Command Center

          This circular room was formerly the bridge when the base was a viable spaceship. Now used as the Command Center, it is dominated by the large central viewing screen. The screen is linked to the main computer system, and can display anything from energon production reports to tactical updates to topside weather information. The various other bridge control stations have been converted to monitor and control the various mechanisms and activities of the base. They curve around the room from the door to the central viewscreen.

Ruse [Robot]

Obvious exits:
<S> South leads to Access Corridor.

Ravage has arrived.
Ravage stalks into the area.

Ravage loafs on one of the command chairs... Megatron's since he isn't here to keep it warm.. Ravage does it for him. Starscream arrives from Access Corridor.

Soundwave is at his usual communications station, surrounded by Ruse and a couple of his creations.

Soundwave looks up from his activities as he hears someone enter, nodding to Starscream, though his expression remains unreadable.

Rumble checks on some of the gauges, notes that everything is normal, and fidgets, wishing something exciting would happen.

Starscream enters the Command Center as though he owned it. Nice how Megatron bothered to get himself deactivated like that. "Soundwave, when will the Spacebridge be active again?"

Ruse glances to Starscream as he enters and hms softly, "Greetings commander Starscream..."

You say, "Unknown. There is still interference. Meanwhile we require additional energy to replenish our reserves."

Rumble looks up hopefully at Starscream at the words "Additional energy". He pokes Ruse. "That sounds a lot more fun than sitting around here."

Starscream nods, running a finger along his chin. "I agree, and I would like to have some extra energy to send to Cybertron when it's ready to open again. Have your scouts detected any likely resources we could tap?"

You say, "I recommend a target we have already struck, since it will be easily accessible. The power station at the dam, for instance. I will dispatch Ruse and Ravage to investigate another possible source."

Ruse smiles, "Better then sitting here waiting to rust, Rumble..."

Ravage thinks, . o O 0 ( Watching Rumble rust sure isn't fun. )

Soundwave waits for Starscream's orders, though, before sending anyone off.

Starscream considers, "The dam..." Looking around the command center, as though the walls themselves offered the answers, Starscream nods, "Very well, the Dam it is. At least we know the terrain and how to remove any Autobot interference." He walks over to a console and brings up the appropriate terrain, "I trust that you all don't need to be told what to do?"

Rumble grins. "Ready to rumble here, Screamer."

Soundwave stands at readiness. "We are prepared." If he harbors any resentment toward Starscream for so blatantly taking over his best friend's leadership position, there is not the slightest indicator of it in his manner.

You say, "Ruse, Ravage - accompany us part of the way. Then I will supply your additional coordinates."

Ruse nods, "I am ready to go whenever everyone else is, Soundwave..."

Ravage hops off the chair he was on and pads over to Soundwave... he glances up as if expecting something.

-Mindlink- Ravage says, "Open up Soundwave..." Soundwave opens his tape compartment and nods to Ravage, then looks to Rumble and Ruse as well. "Enter."

Ravage leaps into the air with a mechanical feline rumble and starts to spin. His legs fold in and his body turns as it Transforms to a Midnight black Metallic tape.

Rumble, looking very excited, does so.

Ravage has left.

Rumble transforms into his Blue Cassette mode.

Ruse leaps up and transforms...

With the sound of metal shifting Ruse shifts, folding in on herself as plates along her arms and back extend to some extent while she shrinks. The transformation takes only a few seconds and afterwards all this is left of Ruse is a small cassette.

Rumble has left.

Ruse has left.

Soundwave waits for Starscream to lead the way.

Starscream looks around, seeing that everyone is in readiness, and turns towards the door. "Well, I believe it's time to begin our conquest once more." He pauses at the door, "Soundwave, you have the coordinates. Guide us." Soundwave does not intone "As you command," as he might to Megatron, but he nods, and heads toward the exit.

[Travel Time]

You enter Southwestern Desert <North America>.

Southwestern Desert <North America>

          The arid southwest ranges from thorn scrub all the way to true rocky desert. Where the sun bakes the ground, cracking the reddish earth, a timeless quality pervades the silence, and the desert seems to stretch to the end of all infinity. Sand-sculptured arches and mesas in yellow, orange, and ochre rise like painted primitive works of art reaching for the brazen sky. Here and there balanced stones tilt precariously on their tapered precipices, frozen forever in an instant of eternity. Occasionally native wildlife can be seen scurrying through the burning sands or winging their way upwards on hot thermals. Tumbleweed blows across the landscape, swept by the ever-present desolate sigh of the winds.

Desert Base

Obvious exits:
<N> North leads to Mountain Roads.
<S> South leads to Central America.
<E> East leads to Southeastern Subtropics <North America>.
<W> West leads to Pacific Ocean <Western Hemisphere>.
<NE> Northeast leads to Rocky Mountains <North America>.
<NW> Northwest leads to River.
<PS> Power Station leads to Desert Power Station.

Starscream arrives from Central America.

Soundwave slows in the air and opens his tape compartment. "Ravage, Ruse, eject," he says. "Activate anti-gravity engines. Prepare to receive coordinates."

Ruse has arrived.

With the sound of metal shifting the black and gold datacartridge folds out into Ruse, her weapons appearing from subspace.

Ruse hovers in air waiting...

Ravage has arrived.

Soundwave indicates the main road running below them, and says to Ravage and Ruse, "Follow that pathway until you come to the building off in the valley. You are to observe there, and report on whether it can be useful to us."

Ravage nods and heads off silently.

Ravage enters Mountain Roads <<N> North>.
Ravage has left.

Ruse nods, "As you command Soundwave." She turns and flies off... following Ravage.

Ruse enters Mountain Roads <<N> North>.
Ruse has left.

Starscream pulls around, noting a slight pauses in forward progress, and transforms. "Problem?"

-Mindlink- Ravage says, "I shall be there shortly..."

Soundwave picks up speed again to catch up with Starscream. "Negative. Merely seeking out new targets for the future." Soundwave resumes his course.

You enter River.

River

          The free-flowing power of the river has been greatly reined in by the gleaming monstrosity of the human construction upstream. But none the less this huge river sweeps away from Sherman Dam in a boiling torrent of water. Rocks poke above the rapids, like jagged fangs through the whitewashed foam. The cleared brush to either side of the river is making a stab at growing back: small shoots erupt upwards through the scorched stone, and many stumps are generating small leaves and stems. The torrent rushes through the valley it carved here long ago, the white water foaming against the banks.

Obvious exits:
<S> South leads to Southwestern Desert <North America>.
<U> Upstream leads to Sherman Dam.

Starscream arrives from Southwestern Desert <North America>.

You enter Sherman Dam.

Sherman Dam

          The thick, steeply concave wall of this concrete dam blocks the entire width of a mountain valley, curbing the free-flowing rush of water. The huge reinforced structure looks tough and unbreakable, even though cracks mar its surface on close inspection. As chance would have it, the wall is just thick enough for two Transformers to fight in single combat.

Obvious exits:
<NE> Northeast leads to Pacific Northwest <North America>.
<W> West leads to Sherman Dam Control Center.
<U> Upstream leads to Lake.
<D> Downstream leads to River.

Starscream arrives from River.

You enter Sherman Dam Control Center.

Sherman Dam Control Center

          The control center for Sherman Dam is a humming hive of activity. Technicians pace back and forth, squinting at dials, gauges and instruments. These controls allow the opening and shutting of floodgates. The huge energy-generating turbines can be visited on the lower levels, and great windows oversee the dam itself.

Obvious exits:
<E> East leads to Sherman Dam.

Starscream arrives from Sherman Dam.

Soundwave crashes through the recently-repaired plateglass windows of the control center.

You say, "Rumble, eject!"

Rumble has arrived.

-Mindlink- Ravage says, "Autobots are here..."

Technicians scramble out of the way, while a guard draws his pistol and shouts, "Alright you overgrown bolt-buckets! We've got you covered!"

Rumble transforms into his Robot mode.

-Mindlink- Ravage says, "The little one with his human ally..."

You paged Ravage with '(tel) Interesting. Observe them, but do not yet attack.'.

Rumble draws his laser and smirks at the guards' puny weapons, confident he can beat them even though he's not much bigger than they are.

Starscream lands lightly, following Soundwave. "Greetings, Flesh things." His announcement is partially lost in the ensuing mayhem, "I suggest no one get too terribly alarmed. If anyone interferes with our operation here, there could be, unfortunate, consequences." He eyes Rumble meaningfully. "Cooperate by getting out of the way, and this facility may survive."

Soundwave takes no notice of the humans with their pea-shooters, and starts calmly generating empty energon cubes.

The bravado of the human guards quickly fades into a wiser retreat as they fire off a few shots from behind the turbines, but it's clear they're not going to cause much interference.

-Mindlink- Ravage relays an image of the Access panel and the code that is being entered as he says, "The Access code has been acquired..."

Starscream takes another glance around, and heads towards the massive turbines, powering up his trademark Null Ray for use. With a flash, the deed is done, and the cubes can be filled. He simply assumes that the humans won't alert anyone. Gunshots are meaningless, even their noise is beneath his notice.

Rumble takes a potshot at a firing human, just to keep it back out of the way.

Soundwave works on filling the cubes. From outside, one can hear the roar of approaching engines.

Rumble contains his exuberance and starts filling cubes...then perks his head. "What's that?"

Three Autobots rumble up to the shattered plateglass window and transform. Optimus Prime, Brawn, and Cliffjumper. "Just your friendly neighborhood Decepticon wreckers!" Cliffjumper says.

Starscream pauses, listening, and says, "Keep filling. I'll go see what's going on. If it's the Autobots, take what you can and get going. Don't let them prevent us from taking the fuel." As Cliffjumper arrives, his orders change, "Blast them ,then get out."

Rumble puts his laser to better use...like firing at Cliffjumper!

Brawn strikes a pose in the shattered windowframe and says, "Can the chatter and start kicking pig-iron!" He rushes forward at Starscream, while Cliffjumper trades shots with Rumble.

-Mindlink- Ravage says, "What are our orders, Soundwave?"

Soundwave hurries to stack up the energon cubes, and turns to draw his own weapon.

Rumble wants to use his piledrivers, but the Cons need this station for power ... so he keeps blasting away with his laser.

You paged Ravage with '(tel) Has the Autobot re- emerged from the building?'.

Starscream raises his arms, almost lazily, and snaps off several shots at Brawn, "Your efforts are pathetic, Autobot, but if you are in a hurry to be destroyed..."

Brawn manages to dodge aside from the fired laser beams, but Prime is rushing forward right after him. "Try picking on a mechanism your own size!" Prime says to Starscream, and reaches forward to try to wrest the lasers from his arms.

-Mindlink- Ravage says, "No one has re-emerged from the building."

Rumble darts over to the cubes, joining Soundwave, trying to keep the Autobots back. Soundwave ejects Laserbeak as well, to add distraction to the attacking Autobots while he reaches for the pile of energon cubes.

Laserbeak has arrived.

Starscream takes a short step back, then lifts his foot straight up, giving Prime a big solid something to plow his face into. "You should have stayed deactivated, it would have hurt less."

Brawn and Cliffjumper take cover behind the turbines and fire on the 'Cons in an attempt to keep them from making a run for the exit.

Prime seems ready to smash right into Starscream, but at the last moment turns aside and snaps up his own weapon, firing off a shot at the pile of energon cubes that sets the whole stack off in a major explosion.

-Mindlink- Ravage says, "The Autobot has come out with his... friends."

Rumble goes reeling head over heels from the force of the explosion and smacks into a generator.

Soundwave, who had been trying to gather up the cubes, is thrown back against the interior wall by the blast. For a moment he tries to re-gain his senses - then something else from outside catches his notice.

You say, "Starscream - more Autobots approaching outside. We have insufficient forces. Suggest we withdraw immediately."

Rumble staggers to hands and knees, rubbing his head.

Soundwave clambers to his feet as well, a little unsteadily, but he scans the littered room quickly for the state of his creations.

Starscream lets out a shout of frustration, being thrown back by the explosion and his already precariously balanced position. "Curse you, Optimus Prime! You have interfered too many times!" He attempts some falling shots at Prime's side, more out of furious desperation than any hope of destruction.

You paged Ravage with '(tel) Do not allow them to detect you.'.

Rumble staggers to his feet and starts letting off laser blasts again, but due to his stunned state, his aim is wild.

-Mindlink- Ravage says, "Understood."

Soundwave heads toward the door before the Autobots, also somewhat stunned by the blast, can fully recover. "Rumble, Laserbeak, come!"

Rumble knows he's outgunned and follows Soundwave with some relief.

You enter Sherman Dam.

Laserbeak has arrived.

Starscream arrives from Sherman Dam Control Center.

Starscream regains his footing as well, but seems unwilling to lose, again, without some consolation. He fires as he goes, following the other out and offering cover fire.

Soundwave rises into the air just as more Autobot cars arrive, Prowl and Bluestreak transforming and drawing their weapons, firing a burst of electrical discharge at the retreating Decepticons.

Rumble arrives from Sherman Dam Control Center.

You paged Ravage with '(tel) Situation report?'.

-Mindlink- Ravage says, "The Autobots have left... All is..... quiet."

Even Starscream's ironclad ego can't deflect repeated direct hits, and he's finally forced to admit, to himself, that his Decepticons are WAY outgunned. "Grab what you can, and get out, Decepticons. We'll have our chance against these Autobots at another time, of our choosing. Retreat."

Soundwave endures part of the electric barrage as he flies, the power burst crackling over his armor plate. Although he wavers in the air, he remains in flight.

<LongRange> Megatron looks at the screen: "Starscream, you look like Optimus Prime ran you through a laser powered trash compactor.

Rumble flies up beside Soundwave. "Slag you, Autobots!" he yells as he retreats.

Soundwave's optic band flickers slightly as the message comes through clearly now on the radio frequency.

<LongRange> Starscream doesn't respond immediately, the stunned silence being the only thing he can manage. Finally, he stammers, "Me-Megatron? Is that you?"

<LongRange> Megatron says, "Of course it's me!"

Soundwave's optics glow a little brighter in a smile, though he doesn't seem overly surprised at this little revelation.

<LongRange> Megatron says, "Don't sound so pleased."

<LongRange> Megatron doesn't wait for an answer: "Now pay attention! We will attack the laboratory as planned. The anti-matter formula will give us the key to ultimate power."

Rumble looks at Soundwave. "What?" he demands.

Soundwave simply shares a conspiratorial look with Rumble and continues flying.

Starscream eyes Soundwave, and thinks dark thoughts indeed. Most of them involve being betrayed by someone he trusted. Shaking off the feeling, he returns to his radio.

<LongRange> Starscream says, "What Anti-matter formula, and why should I care?"

<LongRange> Rumble grins. "Megatron!" He's delighted to hear his leader back.

<LongRange> Rumble adds, "With you as our leader we can't fail!"

<LongRange> Megatron says, "Soundwave will tell you my plans. Replace your parts and be quick about it. Meet me in the desert near the laboratory in five billion astroseconds."

You paged Ravage and Ruse with '(radio message) Return to the space bridge site. Megatron is on his way back.'.

Soundwave shifts direction in flight in response to Megatron's words, turning toward the desert valley in the distance that harbors the space bridge.

Ravage pages Soundwave and Ruse: (Radio Message) On my way.

You enter River.

You paged Rumble with '(telepathic message) Your sibling has gained the access code to the laboratory containing the anti-matter formula. He and Ruse will meet us at the space bridge as Megatron arrives.'.

You paged Rumble with '(you get the sense from the way Soundwave's thoughts are structured, that he's actually been in contact with Megatron during the time that everyone wondered if he might be lost forever)'.

<LongRange> Starscream says, "Why should he bother to tell me your plans? He didn't bother to tell me you were alive. Since you seem to have everything under control, what do you need me for?"

Rumble pages: Rumble's relief will be evident, though a bit of wondering why you left him worrying all this time, but overshadowed by relief, and excitement at Megatron's new plan.

Starscream arrives from Sherman Dam.

Laserbeak arrives from Sherman Dam.

You enter Southwestern Desert <North America>.

Starscream arrives from River.

<LongRange> Megatron has disappeared from the channel.

Laserbeak arrives from River.

You enter Desert Power Station.

You enter Desert Road.

<LongRange> Shockwave says, "Shockwave calling Megatron. Please report status."

Thundercracker has arrived.

Starscream arrives from Desert Power Station.

<LongRange> Megatron says, "Fully functional, Shockwave."

You enter Dry Riverbed.

Dry Riverbed

          This deep gash in the landscape is all that remains of a mighty river that once cut through the terrain. Now, a deep gully can be found in the desert, not too far from the highway. The bleached skulls of cattle gleam amid the yellowish dust, and the crumbly sides of the river bed look as though they will collapse inward at any moment.

Ravage [Jaguar]
Ruse [Robot]

Obvious exits:
<I> In leads to Space Bridge <Earth>.
<W> West leads to Desert Road.

Megatron arrives from Space Bridge <Earth>.

Divefire arrives from Space Bridge <Earth>.

Ruse is waiting on everyone near the Spacebridge, as is Ravage.

Megatron says, "Greetings, Ruse, Ravage."

<LongRange> Shockwave's voice betrays just a hint of relief as he replies, "Acknowledged Megatron. Good fortune in your quest."

Divefire steps out behind Megatron, but not really making himself obvious, aside for the checking of limbs being in the right place.

Starscream arrives from Desert Road.

Thundercracker arrives from Desert Road.

Soundwave comes to a landing near the opening of the space bridge as Megatron emerges.

Soundwave inclines his head to Megatron. "Commander. Welcome back. I believe Ruse and Ravage have news for you regarding entrance to the laboratory that we discussed."

Ravage will let Ruse relay the news that he... we... have acquired the access code for the structure.

Laserbeak has arrived.

Megatron nods at the incoming seekers, greeting, then turns to Ravage and Ruse.

Rumble has arrived.

Laserbeak flies in and heads towards Soundwave.

Rumble grins at Megatron. "Good to have you back!"

Ruse nods to Megatron, "Commander..." She walks up, being the more vocal of the pair, "We have the entrance code to the facility." She rattles it off to him as well as the defenses and the like.

Starscream doesn't even bother to hide his disgust, "While you were vacationing on Cybertron, some of us were actually trying to get things done. Get a lot of energon collected, Oh Fearless Leader? Run a lot of Energon Raids?"

Laserbeak banks off of his path and heads towards Megatron making an landing approach. "Squeak!"

Ravage scoffs at Starscream then looks back at Megatron and listens to Ruse talk about there mission and what they have found.

Megatron chuckles, remembering Starscream's condition. "You don't seem to have been very successful during my absence. While Shockwave and I finally got the Spacebridge to work. "

Well, he only has to babysit Cryscream today, Thundercracker considers. Maybe he can actually get in some quality time on the Atari 2600 later. He - almost- beat the base computer at Pong. He lets everyone talk, kinda watching things for now.

Megatron says, "To the laboratory!"

    [OOC] Ravage says, "To the Laboratory Pinky!!... so we may try to take over the world!"

Divefire's optics narrow hearing Starscream and every one else. Ah, once more he's back amoung the greats. He's sure someone will tell him why, sooner or later.

Starscream doesn't move. "Go yourself."

Laserbeak sits on Megatron's shoulder as he watches Starscream. "*Squawk*"

Thundercracker doesn't quite facepalm at Starscream, as he considers what may come of yet this latest challenge. Eh, where's Skywarp for the sucker bet when you need him for one.

Megatron takes off, expecting his troops to follow him.

Megatron enters Desert Road <<W> West>.
Megatron has left.

Soundwave gives Starscream a look that seems momentarily incredulous, but says nothing, simply takes off after Megatron.

You enter Desert Road.

Rumble arrives from Dry Riverbed.

Laserbeak arrives from Dry Riverbed.

Ruse arrives from Dry Riverbed.

Ravage arrives from Dry Riverbed.

Megatron enters Desert Power Station <<N> North>.
Megatron has left.

Ruse enters Desert Power Station <<N> North>.
Ruse has left.

Laserbeak enters Desert Power Station <<N> North>.
Laserbeak has left.

Ravage enters Desert Power Station <<N> North>.
Ravage has left.

You paged Starscream with '(radio message) - Soundwave's voice sounds calm and reasonable as though talking to a sulking child - Starscream, I do hope you are not serious about staying behind on your own.'.

Rumble enters Desert Power Station <<N> North>.
Rumble has left.

You enter Desert Power Station.

You enter Southwestern Desert <North America>.

Rumble arrives from Desert Power Station.

You enter Mountain Roads.

Mountain Roads

          These roads cut their way through the mountains, winding their way around the curves of the large, rocky peaks. When vehicles plough down these roads, often huge clouds of dust are sent up into the air. The sides of roadcuts are often unstable with slippery rock and scree. Small weeds poke up on either side of the roads.

Obvious exits:
<W> West leads to Laboratory Complex.
<N> North leads to Pacific Northwest <North America>.
<S> South leads to Southwestern Desert <North America>.

Rumble arrives from Southwestern Desert <North America>.

You enter Laboratory Complex.

Laboratory Complex

          Nestled into the flats between the mountains, this well-guarded complex of low rectangular buildings is surrounded by a high wall of metal and is continuously patrolled by armed guards. The multi- level central building is sealed by a double set of coded security doors, while smaller structures are arranged to both sides.

Laserbeak [Red Cassette]
Ravage [Jaguar]
Ruse [Robot]
Megatron [Robot]
Central Building

Obvious exits:
<NW> Northwest leads to Suburbs.
<E> East leads to Mountain Roads.

Rumble arrives from Mountain Roads.

Megatron lands close to the complex. "Unlimited Energy is almost mine..."

Soundwave flies in after the others and lands, looking to Ruse and Ravage as they have the entrance codes that will save them the need to blast through the double security doors of the building.

Megatron gestures to the cassettes to open the doors. "This way we'll grab it before they know what hit them."

Ravage transmits the code to Ruse... Since she has hands.. and he doesn't.

Rumble grins. "Looks like you two had fun," he says to Ruse and Ravage. "Ah...what are we here for anyway?"

Ruse flies along with the group to the site, landing when they do. She walks up to the keypad and taps in the code Ravage radios her, "Open says me..." She enters the last key and the doors open with a hiss of hydraulics.

Divefire has arrived.
Divefire flies into the area

Starscream pages: (radio message) If you wanted to give me advice, Soundwave, then advising me that Megatron were still alive would have been the appropriate time. I could have put our time to more constructive use, rather than being left out of the loop. Now I simply don't trust you, and my distrust of Megatron is only reinforced. Perhaps that will give you something to think about other then your false concern for my well being. *betrayed and angry would be an understatement*

Thundercracker has arrived.

You paged Starscream with '(radio message) You are simply misinterpreting the situation, Starscream.'.

Megatron says, "Decepticons, to the anti matter!"

Ruse once the doors open draws her rifle from its back holster, and rushes in with the others!

Starscream pages: (radio message) Really? How long have you known? Long enough to plan an operation with out me. Why wasn't I told?

Megatron has left.

Ruse has left.

Ravage has left.

Central Building

          The interior of the main lab is cavernous, with much open floorspace taken up by machinery in various stages of construction. Computer banks line the walls. The most impressive piece of computer equipment is a massive mainframe which the laboratory scientists affectionately refer to as "Betsy Brainiac."

Contents:
Ravage
Ruse
Megatron

Laserbeak has arrived.

Thundercracker has arrived.
Thundercracker walks in, shaking his head. (Idiot..) he considers, as he goes to see what's going on now, (He's going to get himself killed one of these days. And I hope I'm not here for it..) He waits for Megatron to see Starscream is AWOL, before saying anything.

Divefire has arrived.

Rumble has arrived.

As the Decepticons enter, a gray-haired, gray-bearded human working at the computer mainframe turns and rapidly types something on the console.

You paged Starscream with '(radio) Megatron's orders, Starscream. You know where my allegiance lies.'.

Rumble walks up to him, grabs him by the shoulders, and turns him around.

Megatron looks down at this puny organic life-form. "The anti-matter formula, flesh creature, I want it!"

The frail human doesn't put up much of a struggle, but says defiantly, "You're too late! I erased the formula!"

Laserbeak flies passing the human heading towards Ravage as he lands on a railing.

Divefire looks around from the back of the group, noticing the design of the structure and its occupants with some interest.

Megatron walks over to the computer. By placing his hand its consoles, he's getting access.

You paged Starscream with '(radio) And you have much to learn.'.

Rumble sneers and grips the human a little tighter, trying not to be grossed out at how soft its arms are in his grasp.

Ruse once inside takes position near the other cassettes, rifle at the ready if need be. She's rather surprised at how lax the security is inside.

Megatron says, "He lies. He uploaded the formula to someone. I don't know who, but I soon will."

Megatron gestures at Alcazar. "Let this human go, we seek another."

Starscream pages: (radio) I've learned all I want about deceit from that one.

Rumble releases the scientist with a plop. The armed guards seem to be taking the smart course of action and staying outside.

Megatron frowns as he digs deeper into the datas of the computer, concentrating.

Thundercracker waves a hand at the scientist. "..quick, get outta here." he growls, trying to scare the old man away before someone decides to get messy with the human.

Megatron says, "I finally located the Anti matter formula."

Dr. Alcazar hurriedly withdraws. Defiant he may be, but not willing to risk his life on further heroics.

Rumble says, "So where is it? We can get it for ya!"

You paged Starscream with 'You'll notice there's no reply to that ... either Soundwave's attention is elsewhere, or he simply wishes not to respond.'.

Starscream has arrived.

Ruse looks to the machinery set up and hms murmuring, "Its amazing a few fleshcreatures can create this when all our technical experts have not even come close."

Megatron says, "Starscream, an outside computer now holds the formula we seek. I'll transmit the coordinates to you. Take Soundwave and Ravage and get it. Bring it here immediately."

Rumble frowns at Ruse. "But we're better than those blood-bags could ever be."

Thundercracker says, "Well, that says a lot for what they have to make up for Ruse.." he comments, "Resourceful little things. They may still be of use to the Empire."

Starscream doesn't say anything. He just turns and walks out, presumably to go get it.

Soundwave registers no surprise as Starscream joins them. He moves to follow along, with his usual calm efficiency.

Starscream has left.

Laboratory Complex

          Nestled into the flats between the mountains, this well-guarded complex of low rectangular buildings is surrounded by a high wall of metal and is continuously patrolled by armed guards. The multi- level central building is sealed by a double set of coded security doors, while smaller structures are arranged to both sides.

Starscream [Robot]
Central Building

Obvious exits:
<NW> Northwest leads to Suburbs.
<E> East leads to Mountain Roads.

Starscream lifts off.

You paged Ravage with '(tel) (you sense a call to accompany Soundwave)'.
Ravage has arrived. Ravage stalks into the area.

Soundwave opens his tape compartment and motions Ravage to enter as he prepares to lift off and follow Starscream.

Ravage hops up and transforms entering Soundwave.
Ravage has left.

Soundwave rises upwards into the air.

Starscream enters Suburbs <<NW> Northwest>.
Starscream has left.

You enter Suburbs.

Suburbs

          This typical suburban middle-class neighborhood is characterized by neatly-kept houses, trimmed lawns and hedges, and quiet streets that meander around the dwellings. A few mid-sized trees line the sides of the streets, but it will be a few decades yet before they become truly impressive - indicating that this housing development is relatively recent in construction.

Starscream [Robot]
Chip's House

Obvious exits:
<SE> Southeast leads to Laboratory Complex.

Starscream lands, looks around, "Which one of these feeble dwellings?"

Soundwave lands next to Starscream, with the roads making a nice substitute landing strip. "There," he indicates, pointing to one of the nearly-identical homes. "Ravage, eject - operation retrieval!"

Ravage has arrived.
Ravage hits the ground and rumbles, heading off towards the human dwelling.

Ravage blasts the door open... he isn't one to waste much time and pounces in... He spots the human damaging the primitive Computer and runs at him giving him a headbutt to get him away from the computer.

Chip turns his wheelchair from the computer and finishes ripping up the old-style 5-inch floppy disk. "You're too late, Ravage!" he shouts.

Soundwave simply watches quietly, paying Starscream no more or no less attention than usual. If they'd ever had that radio conversation, no one would know it, watching him.

Starscream simply waits with his arms crossed. If anything, he looks bored, perhaps preoccupied.

Ravage has no problem with this and proceeds to run up to Chip and grabs him by the shirt and yanks him out of the wheel chair pulling him out of the house. Soundwave said get the information... he didn't say in what that information had to be stored.

Ravage gets the chair too.. not knowing WHY... but still does.

Soundwave nods to Ravage as he returns with the prize. "Excellent, Ravage."

You say, "Place the human in Starscream's cockpit, and we will return to the laboratory."

Starscream looks at Ravage, then shakes his head, "Ah, now I see why I'm here. Convenient transport. What a pity if this thing should be damaged while in my care. Whatever would Megatron do?" He transforms, leaving the cockpit open.

Ravage thinks, . o O 0 ( Roast your aft into a nifty water dish for Buzzsaw's use. )

Soundwave makes no comment, but for a moment his expression becomes contemplative, almost sympathetic, as he regards Starscream - though not everyone can read his expressions, of course.

Ravage eyes Starscream his optics flashing for a moment before he turns to Soundwave and waits to enter him again. Soundwave opens his tape compartment after Ravage drops Chip, chair and all, into the cockpit.

Ravage leaps into the air with a mechanical feline rumble and starts to spin. His legs fold in and his body turns as it Transforms to a Midnight black Metallic tape. Ravage has left.

Soundwave takes to the air again...

Starscream taxies and takes off, not overly worried about his passenger's comfort.

You enter Laboratory Complex.

Laboratory Complex

          Nestled into the flats between the mountains, this well-guarded complex of low rectangular buildings is surrounded by a high wall of metal and is continuously patrolled by armed guards. The multi- level central building is sealed by a double set of coded security doors, while smaller structures are arranged to both sides.

Laserbeak [Red Cassette]
Rumble [Robot]
Central Building

Obvious exits:
<NW> Northwest leads to Suburbs.
<E> East leads to Mountain Roads.

Starscream arrives from Suburbs.

Laserbeak flies around above the area.

Rumble squints, then recognizes Soundwave and waves.

As the small group of Decepticons return from their mission, they can see activity below - a whole swarm of Autobots driving up toward the laboratory complex.

Rumble frowns again as he sees a dust cloud on the horizon.

Soundwave angles downward toward Rumble on the roof. "Starscream, make clear to the Autobots that we have their ... ally. We must not be disturbed in our work."

Starscream responds with a broadband. "I have a human. If you don't leave, Autobots, I'll crush him to paste and smear the remains all over your precious base."

Soundwave lands beside Rumble as the Autobots roar up to the protective wall surrounding the lab.

Optimus Prime gives orders to transform, but they stay back from the gate, sizing up the situation.

Rumble draws his laser and taunts the Autobots, "Go away or we squish your little friend!"

Starscream transforms and lands beside Soundwave, reaching in and removing the human. Holding it in one fist, he waves it like a flag. With a slight squeeze, he attempts to get a scream.

You say, "Remain on watch, Rumble. We will be inside."

Laserbeak flies around and circles above the facility.

Chip struggles a little in Starscream's grip, but does not give the Decepticons the satisfaction of crying out. The Autobots for their part draw back somewhat in response to a gesture from Prime.

Starscream shakes the thing, and shrugs, putting it back in the cockpit and turning to go inside.

Central Building

          The interior of the main lab is cavernous, with much open floorspace taken up by machinery in various stages of construction. Computer banks line the walls. The most impressive piece of computer equipment is a massive mainframe which the laboratory scientists affectionately refer to as "Betsy Brainiac."

Contents:
Skywarp
Thundercracker
Ruse
Megatron

Megatron doesn't waste time with greeting ceremonies. "Soundwave, the formula!"

Starscream has arrived. Starscream removes the human, "Where do you want it?"

Megatron looks from Chip to Soundwave. "Where is the formula?"

You say, "Ravage retrieved the human rather than a datadisk. I presume there is information stored on the creature itself."

Skywarp looks at the flesh creature with some distaste "Why do we need that?"

Megatron says, "Then get it out of him!"

Starscream tosses it negligently over to Soundwave. "You do it."

Soundwave catches the human with a quick gesture and puts him down into the slightly mangled wheelchair that has dropped to the floor. Ignoring the creature's feeble struggles, he places two fingertips against its tiny head - pausing a moment as though considering if such a limited mind can even be scanned, but then proceeding.

Ruse doesn't move from her sniping position near the window and waits...

Soundwave's optic band shades slightly brighter as he concentrates. The information is close to the surface, having recently been memorized, and is easily sought out. After a few moments Soundwave straightens back up and says, "Formula extracted, Megatron."

Megatron looks down on Chip: "Arrogant flesh creature, did you think you could hide the anti matter formula in your primitive brain?

Megatron to his troops: "Get rid of that boy."

Megatron says, "Time has come to create ANTI-MATTER"

Skywarp smiles and looks back to Thundercracker "Care for a game of catch?"

Chip looks up from his wheelchair. "But you can't use the formula for destruction!" he protests. "It's - it's wrong!"

    [OOC] Divefire says, "The electro probe will send 90 million volts through your brain, it's not a very pleasant experience! ;)"
    [OOC] Soundwave says, "Different episode. ;)"
    [OOC] Divefire says, "But still amusing ;)"

Thundercracker smirks. "..anything's better than sitting here in this box. What you got to play catch with, though?"

Skywarp looks back at the human in the metal wheely chair.

Divefire mutters more to himself... "So's making the formula with these pieces of antiquated junk..."

Ruse glances back, "The Autobots are outside, and all you two elite seekers want to do is play catch?"

Megatron says, "Now, Soundwave, activate the master computer!"

You say, "If we can put the formula to use before they find a way in, we will no longer have to worry about them."

Starscream crosses his arms, waiting. "Is this going to make us overflow with energon, Megatron?"

Skywarp turns his attention from the human to Ruse. "I was ordered to stay here, Ruse. What were your orders?"

Thundercracker makes a disgusted face at Skywarp. "You really need to find better ways to have a pastime, Skywarp." He smirks a bit to Ruse, "Well, if the Autobots come in here, we're ready for them."

Megatron says, "The Autobots will not risk to endanger the human. Now get ready, we will produce energon in a few seconds!"

Soundwave sends a bolt of energy into the mainframe computer, as a rapid scroll of data rushes past on the screen. The machinery of the lab hums to life, and a large suspended cylinder in the middle of the room suddenly lights up with swirling energies.

Megatron says, "Amazing! I generated anti-matter."

    [OOC] Megatron says, "I..? Well..."
    [OOC] Soundwave won't complain if you take the credit. What else is new? ;)

Divefire steps forward, and towards this master computer. "Alright, so that's a little impressive," he mutters in grudging respect.

Megatron says, "The key to our conquest of the universe! Bring the energon cubes!"

Rumble pages: Rumble messages to Soundwave, "There's something weird out here. I keep hearing stuff, but Laserbeak and I haven't seen a thing. The Autobots are just standing there..."

Starscream just smirks and shakes his head.

Rumble pages: Is Skywarp playing some stupid prank or something? *He hears another voice.* WHAT IS THAT?

Megatron watches the machines somehow excited.

You paged Rumble with '(telepathic contact) Soundwave tries to examine the world through your senses...'.

Rumble pages: You get normal sight as he described, and as for voices, that depends if Mirage is still around ;)

Ruse stands, moving away from the window, and watches... it's pointless to guard if the Autobots won't attack. She stares at the cylinder in awe, before snapping out of it. o O(Amazing for a bunch of fleshlings.)

Soundwave tilts his head as though listening to something outside. "Rumble reports unusual activity. Ruse, begin infusing energon cubes with the anti- matter."

You paged Rumble with '(tel) Soundwave detects nothing unusual other than your puzzlement, which he does take into account.'.

Starscream says, "Skywarp, Thundercracker. Weren't you just discussing being bored? Fill cubes."

Chip hopes one of the jets will just leave him in a corner somewhere.

Skywarp has already picked up a cube, he looks up to Starscream "Here's yours, Screamer," he says as he lofts it over to the air commander.

Ruse nods and walks over to the pile. She begins picking cubes and holding them up to the cylinder. They amazingly absorb the antimatter inside of it, and then Ruse stacks them in a pile to the side before going back for more.

Starscream catches it and follows his own advice.

Thundercracker says, "Our orders are to keep the area secured against Autobot attack, Starscream. Anyway, we have to watch the human." He picks up the human, and deposits him in a corner, while keeping watch. "Hard enough, as is, you know."

Megatron is enjoying the sound of the machines. "Increase power to maximum potential!" He realizes Chip is still around. "And I thought I ordered someone to get rid of that boy!"

Skywarp takes another cube and walks over to stand with Ruse, offering her a new cube when the other is filled "You're an elite, multitask."

Thundercracker says, "Uh, right sir, on it!"

Soundwave keeps the computer running at its top capacity.

Hold it right there! comes an echoing voice from near the entrance of the lab.

Divefire shakes his head lightly at the seekers, and for the moment just watches the machine work, scanner in hand, fascinated.

Megatron says, "Who said that?"

Thundercracker takes Chip, and goes to get rid of him. Bwah. Multitask -this-, Warp.

A whole group of Hound-like Autobots responds, "We did! We did!"

Megatron raises his fusion cannon. "Blast them!"

Skywarp drops the cube in his hand and raises his own weapons "Just like Autobots to come in and spoil our party, let's get 'em!"

Megatron fires, which actually has no effect on the holograms.

Starscream throws a half full cube at the Autobots. "Here!"

Under the cover of Megatron's cannon blast, Spike and Bumblebee hurry in from another entrance and come down the walkway stairs. "Chip!" Spike calls, as Bumblebee transforms and they gather him up to drive off.

Megatron says angrily: "Blast them! They must not escape!!"

Divefire turns and looks around to see what the fuss is all about and just blinks. "What in the blazes?" However it just takes him a moment to raise his arms and let out a few shots from his rifles. Which do something between sod and all.

Ruse glances around at the echo as she is about to set a cube down. She scowls at the images, "I am getting sick of that copycat!" She draws her weapon and opens up fire on the Autobots!

Rumble pages: (Telepathic) Soundwave--the Autobots were inside, and they've gotten out! Three of them...taking off FAST!

You paged Rumble with '(tel) I am aware, Rumble. We are under attack by the others. Remain clear - I suspect Megatron is about to test out the antimatter.'.

As the Hound hologram vanishes and the remaining original rolls off after Bumblebee, a renewed group of Autobot warriors bursts in through the front entrance. Sunstreaker, near the head of the group, says, "Come on guys, we've got to get those anti- matter cubes before it's too late!"

Starscream fires at the Autobots as well. Why not? He hates them as much as the next 'Con. *zap* *zap*

Ruse grrs, and really wishes she transformed into an Autobot crusher or something... Since she doesn't though, she holsters her rifle and grabs up the cubes nearest to her and readies to take off as is the common strategic move used by the Decepticons when they have gotten what they want and the Bots bust in... not that she is a coward, she can just sorta see this coming from all the other raids and missions she has been on.

Skywarp lifts his rifle and takes an aim at the yellow bug. "About time you decided to play with people your own size, Bumblebee *zzzaap*

Divefire turns his attention towards Sunstreaker, since he's more or less charging for him. With a grimace and the warping of reality as his electro sword snaps into reality, he raises his arm and snaps off a shot in preparation to meet the charge.

Soundwave steps away from the computer and fires bolts of light from his handweapon and shoulder cannon. If the Autobots hit the antimatter cubes-!

Megatron says, "It /IS/ too late!" Megatron throws anti matter cubes at the incoming Autobots. The frontrunning Autobots roar right toward Megatron, unaware of what he has in store for them. Starscream smirks as Megatron emulates his earlier tactic. He shoots one of the cubes. Thundercracker gets pushed off of a catwalk by Bumblebee hitting him in the legs, and Chip goes flying. TC falls off the catwalk, and onto the lower floor, just like Skywarp's bookcase.

The resulting explosion from the antimatter cube lights up the whole sky and blasts the Autobots all the way through the wall and out the building.

    [OOC] Divefire says, "#47 on the things that have to hurt list"

Skywarp stops shooting as he watches the glowing cubes hurl from Megatron towards the Autobots. As Thundercracker falls behind him, he instantly disappears, sliding through his subspace linkage to appear just as suddenly, beside Soundwave and the energon cubes. "Can't let them get the cubes..."

Megatron watches the Autobots disappear with a content grin.

Megatron chuckles. "The destruction of the Autobots is now at hand. Powered by anti-matter energon cubes, I will reduce them to dust molecules!"

The laboratory building looks like a war zone now, with the windows blown out, computers blackened, and mortar raining down from the ceiling. Even the equipment used to generate the antimatter has been harmed beyond immediate repair. But the antimatter cubes themselves are intact.

Megatron says, "Get the cubes outside and load them!"

You paged Rumble with '(tel) Soundwave searches you out to make sure you were out of the blast range and are safe.'.

Ruse activates her hoverjets and with two cubes held under each arm. She rises up and says, "Are we going to return a few of these to the spacebridge first to help repower Cybertron?" Not that she doesn't like the thought of reducing the bots to dust...

You say, "Back to base, Commander?"

Rumble pages: (tel) Everyone okay?

You paged Rumble with '(tel) We are all safe. Have the Autobots withdrawn?'.

Rumble pages: (tel) Oh yeah. They're limping out of here...Did we beat 'em?

Starscream moves outside, through the hole, a feral gleam in his optics. There's few things that can distract the Air Commander from his immediate problems like the thought of scorched and broken Autobot corpses.

Skywarp turns around to the cubes behind him and immediately grabs a pile of them. He turns around, the pink glow of the pyramid of cubes reflecting with an eerie, electric glow against the black of his wings.

Skywarp then follows Starscream outside

You paged Rumble with '(tel) (you notice a sense of satisfaction in Soundwave's thoughts) Affirmative. They are no danger to us at the moment.'.

Thundercracker gets the dickens outta dodge too.

Megatron says, "No, we'll send the major part of them to Cybertron."

Soundwave gathers an armful of the weirdly glowing cubes.

Megatron has left.

Laboratory Complex

          Nestled into the flats between the mountains, this well-guarded complex of low rectangular buildings is surrounded by a high wall of metal and is continuously patrolled by armed guards. The multi- level central building is sealed by a double set of coded security doors, while smaller structures are arranged to both sides.

Megatron [Robot]
Rumble [Robot]
Central Building

Obvious exits:
<NW> Northwest leads to Suburbs.
<E> East leads to Mountain Roads.

Thundercracker has arrived.

Skywarp has arrived.

From afar, Rumble feels pretty satisfied himself, though a bit disappointed at missing all the fun.

Ruse has arrived.

Starscream has arrived.

Divefire has arrived.

Soundwave emerges from the damaged lab building carrying an armful of antimatter cubes. He looks around for Rumble outside.

Megatron says, "Starscream, Thundercracker, Skywarp, take your load to the space bridge and send them to Cybertron." Megatron says, "Then join us for an attack on the Ark." Megatron says, "This time, none of the Autobots will escape. Victory shall be mine!"

Divefire ponders, but doesn't ask, what every one else is to do with their cubes.

Rumble runs up to Soundwave.

Rumble repeats, optics wide, "We're attacking the ARK?!"

Soundwave moves to load his antimatter cubes into the jets.

Skywarp transforms, the cubes in his arms disappearing into his cargo hold as his jet form appears before the others "As you command, Lord Megatron."

Soundwave nods to Rumble. "So you have heard."

Rumble says, "Yeah, I caught it as I ran over...What is this antimatter stuff?" He examines the weirdly glowing cubes curiously.

Starscream transforms, storing the cubes, and takes off. Blah blah, fly fly, blah blah.

Ruse flies out with two cubes in tow, and beside Soundwave, "Soundwave, are you sure these cubes can contain this sort of energy?" She places the cubes in Starscream as well before he dashes off.

You say, "You witnessed the explosion a short while ago? That is the power of anti-matter. When in contact with normal matter, the resulting mutual destruction is quite impressive."

Divefire loads up another of the jets with his cubes, presuming there is some good reason or another why he's not going along.

Soundwave replies to Ruse. "They should be safe as long as they are not jostled too much. It is, however, an experimental technology." He eyes Megatron, as though somewhat worried about what risk the Decepticon commander may yet take with the use of the antimatter.

Thundercracker blah blah, fly fly, blah blah, do this, blah blah, do that. Dammit, I just wanna play Pong!

Skywarp teleports and leaves the others blah blah fly-flying. HAHA

Rumble whistles. "Wow...so what're we gonna do, make a big bomb or something?"

The air crackles behind Megatron and out of subspace, Skywarp appears "The cubes are at the space bridge, Megatron, what shall I do next?"

    [OOC] Megatron says, "Yikes! Never do that again, Skywarp!"
    [OOC] Skywarp sniffles "No dessert again tonight, Dad?"

You say, We will soon find out what the plan of attack is, Rumble."

Soundwave watches Megatron attentively, though still with some trace of concern. He wouldn't do anything rash with such a potent source of power, would he?

Ruse hms having fallen silent... she asks, "Megatron, how are you going to turn the Autobots to dust with the antimatter?"

Megatron says, "To Autobot headquarters."

Skywarp just takes it at face value that Megatron knows what he's doing, 'cause hey...Megatron knows - EVERYTHING-

Starscream arrives shortly after Skywarp, only to hear that. "Oh, smashing."

Megatron enters Mountain Roads <<E> East>.
Megatron has left.

Divefire watches this from the sidelines with rather a bemused feeling...

Skywarp enters Mountain Roads <<E> East>.
Skywarp has left.

Ruse takes off after Megatron...

[Travel Time]

You enter Base of Mt. St. Hilary.

Base of Mt. St. Hilary

          The once pine-clad peak of Mount St. Hilary erupted recently, blowing half the side of the mountain away and revealing an extraterrestrial artifact that fell from orbit and imbedded itself in the side of the volcano nearly four million years ago - the Autobot Ark. The stern of the vessel, with its four huge rocket tubes, is the only part of the ship visible above the surface of the ground. An immense tunnel has been drilled alongside it, leading into the mountain to the door of the buried spacecraft.

Ruse [Robot]
Divefire [Robot]
Starscream [Robot]
Skywarp [Robot]
Megatron [Robot]

Obvious exits:
<SW> Southwest leads to Pacific Northwest <North America>.
<U> Up leads to Peak of Mt. St. Hilary.
<U2> Up2 leads to Clifftop.
<I> In leads to Entrance Bay.

Skywarp fly fly flies, with some decorative loop de loops, 'cause fighter jets jus' love t' fly-fly!

Thundercracker arrives from Pacific Northwest <North America>.

On the Decepticons' approach, two Autobots - Sunstreaker and Sideswipe - burst upward out of the forest on their jet packs, and fasten onto the two nearest jet warriors - Skywarp and Thundercracker.

Wings fold out as engines emerge and body panels slide into a far more aerodynamic form, revealing an Orbital Interceptor.

Skywarp gets landed on...EEEWWWW..."Hey, you weren't invited, autoslob, get off!" he emits as he flips upside down.

Rumble has arrived.

Sideswipe hangs on tight to Skywarp and tries to pull his stabilizing fins sideways to throw him off course.

Starscream looks up, seeing that TC and Warp have uninvited 'guests'. As Skywarp flips over, the Air Commander raises one arm and fires, aiming at a point about 1.5 meters beneath the seeker.

Sunstreaker tries a similar maneuver with Thundercracker.

Skywarp yaaaghs, screaming out "Starscream!!! GET HIM OFFA ME!!!"

Thundercracker gets flipped into the air circus as well. "You'd think, Autopunk, you'd -have- better things to do."

Skywarp attempts to maintain speed and altitude, but with the Autobot messing with his fins, he begins to spiral towards the mountainside.

The one thing the Autobots were forgetting, obviously, was Starscream. Totally unaware that he's being targeted, Sideswipe is fully in Starscream's gunsights.

    [OOC] Skywarp says, "Imagine...forgetting Starscream??!"

Divefire far above the other jets, still trying to get his bearings on the new world. Not being any way near a good enough shot to help out the other jets at this range he just waits for a moment to strike.

Megatron lands in the area in front of the Ark.

The attack from an unexpected angle hits Sideswipe, knocking him loose from Skywarp and sending him plunging toward the ground.

Sunstreaker hangs onto Thundercracker, though he looks up, distracted, as he sees his brother drop.

Ruse lands as the rest of the Decepticons do. She looks to Megatron, still wondering what his plan is to use the antimatter...

Starscream expects to hit the first, since Skywarp set it up so nicely, and takes off after Thundercracker, transforming as he goes. Nothing in the air can compare to the Commander's flight skills, and it shows as he angles in towards TC and the other bot. Rolling over, he hits the afterburners, attempting to match the erratic flight maneuvers as best he can right before he tries to scrape the Autobot off like a barnacle.

Soundwave lands as well, though he's watching the aerial display still.

Thundercracker gets the opportunity, not to make it work. He cuts left, hard and fast, taking his passenger dead at Skywarp. "..let's play chicken."

Rumble is as clueless as Ruse. Right now though he's enjoying the air show. "Squash 'em , Thundercracker!"

Sunstreaker, still not fully aware of who all is coming after him, starts to look as though this wasn't such a great idea.

Divefire sees the falling Autobot, and notes his companion still on Thundercracker, with an instant he starts to dive down, engines powering up to send him to the ground at ludicrous speeds, although in this case, the dive is aimed to separate Sunstreaker's head from his shoulders with the use of his wing...

Unable to correct his spiral in time, Skywarp continues his decent towards the mountain. Managing to engage reverse thrusters, he slows down his velocity, hitting the wall at a merely painful speed, rather than a fatal one. Able to raise his nose before impact, he hits the wall with his torso, and transforms on impact to soften the blow. He lands softly on an outcropping of rock and attempts to shake clear his head.

Ruse glances up and chuckles. Let the flyboys have their fun, she wants her own lil autoscrap to rip apart. She looks back toward Megatron, saying eagerly, "Well... when are we going to start reducing the pest population inside this mountain?"

Megatron doesn't so much watch the aerial stunt show, but watches the entrance of the Autobot headquarters, grinning. He prepares mentally for the showdown.

Sunstreaker suddenly seems to realize Divefire is coming straight at him. He lets go of Thundercracker's stabilizer fins as though to leap aside - only to be slammed into by Starscream and goes spiraling downwards.

Soundwave's optic band flickers a little as he watches the convergence of three high-speed flyers. Can they pull apart in time?

Skywarp scowls as he watches Sunstreaker fall. He raises his weapon, and shoots off a volley at the arrogant yellow Autobot. "You didn't buy a ticket!!!!"

Skywarp transforms into his Robot mode.

Wheeljack and Hound roll out of the Autobot base and transform, drawing their weapons. The other Autobots move out behind them, visible just barely in the shadows of the entrance.

Megatron says, "The anti-matter - quickly!"

Prowl and Bluestreak roll out of the base and circle in the other direction, trying to get into position where they can attack the Decepticons from several angles.

Skywarp spins, immediately turning his fire on the new Autobot entries (which is the result of drawing fire, of course)

Megatron doesn't look who gives him the cubes, his attention is on the incoming enemy.

Starscream transforms almost immediately after impact, resuming his robot mode with a smirk, "Autobots should play in the dirt," he gives Sunstreaker further assistance to enjoy gravity, "and leave the skies to those with the right to rule them." With just a blink to enjoy his handiwork, he boosts towards Megatron and the group around him.

Ruse watches the Autobots finally 'rollout', but doesn't draw her weapon... she waits to see what Megatron's plan is.

Thundercracker transforms as he gets close to the ground, rolling along, trying to protect his cargo. "..silly bombs." he grumbles as he hits.

Divefire alters his rapid decent to take him past the possible mid air collision and towards the bulk of the Decepticons. Although he's tempted to 'buzz' the Autobots, he decides against it and transform/lands with the group.

With the folding, turning and size shunting of parts, Divefire transforms into his robot form.

Megatron powers himself up by absorbing two cubes of anti-matter. "Beware, Autobots! I'm about to transform into the most powerful weapon in the universe.

Soundwave shakes his head a little as Megatron simply absorbs the untested anti-matter into himself. But somehow he's not surprised.

Megatron transforms into his Walther P-38 mode.

The Autobots trying to encircle the Decepticons are firing a barrage of laser light.

Divefire would at this moment pull out a scanner and start investigating the effects anti matter cubes have on Megatron, if they were not surrounded by Autobots with a mad on for killing them, that is.

Ah, timing is everything. Megatron falls into his hands just as Starscream lands, and the look on his face can only be described as joy. There's no need for words, or grand posing now, just death, jointly administered by the Air Commander and his liege. Starscream points, Megatron fires. Hound, Bluestreak, and Prowl combine their fire in an attempt to blast Starscream, but are blown back by the incredible antimatter blast. Skywarp continues to aim, but in the view of such a powerful weapon, there doesn't really appear to be a reason for him to continue firing, so he sits back and lets the reflections of the explosive blasts illuminate the smile on his face.

Ruse quirks an optic ridge as Megatron absorbs the antimatter, o O(You have to be kidding me! I want that antimattergun! *_*) She watches Starscream catch Megatron though as the Autobots open fire, "Blast it, why do the seekers and Soundwave get to have all the fun!" She draws her ordinary rifle and returns fire, yawn...

The rumble of powerful engines reverberates out of the entrance to the Autobot base as Optimus Prime roars out into the action - though rather than coming at Starscream directly, he seems to be heading for the cover of a small ledge of rock.

Starscream reacts to the roar of Prime's engine by turning slightly and pointing again. Ah, bliss.

Divefire snaps off a couple of shots from his laser pistol towards some Autobots that really should know better, and then he looks over to sound of the engine and just blanches... This is the first time he's even seen Prime...

Soundwave takes in the scene and notes it into memory. Starscream, for all his sulking earlier, has been given the starring role by Megatron. There's psychological leadership at work.

Brawn, who'd been hiding there, puts up his arms. "Ready Prime!" he shouts, as the truck races toward him. The smaller Autobot gives it a boost and sends Prime launching through the air toward Starscream to knock the antimatter gun from his grip.

Skywarp opens fire on the small Autobot, as if he's got some massive hate-on or something for the tiny green and yellow fellow. "Stay away from him, Autobot!"

Brawn disappears behind a shower of rock, but his task is done - Megatron goes flying out of Starscream's grip and sails toward Skywarp.

Megatron is keeping his passive role in this fight. He is busy concentrating on channeling the unusual fuel properly through his systems.

Skywarp's optics open wide as he sees his leader flying in his direction. He reaches up to catch the Walther, and with a gleam that equals the one Starscream showed before, he turns the powerful weapon back unto the Autobots "Time to party..." Skywarp may feel a slight scratching against his lower leg as one of the Autobots' pet humans, Spike, runs up to him with a chainsaw. The tool is noisy but entirely ineffective. Starscream reacts with a shout of fury, but it's not like he can just deny Prime's tonnage and make it not be true. He'll just have to think of a way to properly repay the Autobot Leader for this.

Ruse holsters her weapon and takes cover near Soundwave while letting this play out... Prime just knocked the gun from Starscream's grasp, so hopefully eventually Skywarp will botch it as well and a real sharpshooter -herself of course- will get to use the gun. o O(Bah, the greatest of seekers and they couldn't hit the broadside of an 18 wheeler!)

Prime rolls on past ... one might wonder why he's leaving the battle scene as though he feels he's not really needed there.

Skywarp merely aims as Megatron uses the antimatter to its most effective. The mountain behind him lends an appropriate, majestic backdrop, for the seeker and weapon together...(tada!)

Divefire manages to shake off the feeling of dread that having the big red semi of death in the area tends to bring, and goes back to unloading his arm rifles into handy Autobot targets.

Spike chainsaws at Skywarp's leg furiously.

Megatron's internal sensors start to complain: the anti-matter's temperature is rising.

The surrounding Autobots, while still firing, seem to be doing so in a half-hearted manner, more meant to keep up appearances than to really hit anything.

Starscream regains his composure, and begins using his more 'mundane' weapons on Autobot targets of opportunity.

    [OOC] Megatron says, "Why does Spike's action remind me of "Dare to be stupid"?"
    [OOC] Divefire says, "'Take a chain saw to Skywarp's leg, shove antimatter cubes in your chest! Dare to be stupid, dare to be stupid! ' ;)"
    [OOC] Soundwave's going to have a word with Megatron about that.... ;)
    [OOC] Starscream says, "We've secretly replaced the Matrix of Leadership with an anti-matter cube. Let's see if Prime notices."
    [OOC] Divefire says, "Now, light our darkest hour! *KA-BLOODY-BOOM!* Well it certainly lit their darkest hour..."
    [OOC] Megatron says, "You could have put a BigMac in there and he wouldn't feel the difference."
    [OOC] Skywarp says, "Same amount of cholesterol?"

Skywarp continues to aim, but glances down with some irritation at an annoyance at his leg. He frowns, looks back towards the Autobots, and shakes his leg, idly.

Taking advantage of the distraction, Chip rolls out from behind a protective boulder and attaches a small magnetic device to Skywarp's other leg.

Chip says, "Now let's hope Wheeljack's device works!"

Ruse asks Soundwave, "What's Skywarp waiting for? The Autobots have us surrounded and he's just posing pretty with the gun!"

Soundwave looks more closely and notices the humans' activity. "Something is wrong there."

Skywarp tries to lift his foot to squish the human in the little wheeled-chair "Somethin' ... is ... wroonng .. MEGATRON!! Can't ... control.."

Megatron's internal sensors stop complaining, starting a massive rebellion instead.

At the edge of the circle of Autobots, the Autobot brothers, fresh from their awkward landings, spy a seeker straying closer to their lines. "Sunstreaker, isn't that the 'Con that tried to take your head off?" Sunstreaker replies to his brother with a customary nod, "Hey, it is! Let's teach him a lesson for trying to dent my finish!" And thus the brothers proceed to leap forth and hi-lo tackle Divefire...

Soundwave assesses the situation and says, "Ruse, take cover."

Skywarp continues to struggle "Something is .... wroonnng ... MEGATRON ... can't ... control..." he struggles valiantly, but is forced to turn slowly away from the Autobots. He raises the incredibly powerful Walther once more, this time taking aim at the 'glorious' white Seeker, and fires...

Ruse does so, diving behind a rock outcropping. She peers over, watching the seeker blast at his brother, o O(Oh great, Skywarp's lost his microchips!)

Skywarp says, "C..c..can't ... control.." he tries to speak as he continues to fire the massive rays of destruction towards his own comrades.

Soundwave dives for cover, turning his own weapon reluctantly on Skywarp. That control device needs to be blasted loose somehow.

Megatron transforms into his Robot mode.

Megatron says, "Skywarp, you fool, Teletran has overwritten your reflexes!" Megatron says, "And my anti-matter is reaching ignition temperature..."

Divefire gets unceremoniously floored by the Brothers Bot, and they start to pound into his chest, and other areas with fists. "Hold him down Sunstreaker while I activate my jackhammers!" Sideswipe tells his brother in mid punch. "Sure thing Sideswipe," is the brother's reply as he grabs Divefire's shoulders and holds him down. Which may have been a mistake as Divefire slams his feet into Sunstreaker's chest and flips to his feet in one motion. "Activate this.." he mutters as he calls up his sword and dives into the Brothers with something akin to berserker fury.

Megatron flies off. Megatron says, "I've got to get rid of it before it destroys me!"

Denied of his weapon, the control of Skywarp is released, and he can only look up in astonishment as he watches Soundwave ... yes, that's right ... Soundwave, aim at him.

Soundwave has his weapon turned on Skywarp, but hasn't fired.

Megatron ejects the anti-matter, hoping to be far enough from his troops and that it is not too late for him to get rid of the anti-matter.

You say, "Ravage, stay out of the blast range. I suspect we are about to experience-" Soundwave looks up at Megatron rising upward - "an antimatter explosion."

Ravage shuts down his optics and audio sensors when Soundwave mentions blast... hunkering down to keep safe from anything that might happen.

Ruse ducks and covers like that one earth transmission babbled about. o O(Like it will matter if we keep down, when we are about to be engulfed in an antimatter explosion, but... it's better then nothing!)

Divefire is far too involved with trading paint with Sunstreaker and Sideswipe to notice any warning about anti-matter and it blowing up...

As soon as the overheated anti-matter leaves Megatron's body, it explodes. The shockwave is not strong enough to destroy the Decepticon leader, but it smashes him violently to the ground.

Rock, sand, and dust come raining down on the Decepticons on the ground, the blast having flattened a few trees in the vicinity too.

The Slice and Dice trio all look up at exactly the same time at the flash of the blast, then they all get bowled over by the explosion, thankfully in three separate directions.

Megatron finds himself laying on the ground, dizzy. Somehow he manages to get his mind clear again.

Ravage 's ears wiggle in the strong wind as he hunkers down, getting pelted by some rocks.... he finds this brings back memory of times he blew up an Autobot weapons bunker... nice little explosion.

Soundwave slowly pulls himself back to his feet.

Ruse is left slumped against the rock outcropping after the blast, rubbing her forehead. She mumbles, "Everyone still functioning?"

Megatron, with difficulties: We've been cheated of our victory..." He gets on his feet.

Megatron says, "Decepticons, retreat... RETREAT!"
Megatron takes off.

Soundwave looks around at the group to make sure everyone is at least functional enough to fly, and then leaps into the air after Megatron.

Skywarp peels himself off the rock that he was thrown into by the blast...with a furious grunt, he reaches down and pulls off the device that had controlled him, used him ... ruined his paint. At Megatron's command, he jumps to the sky and transforms, headed for that hole in the ocean they call home.

Skywarp transforms into his Black F-15 mode.

Ruse slowly stands and leaps up, taking off into the air...

Ravage reactivates his optics and rises up.. shaking his body a bit to clear off the dust.. he looks fine... Calm, cool and collected as Megatron sounds the retreat... hovering up he follows Soundwave who is the only one who can tell that Ravage is annoyed that his paint and wax job where messed up.

Megatron mutters to himself: "One small boy came between me and mastery of the universe, but soon revenge and victory will be mine!

Divefire gets back to his feat with the full intention of finding Sunstreaker and shoving his electro sword right through that sniveling little... The sight of the other Decepticons taking off snaps him back to the bigger picture and he just mutters about next time... With a leap he transforms and blasts after the others.

Wings fold out as engines emerge and body panels slide into a far more aerodynamic form, revealing an Orbital Interceptor.

[Travel Time]

Conning Tower

          The main exit from the base, the conning tower extends upward past the surface of ocean. After dropping off or picking up passengers, it then retracts again and opens inside the base. The interior of the tower is large enough to accommodate all but the very largest Transformers or cargo. A control panel and viewing screen are to the right of the door on the inside.

Skywarp [Black F-15]

Obvious exits:
<O> Out leads to Engine Room.
<U> Up leads to Atlantic Ocean <Central>.

Ruse arrives from Atlantic Ocean <Central>.

Ruse lands, having followed a little slowly... still a tad disoriented from the blast. She murmurs, "Home again home again."

You say, "Such as it is."

Soundwave obviously has something else on his mind as he strides out of the tower.

You enter Engine Room.

Engine Room

          Once one of the most important areas of the ship, the engine room now serves only to house most of the control systems, the conning tower to the surface, and the central computer. A large console provides access to the main computer and detailed information about its operational status. The main engines still remain in place, but most of the peripheral machinery and materials were removed once it was determined the ship would never fly again. Consequently, most of the adjacent rooms are empty, awaiting future expansion.

Megatron [Robot]

Obvious exits:
<D> Down leads to Brig.
<N> North leads to Training Complex.
<T> Tower leads to Conning Tower.

Ruse arrives from Conning Tower.

Ruse wanders out of the tower, rubbing her forehead. She still seems a bit dazed. However that clears after a short bit.

Ravage hops out of Soundwave and shakes again... dust and dirt dropping to the ground... /How... annoying.../

Megatron notices with relief that Ruse and Soundwave arrive, but then he notices that Ruse rubs her head. "What is wrong?" he asks with a certain concern in his voice.

Skywarp arrives from Conning Tower.

Soundwave surreptitiously looks Megatron over as though trying to assess the extent of damage, but says nothing as of yet.

    [OOC] Ravage smiles at his Stealth and is never noticed by Megatron :)

Skywarp slinks in, his head hanging low ... he's quite disgusted, embarrassed...

Divefire arrives from Conning Tower.
Divefire walks into the area.

Ruse ehs, looking up, "My stabilizing chips just got decalibrated in the blast, give them a moment and they will be fine." She chuckles, watching Ravage dust off, "Hey!" She waves a cloud of dust stirred up by the cat, away.

Soundwave regards Skywarp and says quietly, "You were not responsible for what happened, Skywarp."

Ravage, having done his job, heads off into the base... silently vanishing.
Ravage enters Training Complex <<N> North>.
Ravage has left.

Skywarp says, "Tell that to Starscream, Soundwave." He continues to stare at his feet. "The human ... he got into my neural net..."

Megatron says, "It was not the human, it was that damn computer Teletran 1."

Divefire steps out of the shoot and looks around, nodding to himself at the construction techniques used.

Skywarp slumps into a chair, resting his elbows on his knees, he puts his head into his hands and sighs.

Ruse frowns, "You going to be ok Skywarp? That blasted computer..." She wanders over, and tries to pat his forearm comfortingly. o O(To be invaded like that, ugh, those Autobot scrapheaps will pay someday!)

Soundwave looks to Megatron and muses, "Commander, we still have that pile of antimatter cubes at the space bridge, do we not? We could use a dedicated individual to transport them safely. There is some risk involved in sending them over the bridge, but with the proper containment-?"

Megatron nods. "...It will be no problem."

Divefire raises an optic brow at the 'dedicated individual' part of that and casually slips a little away from the conversation and becomes rather fascinated with the engine room design...

Skywarp rests a hand on top of Ruse's, gently. With another sigh of great disappointment, attempts a smile. "Thanks, Ruse."

Megatron says, "Skywarp, I need a reliable warrior to get the cubes to Cybertron." Megatron says, "Someone to fulfill the task quickly, to be back with no delay." Skywarp raises his head, a frown creasing his brow. He appears about to say something until Megatron elaborates on the assignment. "You ... want me to go to Cybertron?" Ruse smiles, "You're welcome..." She turns to face Megatron as he speaks to Skywarp, o O(Eh, well, that's one way to cheer 'em up. Cybertron...)

Megatron says, "I want you to deliver the load and return immediately. I can't leave this mission to that fool Starscream."

A flash, undeniable flicker of interest appears in Skywarp's optics at the last statement, "I can do that, Lord Megatron!"

Megatron nods. "That's why I want you to fulfill that mission. And hurry, we need you back here." A slight smile appears on his lips.

You say, "Be certain to keep the cubes contained securely in your cockpit. Do not allow the energies of the space bridge to contact them."

Skywarp stands, obviously less depressed. "I will have to make more than one trip then, Soundwave, is there enough energon to warrant two trips?"

You say, "Affirmative, considering the power that can be gained out of one anti-matter cube."

Megatron nods.

Skywarp turns to look at Megatron. "I will make these trips, Megatron, and be back as soon as possible!"

    [OOC] Skywarp walks out backwards, bowing every second step? ;)

Megatron says, "Now go!"

Ruse waves to Skywarp, "Safe journey to you."

Skywarp darts out, as if someone had lit a fire under his aft ... which is quite possibly what would have happened had he not moved fast.

Skywarp enters Conning Tower <<T> Tower>.
Skywarp has left.