, <<*huff* ...Understood.>> He takes in the targeting data fed to his systems and... is that a tiny little almost-unobservable crack on the right side of your fuselage, Sky Lynx? WELL. Little tiny speck of chipped paint and *everything*. How *unseemly*, tsk! The Con shuttle speeds after the much larger Bot shuttle. "I did warn you, Sky Lynx. And...tsk, is that crack I see? Just above your right wing? I thought you took better care of yourself! We shuttles have a reputation to upkeep, after all. Though... I suppose this won't matter in very short order... My apologies, but... you were warned." With that, he fires at the spot!

Combat: Space Shuttle <Blast Off> sets his defense level to Guarded.

Swindle just raises an optic ridge as Rodimus lands on the desert sands. "Really? Really?" He pulls out a metallic cubical shape with his free hand, drops it on the sand next to him, and then turns towards Rodimus Prime. But is sure to hold the two tied humans up right in front of him. "Oh no, just because it's someone with Prime in his name I should just drop everything and run off like Starscream after shooting himself in the foot." That is clearly a mocking, sarcastic tone.

He's got human shields, he can afford to be braver than usual. But that doesn't mean he's being foolish about it. "Come Rodimus, are you really willing to risk these two little fleshbags? You know I'm not going to put them down. Especially not with that demanding tone. That is no way to negotiate over hostages after all."

Keeping the humans in front of him, he pops out a small device into his other hand, points it at the box and hits the button. With a couple of beeps the box unfolds, extending braces outward on the ground and other machinery upward, into the form of a sizable turret. With the barrels pointed towards the pyramid. "Not to mention I also have this potentially historical structure that," his thumb hovers over the other, big red switch on the remote, "with one push I could just dig out what we want.... or I can reduce the entire thing to sand and rubble."

That gets a bit of paniced squirming and headshaking from the archeologist in his hand. She really doesn't want to lose that potential discovery!

Combat: Swindle sets his defense level to Protected.

Combat: Space Shuttle <Blast Off> strikes Sky Lynx with his So sorry Old Chap But this is WAR (Laser) attack!

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Combat: Grimlock sets his defense level to Protected.

"You're braver than usual when you're using humans for shields, Swindle," Rodimus agrees with the Combaticon's internal narrative. He taps his communicator. <<Grimlock, Sky Lynx- we've got a pretty big hostage situation going. Maintain the perimeter and keep your dance partners entertained, but do not advance on Swindle and Onslaught.>>

Prime crosses his arms across his chest. "You've made your point, Combaticons. Now what's your play?"

<Decepticon> Onslaught says, "Excellent, Discord. I will remember this moment when I am King of the World. You shall be rewarded."

<Decepticon> Russian wrecking machine Avalanche says, "Only Lord Galvatron rules!"

As several tons of Grimlock hurdle by Blast Off in a freefall, there's another bogie that comes up out of nowhere to greet him, with a fist. Already with fists out of his own, Grimlock takes the blow on his large forearms, resounding a loud clang for the cons effort, before Grimlock returns the favour, instead with a giant boot to the face! Or atleast, his targeting sub-processors are calculating all this as he plummets towards the ground...

<Decepticon> Swindle says, "Even Lord Galvatron can't be everywhere at once my friend. So why not take over this dirtball and rule it -in his name- so he can focus on much more important things?"

<Decepticon> Swindle says, "Onslaught, how do you want to roll with this? As sym-pathetic as he is, hostages are only going to deter Rodimus Prime for so long."

Combat: Grimlock strikes Avalanche with his STOMP'D (Kick) attack!

<Decepticon> Blast Off says, "Wait. You want us to be *stuck* on this mudball, Swindle? It's ...so... organic! Cybertron is so much better. In fact, just about anywhere is better."

<Decepticon> Onslaught says, "We're only here for the Pyramids. Maybe let Avalanche play Fetch with them. That will give you time to acquire what we need. Really, I do believe I covered this on Page 7 of the Pre-Plan Outline..."

<Decepticon> Russian wrecking machine Avalanche says, "I uhhh...I lost my outline. *Boot to head noise*"

<Decepticon> Swindle says, "You always complain when we -don't- doublecheck."

<Decepticon> Discord says, "Actually page 8, paragraph 3, clause 4.3.2."

Sky Lynx says, "A crack? I'd never leave with a cra-" Blast off's laser bolt hits, drilling through the wing and drawing a grunt from the larger mech. But, he's got his troops on the ground (well, Grimlock's not quite there), but there's bigger fish to fry than witty retorts and idle banter. Engines surge to life and he spies Contrail, giving the jet a slight grin. <<Understood, Rodimus. But say the word and I'll unsettle Onslaught's foundation. The true concern could very well be Bruticus arriving at this point, if they feel backed into a corner.>> Guns come online and he drives towards the two fliers, diving in to stir them up as best he can with a bit of a fly-by battering with his not-quite-a-fist-fists. "Come on, then... I dare you both to chase me. Doubt you can, though!""

Combat: Sky Lynx misses F-35 Lightning II <Contrail> with his Your canopies are fragile mmkay? (Ruckus) Area attack!

Combat: Sky Lynx misses Space Shuttle <Blast Off> with his Your canopies are fragile mmkay? (Ruckus) Area attack!

<Decepticon> Blast Off says, "But I thought Page 11, paragraph 9, subsection 13 actually contradicted the paragraph you just mentioned. I suppose it could be up to debate, but one almost seems to rule out the other." ___   ___    _  _   ___   _   _   / __|  / _ \  | \| | / __| | | | | | (__  | (_) | | .` | \__ \ |_| |_|  \___|  \___/  |_|\_| |___/ (_) (_)

<Decepticon> Onslaught says, "JUST GET ME MY DIRT!"

<Decepticon> Discord says, "That is correct, however page 32, paragraph 15, subsection 2 would confirm the former rather than the later took priority."

<Decepticon> Blast Off says, "Oh yes... you are probably correct. Very well... Onslaught, we shall drive these Autofools away in short order."

Avalanche raises his large arms up, attempting to block the HUGE FREAKING FOOT that flies at his face. Unfortunately, he's not quick enough. Grimlock's kick connects, and he is sent spinning through the air. "Ahhh!" He roars out in pain, using his rocket feet to right himself. Autobots do realize the all Decepticons fly, right? Regardless, Avalanche is able to center himself again, getting his bearing on what's up and what's down. "You will be broken!" He yells at the Dinobot commander. Without hesitation, the Decepticon rockets right back into the brawl with Grimlock, adding to this titanic mid-air battle. Avalanche however, uses what advantages his can. He actually attempts to use his foot rockets to push Grimlock down to the ground, and then use his mass to CRUSH him!

Combat: Avalanche strikes Grimlock with his MIKE HAGGAR DROP! (Kick) attack!

As he hacks the police systems, Discord frowns at the idea of Sky Lynx heading this way. He needs a little more time before returning to his alternative mode ideally. And so he patches his officer into the local NEST channel to try and divert trouble. Meanwhile he continues to take out the police security, and when possible take out the police. As he wraps up his hacking and disabling of the police stations ability to respond to anything, Discord promptly shoots the generator to take it out of commission. Only then does he transform back, pick up his own officer and speed away on the Cairo streets to head... well, who knows where in the city he plans to hit next.

Combat: Discord sets its defense level to Protected.

Swindle smirks faintly as Rodimus is, at least for the time being, parlayed by his scenerio. "What, you never wanted your own pyramid?... oh, of course not. Such materialistic wonders is below a Prime, isn't it? Just like getting time to yourself, to spread with friends, maybe a nice femme or two. Despite the wicked paint job I don't see you getting much play... but I degress, that's getting off topic. Pyramids are regarded as power. They're a symbol of power, a reminder that dominance even long after the creator is gone. So what better for the future rulers of this ball of mud and the universe to have? I'm sure Galvatron would love to have himself an structure of power as a lawn ornament for Darkmount~"

This is not Onslaught's plan... but that's exactly why Swindle is spinning the yarn. Why tell them the real scheme when he can provide a misleading one that will have the Autobots looking in all the wrong places afterwards? "Of course." Swindle presses the button, and the turrent fires. The brick it hits disappears in a bright flash, and because of the way pyraminds are made of blocks stacked as they are, the second that was being supported by that one block comes loose and starts to slide apart, several seperated stones thumping to the ground. "There is some matter of dismantling and reassembly."

The archeologist finally manages to spit out her gag again. "Don't let them destroy that pyramid! It's historically important! Plus there's treasure inside. They want to take what belongs in a museum!"

Swindle frowns, giving the two humans a shake lightly. "I knew I should of tied that a smidge more on the tight side. Shush you."

<Decepticon> Swindle hehehe softly. "Let them chew on that one for a while."

F-35 Lightning II <Contrail> dodges out of the way of Sky Lynx being amazing. Hmm, Sky Lynx is a problem, isn't he? So is Grimlock. And Rodimus Prime. This is a huge pile of problems, right here. She decides to study the Prime a bit.

Weakness: Has 89/101 written on his hand and angsts about it sometimes.

Combat: Contrail analyzes Rodimus Prime for weaknesses.

Discord folds down into a Police Cruiser, nee naw nee naw nee naw!

Space Shuttle <Blast Off> pfffts at Sky Lynx's comment. "You know very well I can easily keep up with you..." Whether this is true or not, it's what the Combaticon shuttle attempts to do. However, *why* is he leading them away? <<Onslaught, Sky Lynx is attempting to goad us into chasing him. I am pursuing, but will listen for any further instructions.>> He spies Swindle and Rodimus below him as he flies after Lynx. <<Swindle, using fleshling hostages? I suppose that will stop the Autofools, since they have an inexplicable attachment to the foul creatures, but what if they get squished? Just know that if you wind up with that red fleshling energon leaking all over you, you will NOT be getting a ride in my cargo bay anytime soon!>> The hatch under Blast Off's nosecone opens and his orbital bombardment weapon systems come online. "Fleeing, Sky Lynx? How unlike you. Come back and face us like a space shuttle!" His weapons finish powering up- and fire!

Combat: Space Shuttle <Blast Off> strikes Sky Lynx with his Wild Egyptian Goose Chase attack! [Pulled -4]

Onslaught is staying put. He's a gigantic base right now and that's just the best that he can do. Of course, he's looking at attempting to do something a bit more like keep tabs on everyone that is daring to interfere in his plans. And right now, he's working on getting himself some more of those delicious pyramid bricks to make some major moolah down the line. But for now, he'll let Swindle handle the talking. Swindle's his name for a reason.

"Do not forget the objective, Cons. These miscreants are merely a distraction. I want my bricks." Onslaught reminds everyone of the actions that should be happening right now. "Avalanche. Incoming Intel. Do make use of it. Violently. There's some Enernip in it for you, afterwards."

Combat: Onslaught analyzes Grimlock for weaknesses Avalanche can exploit.

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Rodimus Prime finds his moment. When Swindle shakes the humans he's dangling, Rodimus pulls an Old West and 'quick draws' his gauntlet blaster, aiming a crackshot at Swindle's shoulder- you know, the one that supports his hostage holding arm. "Let's lose the collateral, shall we?" Time to see how Swindle and Onslaught hold up with the tables turned.

It seems that Avalanche is putting up a bit more fight that Blast Off usually does, as he and Grimlock plummet towards the sandy desert outlying the pyramids and the city just behind them. A huge cloud of dust and sand erupts from the point of impace, obscuring any optics trained on the two. Taking a boot in retaliation only serves to stoke the rage of the Dinobot. Of course, this is all before he's used as an airboard and landed on by the hefty Con. Another roar and the sound of an Energon Sword humming to life from within the cloud as Grimlock is quickly losing his temper. <<Consider Avalanche entertained, Rodimus. Hrng.>> Still with the large Con on top, Grimlock introduces Avalanch to giant energy sword, at point blank range!

Combat: Grimlock sets his defense level to Fearless.

Combat: Grimlock strikes Avalanche with his Energo-Sword attack!

Combat: Rodimus Prime strikes Swindle with his I'm Your Huckleberry (Laser) attack!

Combat: Swindle uses up some of his Electric Reactive Armor shield booster!

Sky Lynx hmms. This is not going well. The laserfire is ripping through his plating with almost frightening ease. But, this can be remedied. His own gears start to hum (they're well maintained, after all) and he takes on a sleeker, more streamlined form to better operate in the atmospherics available. "Running? Who said I am running?" His sensors take in the riot below and he frowns. <<I am picking up some unsettling activity, Rodimus. I do not see anyone looking as though they are a mobilized security force. Yet. They might be en-route. I'll continue to monitor from a safe altitude.>> He pulls a hard turn and comes in towards Blast Off, letting his wings do the talking as he tries to throw the other shuttle off-course. No retort. No remark. He's just in the fight for now.

Sky Lynx transforms into an exquisitely designed transport shuttle.

Combat: Exquisite Space Shuttle - Sky Lynx misses Space Shuttle <Blast Off> with his I really need to invest in a tractor beam (Ram) attack!

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Avalanche just continues to keep at it, he has a long hatred of the Dinobot commander and it definitely shows! He's not letting up at all, making sure to keep constantly engaged with the massive Autobot! "You will break!" He roars into the face of Grimlock, utter hatred just rolls of the Decepticon in waves. The problem is, Avalanche is literally blinded by his anger. So much so, that he doesn't even notice that Grimlock unleashes his energo-sword on his aft! The blade goes right through his abdominal area, popping out the back of his armor. Without even considering what he's doing, Avalanche pushes away. This in turn, causes even more damage as he drags the blade /back/ through his torso. His hand comes up to cradle the wound, energon seeping out. "You're going to die, Dinobot..." Reaching back, Avalanche retrieves his Energon Warhammer. "I can play this game too!" He declares, and raises the mighty weapon. Squatting back, he lunges at Grimlock, and brings the hammer into a full swing!

Combat: Avalanche strikes Grimlock with his Energon Warhammer attack!

... Wow, Rodimus actually pulled his gun and fired, despite the hostage situation. What would Optimus have to say about that? Alas we will never know, because he is -still dead-. Good job Rodimus.

Purple optics widen when the arm guns light up, and Swindle drops the humans from his hand to land in a rough heap in the sand on the ground. The shot is true on its mark... Except instead of hitting Swindle, there's a discharge of electricity that disperses the laser shot just before it actually connects, a few residue sparks crackling along Swindle's armor as he grins wider. "Really, you think I wouldn't take a precaution before taunting you in such a situation? Tsk tsk tsk. Electro-static countermeasure. Wonderful little doodad I picked up on Thorson IV. They use them to protect against the eternal thunderstorms, be sure to bring rubber coatings if you visit there."

Though the humans are out of his hand, they are still there and tied up in the desert sands. Dont' step on them!

"Prehaps you would like a personal demonstration of one of my other wonderful items?" Swindle clicks his controller, and with a sudden whirring motion the gun spins around towards Rodimus where he's certainly going to try and come grab those hapless humans.

The innards of the barrel can be seen glowing briefly before the beam of molecular obliterating wrath spews out of the weapon.

Combat: Swindle sets his defense level to Neutral.

Combat: Swindle strikes Rodimus Prime with the Swindle-forged Dematerialation Beam attack!

Having been hopeful his rioters would get through at least a couple blocks before big white and egotistical showed up, Discord is a little annoyed. But his plans aren't ruined so far, merely accelerated. After all, Cairo has a military base too, and where there's a military base there's AA guns. And so Discord drives onto his next target, the military base. His police officer suddenly has a passenger in the form of the Cairo police chief, who demands the guards let him through so he can co-ordinate the troops leaving the base from on site to retake the rioting prisoners. thankfully with the military guards more concerned with getting their people out to the streets, the bluff pays off and discord drives onto the base, where his paint job shifts in a ripple till he looks just like a nice military police car driving to the AA guns (they need secured right).

Meanwhile thos escaped prisoners in the trucks have reached the pyramids, and driving up they deploy out of the trucks to take up position between Swindle and Rodimus. These guys stand brazenly in the sand shouting obscenities at Prime, And a few of them go to guard the hostages.

<Decepticon> Russian wrecking machine Avalanche says, "Thanks comrades, all this info is invaluable against this primitive brute."

The Base of Slaughterations doesn't do much else but continue to sit there. It is a giant base, after all. And a giant base as such doesn't really have much to do when it is in the sand and just waiting to be loaded up with all the latest in egyptian pyramid goodies. Or something.

"Do not forget the plan, you fools! This will not be a victory if we do not leave with what we came for!" Shovels and other digging equipment falls out of the base and over near the prisoner people. Grab a shovel or a pick ax and get to dirt collecting! Something!

Combat: Combaticon Command Center <Onslaught> takes extra time to steady himself. [Pass]

F-35 Lightning II <Contrail> takes some time to study Sky Lynx, while she's at it. He's definitely one of the top five dangerous Autobots, she thinks... but hey, three out of the five are here. Because Onslaught apparently enjoys danger and challenge.

Weakness: Blast Off has better taste in opera.

Combat: Contrail analyzes Sky Lynx for weaknesses.

Space Shuttle <Blast Off> dodges that attack, too. This is the kind of situation Blast Off thrives in... and why, at least sometimes, he can take on what is in reality a much harder-hitting, more powerful foe (not that he'd admit this) and live to tell the tale. Well, .../sometimes/. Unless he's up against, say, Grimlock, he is just *really good* at evading attacks while landing powerful hits of his own. Hoping his luck (skill, that's what it is, it's skill!!!) continues, he veers in for another strafing run with his side lasers. No witty banter? Fine by him. Silent, sleek, speedy sniper...at your service!

The jamming signal in the area disperses.

Combat: Space Shuttle <Blast Off> strikes Exquisite Space Shuttle - Sky Lynx with his Speaking of Opera Ride of the Valkyries ought to be playing right about now. (Laser) attack!

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<Decepticon> Swindle says, "Ah, I see our extra work force has arrived, right on schedual."

It's been a while since Grimlock has had such a formidable opponent. Even such an opponent that can deal as much damage as Grimlock can dish out. In the sandy pit, the two formidable 'formers are pitted in a mighty battle. As the wide blade of Grimlock's Energon Sword tastes Avalanch's vital fluids, dripping now, but even with the weapon biting deep, it dissapears. Lifting up his arms again defensively, metal crunching under that weighted blow of Avalanche's hammer. Taking the hit, Grimlock roars a challenge of his own, throwing the hammer back and rolling back, himself as he shifts now, ready to release his own fury on the Con.

Grimlock jumps into the air, metal flashing and folding and twisting to sprout claws and teeth and tail, landing with a ground-shaking thud as the savage Tyrant Lizard emerges.

A flash of teeth and burning red optics lunge at Avalanche as Grimlock literally throws himself at the Con.

Combat: Robot T-Rex! <Grimlock> strikes Avalanche with his Dino Crush attack!

Exquisite Space Shuttle - Sky Lynx is not in a good place. And he knows this. But he's still got to buy time for Rodimus to do whatever it is he's planning on doing. Which, in this case, is keeping some ground-based trouble a bit of attention. Grimlock... is Grimlock. So much for getting a bit of assistance there. <<Very well, then... I suppose I'm going to have to handle this on my own.>> He looks back at Blast Off while picking up speed, even as more lasers rip through structure. He sighs, transforming and driving back towards the two on his tail, and then some... Namely, their brains on the ground. "You want to play, Onslaught? Then let us play. Granted, this will not end well for you at all, but...we shall at least keep things entertaining." Driving his way through, he swings at Blast Off and Contrail before diving straight in to give Onslaught's...uh... well, building? Face? Buildingface? BASE! a what for.

Sky Lynx transforms into the wondrously phenomenal form of a Sky Lynx!

Combat: Sky Lynx misses Space Shuttle <Blast Off> with his All Your Base are CRUSHED by me! Area attack!

Combat: Sky Lynx misses F-35 Lightning II <Contrail> with his All Your Base are CRUSHED by me! Area attack!

Combat: Sky Lynx strikes Combaticon Command Center <Onslaught> with his All Your Base are CRUSHED by me! Area attack!

___   ___    _  _   ___   _   _   / __|  / _ \  | \| | / __| | | | | | (__  | (_) | | .` | \__ \ |_| |_|  \___|  \___/  |_|\_| |___/ (_) (_) Avalanche just rolls off to the side with his hammer, knowing that Grimlock is his physical equal. No...Grimlock is probably superior to him. There is a reason that this Dinobot commands the others! He just looks up as Grimlock transforms into his robot mode. Not having the time to attack, all Avalanche says with a smirk is, "Now the real battle beg..." Before he can even finish speaking, the mighty T-Rex is accousting him! The bulk of the Dinobots arms, and his unbridled fury, is truely a terror to behold! Even more so, as it's being unleashed on Avalanche! The mass of Grimlock hits, and hits HARD. Avalanche is sent flying backwards, tumbling through the sand like a ragdoll. Bits of armor flies off, and open circuitry can be seen as the Decepticon comes to a rolling stop. His body spark badly, but it seems he's still in one piece. ...One piece that can still fight. Without words, Avalanche transforms into his own Tiger mode, equal in size and mass as Grimlock! "DIE!" He bellows, and begins to charge at the Dinobot. His legs wobble a bit, as the attack struck mostly there. This does not deter Avalanche, it only fuels him more! With a leap, the tiger pounces on the T-rex, his maw going for the throat! Falling foward, Avalanche reverts to his tiger mode.

Combat: Mecha Tiger <Avalanche> strikes Robot T-Rex! <Grimlock> with his Crushing Pounce attack!

<Decepticon> Russian wrecking machine Avalanche muffled growls.

F-35 Lightning II <Contrail> flies up and above Sky Lynx's graceful swipe. She has to admire Avalanche's dogged (catted?) determination in taking on Grimlock. Contrail takes a moment to analzye their combat, studying Grimlock's fighting style, and she comes to a conclusion: Fragging Brutal.

Combat: Contrail analyzes Grimlock for weaknesses.

Inwardly smirking (mostly as he is currently a car), Discord lets his police officer out before he transforms, jamming any radio that isn't his in the military base. He smiles as he proceeds to hack into two tanks on either side of him (so much easier when can physically connect to them, but sop nice they have such tech to hand and with the 'keys' left in them. He proceeds to hand the tanks commence taking out everything but the AA guns. If there was smoke coming from the commercial district, that ain't nothing compare to what rises from the base (which Discord is silently grateful is not an EDC base, so much harder to do this to those places).

Meanwhile his friendly criminals are harrassing Rodimus, keeping the Autobot leader from dealing with Swindle. And keeping the hostages contained near to the Combaticon for extra protection.

The police cruiser unfolds and rises into a giant freakin' robot!

<Decepticon> Discord says, "Grimlock reports over half his systems have been damaged."

<Decepticon> Blast Off says, "That just makes my day! Keep up the good work, Avalanche."

<Decepticon> Russian wrecking machine Avalanche muffles out, "Dhanks comrrd."

And just as it looks like Rodimus is going to get a chance to rush the Combaticon again, trucks and freed thugs drive up! Swindle pulls out a chronometer to look at. "Impecible timing." Chuckles a bit as he puts it away again. Leaving it to Rodimus to deal with the intervention, he turns his attention to the humans taking up the shovels and picks left by Onslaught. "Start at the weakned point. Load those stones into -- oh dear." He backpedals a few steps as the shadow decends, but it's owner crashes on top of Onslaught instead. That's a relief.

"What is it with giant monsters climbing on buildings," he quips at both Lynx's dragonic appearance and Onslaught's.. well.. base-ness. Then back to the newfound workforce. "Dig faster! A bonus to anyone that finds something of treasurable worth!"

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

Onslaught gets knocked right out of his building mode. Which is pretty easy to do, apparently, because he's just that big of a target. When he climbs out of the sand, he's in his robot mode and he is looking around at all that are around. All of those that are in need of his LEADERSHIP. And he announces with a great mighty roar or something like it.

"FOR CARBOMBYA!"

Which, well, is about as close as the Cons are going to get to a Narnia. He sure hopes this helps them continue to fight and fight hard, whilst he attempts to get himself behind some cover so that he can continue to assist in this fight. From Afar. Which is the best place for him to be. HIDING BEHIND PYRAMID BRICKS, SUCKAS.

Cybertronian Reformatting Sequence Initiated Variable Guise Access Code: 74460 Onslaught, Combaticon Commander!

Combat: Onslaught sets his defense level to Protected.

Combat: Onslaught inspires Mecha Tiger <Avalanche>, Space Shuttle <Blast Off>, Swindle, Discord, and F-35 Lightning II <Contrail> with noble and heroic words!

Space Shuttle <Blast Off> dodges out of the way yet again, avoiding Lynx's massive tail. The shuttle circles around in time to see Sky Lynx successfully attack Onslaught. Now THAT just will not do. It will not do at all. The shuttle's engines almost seem to growl as he soars down for a bombardment blast at the BirdBot. "Speaking of uncouth, you do not expect to attack my Commander like that and not face retaliation, do you Sky Lynx?" Onslaught gets up despite the attack and yells to continue the fight, and the shuttle's engines rev in response. The hatch opens and a bigger bombardment blast goes sailing down towards the big Autobot!

<Decepticon> Swindle says, "So. We're stealing bricks from a potential historical treasure. A bunch of convics have been turned free to assist us. And I've dropped hints to an -entirely wrong- plan to mislead the Autobots. Three of their big hitters, including one transport, are suffering damages. Meaning less likely for them to interfer with tomorrow."

<Decepticon> Swindle says, "I do love when a plan comes together"

Combat: Space Shuttle <Blast Off> strikes Sky Lynx with his Attack One of Us you attack all of us! attack! [Pulled -3]

<Decepticon> Onslaught says, "..."

<Decepticon> Discord says, "Please remember the convicts will need paid in due course. Or killed, though paying them would likely mean they might assist in future."

<Decepticon> Swindle says, "Of course."

<Decepticon> Swindle says, "I keep a portion of funds in an untracable, unnamed swiss account for just such supplications."

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Robot T-Rex! <Grimlock> shows various dents, cracks and energon leaks of his own, fairly worse for wear. He hasn't been this beat up in a long time but it does nothing to deter the mighty Tyrannosaurus, not now that he's lost to the feral programming of his. Either he goes down fighting or his opponent. There's no quarter taken or given now as Grimlock is lept upon in turn, having vital circuits and fluid torn out from his throat, severing a control connection to one leg as it nearly seizes up on him altogether. A loud snarl turns into a muted one now, as another circuit shorts, sparks spitting out of Grimlock's mouth as the two beastial combatants roll through the desert sand until Grimlock throws Avalanche off of him with his one good leg, sprawled out on his back, aiming to heave a great gout of fire at the great Cat con before he's offlined himself...

Combat: Robot T-Rex! <Grimlock> strikes Mecha Tiger <Avalanche> with his Fire Breath attack!

Sky Lynx has chased off Onslaught to...a more cowardly place? Now who's left in his range? He is also effectively on the ground as Blast Off's payload strikes. Not devastating, but with the desired effect. He hisses softly and glares at Blast Off. "Can't even face me without all of your minions doing most of the work for you?" He laughs and plants his feet, form breaking into two. One form starts making a push to keep some pressure on Swindle while the other half goes airborne to keep the aerial threats occupied. <<Grimlock! Drop your tunnelvision and get in the game! There's more than just an annoying feline to deal with. I am running on reserves, rather unfortunately.>>

Sky Lynx transforms, his body separating into two. The top half retains his bird-like trademark shape, but his lower half sprouts a head and takes to the ground in Lynx form.

Combat: Dinobird & Lynx misses Space Shuttle <Blast Off> with his I'm multitasking! And Swindle's got a Lynx inbound! Area attack! [Pulled -5]

Combat: Dinobird & Lynx misses F-35 Lightning II <Contrail> with his I'm multitasking! And Swindle's got a Lynx inbound! Area attack! [Pulled -5]

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This is no longer a battle between to mechs, is a battle of BEASTS! Avalanche pulls off to the side, taking a large chunk of armor with him. Tossing it to the side, the Tiger just bellows into a ferocious roar. All semblance of his higher functions are gone, all that is left is a savage beast. His primal mind goes into a full on fury filled cyclone, as Onslaught inspires Avalanche. Fire erupts about the tiger, engulfing his form inside a hellstorm of heat! His metallic armor begins to melt, running like liquid down his form. A pained yelp escapes the tiger, but he does not turn from his opponent. This is a battle to the END. One Shall Stand, One Shall Fall! Matching Grimlock's fire breath, Avalanche unleashes a torrent of sub-zero chemicals at the Dinobot. The sand ices over from the extreme cold of his breath attack!

Combat: Mecha Tiger <Avalanche> strikes Robot T-Rex! <Grimlock> with his ICE BREATH! (Laser) attack!

Onslaught is keeping himself under as much cover as he possibly can to make sure that he doesn't have to deal too much with the craziness that is going on above and around him. There's a crazy Dinobot nearby and then Sky Lynx keeps swooping around. It's just too much.

The SONIC STUN GUN is drawn and Onslaught peeks around his Pyramid of Protection long enough to narrow his optics on Grimlock. He doesn't use any witty banter for this, more content to just try and sneak a pot shot in. Pew.

Combat: Onslaught strikes Robot T-Rex! <Grimlock> with his The Potshot Calling The Kettle Black attack! [Pulled -5]

<Decepticon> Russian wrecking machine Avalanche says, "GRIMLOCK IS MINE, ONSLAUGHT!!!"

<Decepticon> Contrail says, "This is a team effort, Avalanche." riots."

<Decepticon> Russian wrecking machine Avalanche roars!!!

Swindle would of been content to just keep ordering the thug workforce around, but Sky Lynx has to butt into his business. And he's got a really big, shuttle shaped butt to do it with. Save for it's actually the lynx half that's running towards him, but that's besides the point.

But as Lynx charges in, Swindle dives forward and rolls past his paws. Rolling out of into transforming to speed underneath him and out behind. Being a jeep is wonderful for terrains like this, as once he's behind Lynx he turns to circle around the larger cat-thing, his turret turning to fire at the thing in several bursts.

"What I wouldn't do for some intergalactic catnip right now...."

Blasting the last attempt by soldiers in the base to push him out, Discord's face shield retracts to reveal a face nearly identical to Prowls, grinning at how much fun this is. While he would consider using the base artillery on the Autobots, too risky as much as the idea is a fun one. Instead he programs an auto-pilot into the tanks and sets them loose on the city with the closest government building their primary target. Ahhh, advanced military weapons, how the Egyptians probably wish they had those about now, less hackable.

Discord frowns as Sky Lynx asks for a different frequency, "Does the stupid bird not know they only have the one shared channel. Hmmm, maybe on the open channel." He gives his personal police officer a nod, at which point she radios on a different frequency. Though, being rather tired by now, she doesn't really pull it off that well. Guess who will be getting knocked off rather than paid later.

Meanwhile Rodimus still has those soldiers around him, pesky humans attacking him. What a role reversal.

Combat: Swindle sets his defense level to Protected.

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

F-35 Lightning II <Contrail> transforms into robot mode, she she draws her two-tailed whip. She cracks it back and goes into a dive. the whip swings forward at Sky Lynx in the air, and then she casts down, trying to lash the Prime, the incarnate of the will of the Matrix. Contrail's dive takes her down into the sand, feet hot enough to glassify the sand, and the whip then loops back at Grimlock!

That done, Contrail braces herself to get squished.

In a transformation that is harder than it looks, Contrail rises up into robot mode.

Combat: Military Gunnery Jeep <Swindle> misses Dinobird & Lynx with his Scatterblaster Turret attack!

Combat: Contrail sets her defense level to Fearless.

Combat: Contrail strikes Dinobird & Lynx with her Whiplash Whirlwind Area attack!

Combat: Contrail strikes Rodimus Prime with her Whiplash Whirlwind Area attack!

Combat: Contrail strikes Robot T-Rex! <Grimlock> with her Whiplash Whirlwind Area attack!

Space Shuttle <Blast Off> dodges out of the way...again. If he wasn't in shuttle mode, he might even raise a hand to his faceplate like he was stifling a bored yawn. "Tsk.... really, Sky Lynx. I expected better from you! I am almost disappointed, truly." He darts through the sky, even doing a barrel roll just to show off. The smugness is beginning to just *eminate* off from his sleek brown and purple form.... He shifts wing elevons and soars higher, circling around as his weapon systems recharge. He radios to Onslaught and Swindle, <<What is your current status? Shall I continue to harry and pick apart Sky Lynx... who, I must say, is putting on quite a disappointing performance. I expected better from a fellow shuttle, but... then again... he's not as magnificent as *ME*, is he? Heh.... Or- should I strike another target?>>

Combat: Space Shuttle <Blast Off> sets his defense level to Protected.

Combat: Space Shuttle <Blast Off> takes extra time to steady himself. [Pass]

<Decepticon> Discord sighs before stating, "Cairo Operation in final phase, police and military units impeeded, criminal efforts bolstered and government buildings should come under fire in due course. Preparing for withdrawal."

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EARLIER:

"...So that's the situation, Commander." Rodimus Prime finishes explaining the situation to the leader of the Egpytian military police. "The Decepticons somehow caused these riots, and I need your strike teams to handle the inmates while we mop up these Decepticons." The commander bristles his mustache a nods. "We shall handle this, Rodimus Prime! Forever Autobots!"

"Forever Autobots!" His troops echo, and mobilize!

NOW:

Contrail's whip slashes into Prime's chest armor, doing some mild cosmetic damage. "Sky Lynx! Grimlock! Form up on me- let's send these Decepticons packing!" His gauntlet blasters glow for a moment, before he unleashes hell on the color purple!

Combat: Rodimus Prime sets his defense level to Fearless.

Combat: Rodimus Prime strikes Military Gunnery Jeep <Swindle> with his Calvary! Area attack!

Combat: Swindle uses up some of his Electric Reactive Armor shield booster!

Combat: That attack has temporarily limited Military Gunnery Jeep <Swindle>'s Accuracy! (Blinded)

Combat: Rodimus Prime strikes Onslaught with his Calvary! Area attack!

Combat: Rodimus Prime (Rodimus Prime) used "Arm Blasters": A Level 6 AREA-RANGED attack.

Combat: Rodimus Prime's attack has damaged your Velocity!

Combat: That attack has temporarily limited Onslaught's Accuracy! (Blinded)

Combat: Rodimus Prime strikes Mecha Tiger <Avalanche> with his Calvary! Area attack!

Combat: That attack has temporarily limited Mecha Tiger <Avalanche>'s Accuracy! (Blinded)

Combat: Rodimus Prime strikes Contrail with his Calvary! Area attack!

Combat: That attack has temporarily limited Contrail's Accuracy! (Blinded)

Grimlock stomps his metal dino feet and roars as his body twists, tail splitting to become legs and arms and head emerging along with the familiar transmogrification sound.

Lynx is getting blasted from the sky, and that much hurts... He does take some satisfaction that Contrail's dropped the more troublesome form, though, and even with the airframe falling to pieces, he's still operational. Hearing Rodimus' call to arms gives Swindle a bit of breathing room, and he ceases the chase to reform into his mainstay form, the Dinobird's tail giving a nice parting lash to Contrail's frame in passing as a 'thank you'... Coming up alongside Rodimus, Lynx looks...battered, but still resolute, even with the energon leaking from cracks and fissures throughout his chassis. "Indeed, sir... Right beside you."

Sky Lynx transforms into the wondrously phenomenal form of a Sky Lynx!

Combat: Sky Lynx strikes Contrail with his Tail Swipe attack!

Barely standing in his Dinobot mode, Grimlock just makes it to an upright position to be frozen, whipped and stun rayed all at once. For a brief moment, he stands motionless, energon dripping from various punctures, cracks and legitimately exposed circuitry before he rears back, shifting back into his robot form, leaping into the air now as Prime's and Sky Lynx both manage to pull the beast out of his stasis lock. With whatever Energon he's got left, hiding in a leg, who knows, he flies back towards Rodimus and Sky Lynx before letting lose with a volley of his, a spare laser pistol pulled from subspace, seemingly the only offense he has left.

Steadying himself on the shoulder of the Prime, Grimlock lifts the laser pistol with one good arm, his faceplate cracked, exposing jaw and oral processors broken and oozing fluid...

<Decepticon> Discord says, "Note for anyone looking for a weakness in Sky Lynx, his primary fuel links may have sprung a leak."

<Decepticon> Contrail says, "If only we could set him on fire."

Combat: Grimlock misses Space Shuttle <Blast Off> with his Full-Auto Area attack!

Combat: Grimlock strikes Contrail with his Full-Auto Area attack!

Combat: Grimlock misses Military Gunnery Jeep <Swindle> with his Full-Auto Area attack!

Combat: Grimlock strikes Onslaught with his Full-Auto Area attack!

Combat: Grimlock (Grimlock) used "Full-Auto": A Level 2 AREA-RANGED attack.

Combat: Grimlock strikes Mecha Tiger <Avalanche> with his Full-Auto Area attack!

Combat: Mecha Tiger <Avalanche> falls to the ground, unconscious.

Grimlock takes a knee as stasis lock takes over again.

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<Decepticon> Discord says, "I cannot assist in evac due to size difference, however I will attempt to provide further distraction."

Avalanche falls to the ground as well, barely able to keep his mass supported. The Tiger-con is hurting and hurting bad. "I...will kill....the Dinobot..." He sparks out. There is nothing he can do, as Rodimus AND Grimlock unload LASERS at the Con gathering. For all his might, the Tiger is assaulted from every side. Energy ripping through what armor he has left. That's when he finally goes offline, falling flat on the sand.

<Decepticon> Russian wrecking machine Avalanche goes offline.

Walking through the rather messed up base, Discord is glad to see the outcome of his work. He promptly shoots the police officer who helped cause the trouble. After all he failed to keep his cool and may have spoiled further opportunities. And he was asking far too high a price. Plus he was hated by some of the criminals now with Swindle and co., so this will reduce the money due to them.

As he moves towards the exit Discord attempts one further trick before he transforms and races through Cairos streets away from the tanks he unleashed (and the rest of the chaos on the city streets. Just another police car racing somewhere in a city now full of people racing to or away from trouble. He comes to park on a back alley out of any troubled area. Several of Rodimus' shots hit the jeep, but there's that crackle across Swindle's panels once more as that electric deterence does its job. Unfortunately Rodimus is just so EPIC that it totally fries the device that was generating that defence, and the last couple of shots impact with enough bright flash to somewhat daze the Combaticon.

But not so much that he doesn't manage to swerve out of the way of Grimlock's line of fire as well. Sand sprays about as he skids a bit, and then comes to a sliding stop on one knee as he transforms back into robot mode. "Well look, they're lining up for us. How considerate." He brings up his arm cannon, bracing it with the other hand as he takes aim and fires, peppering the nicely gathered Autobot ranks in a barrage of explosive shots.

Especially not pleasant with Lynx's leaking energon and Rodimus' armor being slagged thanks to that dematerializer ray.

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

Combat: Swindle sets his defense level to Fearless.

Contrail has all of her photons eliminated. She has no photons left. Somehow, having all her photons eliminated feels exactly like beign run over by a Winnebago. Who knew?

But what feels even more like being run over by a Winnebago is being lashed by Sky Lynx, which shears off one of her arms, one of the guns on her back, and one of her wings.

Being shot by Grimlock doesn't feel like being run over by a Winnebago, but it still hurts a whole lot!

When she's done screaming... and done cursing... Contrail wipes the energon off her face - she's really soaked all over in her own fuel and declares, "Luckily, I only need one hand to throw THIS!"

And she chucks a bomb at the Autobots and gimpily flies off.

Combat: Contrail has created a bomb: "One Armed Bandit"!

Combat: Contrail strikes Rodimus Prime with One Armed Bandit's Huge Explosion #4150 Area attack!

Combat: Contrail's One Armed Bandit is destroyed!

Combat: Contrail misses Sky Lynx with One Armed Bandit's Huge Explosion #4150 Area attack!

Discord folds down into a Police Cruiser, nee naw nee naw nee naw!

"Dirt. I'm hiding behind dirt."

This is what Onslaught has to say as he is riddled with everything under the sun that could come from an Autobot that's located in this area. In fact, it is a wonder that he is still managing to stand at all, considering the fact that the pyramid he was hiding behind has been nothing more than a tunnel of Autobot Fury. His armor has been destroyed. One of his optics is out. He's leaking fluids ranging from Energon to Whatever Else Keeps Him Functioning. AND! He's not exactly the happiest camper in the world. Still, though, he's not sure what to do at this point.

"Swindle. I'm calling it. Whatever we don't have, we'll come back for later." Onslaught crouches down, groaning in pain from the onslaught that just slaughted Onslaught... and he makes for the running. Because, well, it's time to retreat. It has to be time to retreat. Well, at least for him. "We shall have our revenge, Autobots!" There's even some fistshaking that's going on. "DECEPTICONS! SCATTER!" ... he really needs to get a better escape/run away catch phrase too.

Combat: Onslaught begins retreating, leaving himself vulnerable to parting shots from Sky Lynx, Swindle, Space Shuttle <Blast Off>, Rodimus Prime, Contrail, and Shelby GT500 Police Cruiser

Scatter is better than RUN AWAY.

Space Shuttle <Blast Off> gets ignored by Sky Lynx, but the Combaticon shuttle won't be ignored for long! He adjusts elevons once more, preparing to go for another strike- when Grimlock unleashes a big area assault... but the shuttle evades that, too! He's on a roll tonight! "You Autofools are truly NOT on your game today.... I'd say it's a shame but.... more a shame for YOU than anyone else." Hearing a dispatch on Con channel that Lynx's primary fuel lines may have sprung a leak, that's just where the shuttle aims (as much as he can, at least) as he comes down for another bombardment- one that targets Rodimus, too, since they're both standing there near each other so conveniently and all..... He gets Onslaught's radio message as he dives down, but...what? Really? Slag that... he's finishing what he started. At least for this round.

Combat: Space Shuttle <Blast Off> strikes Rodimus Prime with his Got My Ducks in a Row (Full-Auto) Area attack!

Combat: Space Shuttle <Blast Off> misses Sky Lynx with his Got My Ducks in a Row (Full-Auto) Area attack!

___   ___    _____   ___   _   _  | _ )  / _ \  |_   _| / __| | | | | | _ \ | (_) |   | |   \__ \ |_| |_| |___/  \___/    |_|   |___/ (_) (_)

Rodimus Prime crosses his arms over his face to absorb Swindle's potshot- but he does some decent damage. Specifically, to his gauntlet blasters. Then, out of the corner of his optics, he spots Contrail chucking some where their way, and does his best to cover Grimlock, feeling some serious burn on his back. "You're not out of the fight yet, big guy." He winks at Grimlock, and then turns to face the Decepticons, even as Onslaught runs. "Maybe I didn't make myself clear? The party's over, and you've been asked to leave." He points dramatically. "Time to show you the door..."

Prime transforms into his awe inspiring Winnebago mode, Blast Off's shot bouncing off of his hood. And the remaining Cons get to see their faces in the reflection of his grill.

Rodimus Prime transforms into his Cybertronian Racing Winnebago <Rodimus Prime> mode.

Combat: Cybertronian Racing Winnebago <Rodimus Prime> sets his defense level to Fearless.

Sky Lynx is off his game? Maybe... Maybe. But something clicks as he hears about the tanks that gets him riled up and alert. Orders come in, and he's off like a bullet, breaking into his two forms once more... The Lynx is quick, making its way through the streets and over buildings to zero in on one of the tanks with intent to pounce and rip the treads and turret off, rendering it inoperable. That is a low-risk move for it overall... The trouble comes with the airborne half of Lynx, the bird very open to the aforementioned anti-aircraft batteries as it streaks along for the shortest distance to the second tank, diving in against the inevitable blasts due its way to disable the second... Like he said over comms, he can deal with the tank. Though, hopefully the AA batteries are as worthless as Contrail and Blast Off's aim just was... <<I am anticipating heavy collateral damage, Sir...>>

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

Sky Lynx transforms, his body separating into two. The top half retains his bird-like trademark shape, but his lower half sprouts a head and takes to the ground in Lynx form.

Combat: Cybertronian Racing Winnebago <Rodimus Prime> strikes Swindle with his The Power Area attack! [Pulled -7]

Combat: Swindle uses up some of his Electric Reactive Armor shield booster!

Combat: Cybertronian Racing Winnebago <Rodimus Prime> strikes Onslaught with his The Power Area attack! [Pulled -7]

Combat: Cybertronian Racing Winnebago <Rodimus Prime> strikes Contrail with his The Power Area attack! [Pulled -7]

<Decepticon> Blast Off says, "Are you serious, Onslaught? We can take these fools! Their "mighty" Grimlock is holding on by a thread and Sky Lynx is off his game!"

<Decepticon> Onslaught says, "You speak truth, Blast Off. You stay. The rest of you? Return with me to better pastures! Where we may live to fight another day and we will mourn the lost of our unbeloved Blast Off!"

<Decepticon> Swindle says, "Oooo, harsh"

<Decepticon> Dustoff says, "I'll get your usual casket, BO."

<Decepticon> Blast Off says, ".........."

___   ___    _  _   ___   _   _   / __|  / _ \  | \| | / __| | | | | | (__  | (_) | | .` | \__ \ |_| |_|  \___|  \___/  |_|\_| |___/ (_) (_)

<Decepticon> Swindle says, "If you die now Blast Off, I reposes EVERYTHING to pay off your debts."

<Decepticon> Contrail says, "I'll back you up, Blast Off."

Curiously there is no AA fire. Well Discord left the military base so he has no real access to them now. A shame, but the bluff should have at least slowed the kitty down a little while he had to be cautious. The tanks, given they are on auto are no match for Sky Lynx (even the real thing rather than the birds over-inflated opinion of his capabilities). Discord meanwhile does exactly as ordered and proceeds to leave the area with speed. A LOT of speed. For a ground based vehicle, he hits speeds in excess of a lot of non-military aircraft as soon as he is clear of the city streets. He's done what he can to get the Bots off his fellow Cons so Avalanche can be evac'ed.

Combat: Shelby GT500 Police Cruiser begins retreating, leaving itself vulnerable to parting shots from Space Shuttle <Blast Off>

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

<Decepticon> Blast Off says, "Well, that's..... fair, I guess. If I ever DO die, that bottle of '15 enerwine from the OrionThree orchards better go to a *very* elite clientle. I do NOT want any riff-raff even *looking* at it."

<Decepticon> Blast Off says, "I do not plan on dying any time soon, however. ...Ah, thank you, Contrail!"

<Decepticon> Dustoff says, "Ya mean this one? *sounds of chugging*"

<Decepticon> Swindle says, "Like I would sell something of that quality to some deadbeat glitch."

<Decepticon> Swindle says, "What do you take me for? Seriously."

<Decepticon> Blast Off says, "Ha ha ha, Dustoff. /sarcasm."

Even as he's TORN ASUNDER by the likes of Rodibaggo Prime, Onslaught continues to make like an anything and skip out. Well, it doesn't work so well with the legs. Especially when one of them seems to be about to fall off. So, Onslaught just goes down to vehicle mode and makes with the zoom zoom baby.

"NEXT TIME, PRIME! NEXT TIIIIIIIIIIIIIME!"

Cybertronian Reformatting Sequence Initiated Variable Guise Access Code: 86035 MRBM Missile Trailer, Moving Mayhem!

<Decepticon> Blast Off says, "Very good, Swindle."

<Decepticon> Discord says, "I believe that is considered illegal. I will have to confiscate it when we return to base till I can verify the legality."

<Decepticon> Blast Off says, "WHAT?"

<Decepticon> Swindle says, "Guess you're not the only one with high tastes after all, Blast Off."

<Decepticon> Blast Off says, "I assure you, it was obtained in only the most unassailably legal of manners.... That's what Swindle told me when I bought it from him, at least."

<Decepticon> Swindle says, "And you took me at my word despite knowing me better."

<Decepticon> Discord says, "Unfortunately the law is quite clear on this I believe. I will have to insist it is turned over immediately upon our return. Or I will have to report this matter to Soundwave."

<Decepticon> Blast Off says, "Are you implyi.... *mutters* oh, slag."

<Decepticon> Blast Off says, "I'll... uh, have to see if I can find it. So many bottles of enerwine, so ...hard to tell where I've stored them all. Yes."

<Decepticon> Discord says, "If nessecary we can confiscate your entire supplies at all locations. We will know where they all are afterall. We're us afterall."

After having fired his volley Swindle turns and grabs his fancy dematerializer, and when he pulls it off its stand the device conveniently packs back up into a metal cube for him to stow away.

Though it's while his back is turned that the ominous engine revving can be heard, and he only has to turn his head enough to look over his shoulder to see that flamingly bright paint job. Turning back, he raises his digital recorder to his mouth and clicks it on. "Note to self, invest in new deterrence booster, and replacements for every other part that is about to be broken."


 * CRUNCH*

The impact ends Swindle skidding face first through the sand until he finally comes to a stop. For a moment he lays there before finally lifting his head and spitting some of the silicate grit out. What a time to be the one Combaticon withOUT a mouthplate. Bleh.

"Actually I think Onslaught has the right idea right now." With a grunt he partially gets up and transforms. A couple of the criminals, not wanting to stick around with the Autobots -or- go back to jail, jump into him. "If one of you gents would be so kind," He puts the pedal down to the metal, "use the secondary device on our smoking friend over there."

One of the thugs climbs into the back and grabs the gun turret as Swindle peels out, swinging it in Avalanche's direction. Once it lines up on the toppled warrior the gyro gun fires its magnetic grappler to snag Avalanche and tow him away.

It's a rough, bumby ride but it's better than being left behind, right?

Combat: Swindle sets his defense level to Neutral.

Combat: Swindle begins retreating, leaving himself vulnerable to parting shots from Dinobird & Lynx, Space Shuttle <Blast Off>, Cybertronian Racing Winnebago <Rodimus Prime>, and Shelby GT500 Police Cruiser

Space Shuttle <Blast Off> is still after Sky Lynx. Rodimus strikes three of the other Cons, but the big bird bot rockets off elsewhere with a smaller brown and purple space shuttle in pursuit. He doesn't like being ignored, after all. That may be the biggest insult of all, and with his ego soaring even higher than he is, the Combaticon shuttle goes for another strike. Lynx appears to be on the hunt for a retreating Discord... though after the recent chatter on Con channel... he is left wondering if he really ought to bother trying to help the other Con. But maybe if he gets Lynx off Discord's tail, Discord may cut him a break with his enerwine? He launches a final attack on the other shuttle.

Combat: Space Shuttle <Blast Off> strikes Dinobird & Lynx with his Final Countdown (Laser) attack!

Contrail is so psyched up! For Narnia! Carbombya! Something! For... getting her lower leg severed with a sickening crunch as Rodimus Prime runs her over. She lurches down and turns into a car... which is missing a front wheel... and most of the trunk? Yeah, and the side panelling is all jacked up, too. Someone's going to be putting this picture on Wrecked Exotics! But Blast Off is sticking around, so her machine guns come out. She said she'd help...

Turning into a police car, Contrail fights crime! Wait, that's not right. Contrail causes crime.

Combat: Contrail sets her defense level to Protected.

Combat: Contrail strikes Cybertronian Racing Winnebago <Rodimus Prime> with her FN Minimi 5.56mm Light Machine Guns Area attack! Combat: Contrail strikes Dinobird & Lynx with her FN Minimi 5.56mm Light Machine Guns Area attack!

___   ___    _____   ___   _   _  | _ )  / _ \  |_   _| / __| | | | | | _ \ | (_) |   | |   \__ \ |_| |_| |___/  \___/    |_|   |___/ (_) (_)

Cybertronian Racing Winnebago <Rodimus Prime> notes that the flyers have yet to boogie, so he does what any Prime would do: He runs up the side of the pyramid, takes a leap to catch onto Sky Lynx who is nearby because animation errors, rebounds from the dino bird into the blue yonder to snap a kick at Blast Off, backflips off of the Combaticon, bringing that kick up and over to reverse somersault smash Contrail. From the very top rope.

You know, matrix holding stuff. Sure he gets shot a few times, but whatever. Stan Bush songs are playing.

Combat: Cybertronian Racing Winnebago <Rodimus Prime> sets his defense level to Fearless.

Rodimus Prime dares to transform into his HEROIC ROBOT MODE! Blood! Will! Mighty hands of steel!

Combat: Rodimus Prime misses Space Shuttle <Blast Off> with his The Touch Area attack!

Combat: Rodimus Prime misses Contrail with his The Touch Area attack!

<Decepticon> Blast Off says, "Well, I hope you have noticed that I am keeping Sky Lynx off your tail, Discord. I expect some gratitude later."

Dinobird & Lynx is pleasantly surprised when there's no AA batteries opening up on him, but that's short-lived as both Blast Off and Contrail lay into him. This time, though, it's starting to get the better of his temperament. The Lynx and Dinobird act accordingly, one wheeling about to take to the ground and slash at Contrail in retaliation while the dinobird goes to the skies to harry Blast Off once more. Though, he's hurting, and chances are it's not going to yield much more than noise...

Combat: Dinobird & Lynx sets his defense level to Fearless.

Combat: Dinobird & Lynx misses Space Shuttle <Blast Off> with his Oh...just miss already. Area attack! [Pulled -3]

Combat: Dinobird & Lynx misses Contrail with his Oh...just miss already. Area attack! [Pulled -3] ___   ___    _  _   ___   _   _   / __|  / _ \  | \| | / __| | | | | | (__  | (_) | | .` | \__ \ |_| |_|  \___|  \___/  |_|\_| |___/ (_) (_)

<Decepticon> Swindle's motor sputters a bit, so it almost sounds like panting. "I've got Avalanche. And the dematerializer. And a couple of new friends, it seems."

<Decepticon> Russian wrecking machine Avalanche hits a sand dune! "POOF" <OOC> Onslaught thanks everyone.

Space Shuttle <Blast Off> hits again, and he is *missed* ...AGAIN. By BOTH Rodimus Prime AND Sky Lynx. Yep, the shuttle is going to be insufferably smug for the next several cycles. Not one hit this entire battle. No need for enermints placed on his personally embroidered pillow that is reserved just for him at his customary place in medbay. But Blast Off's not stupid, and as most of the Decepticons have retreated, he decides discretion is the better part of valor. His point has been made, and (hopefully) Discord may be a little more agreeable towards him now. "Tsk, I am disappointed Sky Lynx. Not up to par today, hmmm?" He banks sharply and circles off and away. "Contrail... thank you. I believe it would probably be wise to retreat while we are ahead. So to speak. We have at least made... our point." And he rockets off into the clouds.

Combat: Space Shuttle <Blast Off> begins retreating, outrunning all pursuit.

Contrail won't be smug about this, but at least Blast Off has realized that they should run away from Rodimus Prime's gymnastics and Sky Lynx's frustration. She would transform and take wing, but... she's missing a wing. So she just drives off into the desert.

Combat: Contrail begins retreating, leaving herself vulnerable to parting shots from Dinobird & Lynx and Space Shuttle <Blast Off> ___   ___    _____   ___   _   _  | _ )  / _ \  |_   _| / __| | | | | | _ \ | (_) |   | |   \__ \ |_| |_| |___/  \___/    |_|   |___/ (_) (_)

The two parts of Lynx combine back into his proper form and he slumps... He's exhausted, and alarms are going off that his reserves are all but depleted... "Well, that is fantastic... remind me to get my systems recalibrated when operating within the confines of Earth." He looks towards Rodimus before turning to stomp off and assist with the cleanup and containment of the unrest that's gripped the area. After all, it's not as though too many of those escapees will do much when faced with the giant mech... or, so he hopes...