Repair Bay

          The place Decepticons seek medical care, the repair bay makes every effort to put the patient at ease. The temperature and lighting are optimized for comfort, and the walls are a neutral grey. There are ten beds along each wall, all with display panels. Equipment and tools are stored in the wall between beds and diagnostic scanners emerge from under the beds when in use. Off of the main room is a specialized surgery unit for laser core trauma, a small cryogenic stasis facility, and an emergency room with stacked beds to be used when the main room becomes too crowded. Overall the repair bay appears to visitors as modern and efficient and this impression is quite valid. Even the most catastrophic injuries can be treated here by a skilled medic.

Reflector [Robot]
Chasm [Dragon]

Obvious exits:
<E> East leads to Access Corridor.
<S> South leads to Equipment Storage.

Soundwave is once again straightening up around repair bay, though he expects a message to come in with further orders very soon.

Reflector busies themselves with refining their focusing power and coordinating.

<Earth> Megatron says, "Megatron to all: I expect you in the command center for receiving your orders."

Soundwave looks to Reflector and Chasm. "That is what I was awaiting. Come."

Chasm perches atop his shelf, idly amusing himself with creating small, abstract holograms floating around in the air.

<Earth> Reflector says, "Affirmative, Megatron. We shall arrive shortly."

Chasm stretches languidly, "Does this involve effort? I'm er, rather busy at the moment."

Soundwave looks at Chasm steadily. "You will find out. Now, accompany us."

Chasm says, "And if I don't?"

You say, "Then *you* may explain to Megatron why you refuse a direct order."

All three Reflectors turn their optics toward Chasm. What's in their eyes is unreadable.

<Earth> Soundwave says, "Chasm and I are on our way, Megatron. There is ... only a momentary delay."

Rumble has arrived.

Chasm sighs and reluctantly flaps after Soundwave.

You enter Access Corridor.

Access Corridor

          A long narrow hallway with four doors leading to different parts of the base. Each door has a security panel beside it to monitor access in and out of the base locations. The lighting here is muted and the room has no other features, giving it a sparse utilitarian feel.

Obvious exits:
<N> North leads to Command Center.
<E> East leads to Energon Storage.
<W> West leads to Repair Bay.
<S> South leads to Armory.

Reflector arrives from Repair Bay.

Chasm arrives from Repair Bay.

You enter Command Center.

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.

Buzzsaw [Condor]
Tempest [Robot]
Ruse [Robot]
Megatron [Robot]

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

Reflector arrives from Access Corridor.

Chasm arrives from Access Corridor.

Rumble arrives from Access Corridor.

Tempest slips in, slinking along the walls, carefully watching the others and examining the inside of the room, keeping her back to the wall all the time.

Megatron awaits his troops, standing in front of the computer.

Tempest reaches up to pet Buzzsaw.

Reflector has just recently returned from an observation mission aimed at furthering the databases of information on the humans.

Ravage arrives from Access Corridor.
Ravage stalks into the area.

Rumble can feel something big building and he fidgets, impatient to find out what it is.

Chasm glides over to the edge of the gathering, taking up a perch on a bank of equipment.

All three Reflectors enter, walking in a completely straight line, arms perfectly in sync.

Ruse is seated in a chair near the communications array and sits back waiting.

Soundwave looks over the group, noting in particular Tempest, and nods to her slightly, as though encouraging her to be part of things.

Megatron says, "I mentioned before: the Autobots allied with the humans. Now that earthian species produces weapons, using Autobot technology."

Reflector turns to Soundwave. "How capable are their weapons? Earth technology is vastly inferior to our own, but is it something that will have an effect on our plans?"

Tempest slips over towards Soundwave, but still keeps her back to the wall.

Buzzsaw clicks his beak to Tempest, trying to reassure her, although he appears to not know quite how. He even allows himself to be petted.

Ravage makes his way over to Soundwave's side and sits down, listening to the conversation.

Rumble mutters, "Oh goody. Now we've got a million little ants making guns for the Bots."

Starscream comes in rather quickly, still wiping polish off his wings. "Ah, mighty Megatron," he says smoothly. "Everything is under control, er, out the back."

Megatron says, "This armament is supposed to be used against us. However, expecting that, I already have a plan."

Megatron says, "You are late, Starscream!"

Starscream smiles politely, "I was making sure important procedures were carried out to their full efficiency, oh great leader..."

Reflector says, "What is your plan, almighty Megatron?"

Megatron says, "I hope the polish is dry now..."

Chasm rubs his paws together, "We could always find a rival source of humans and get /them/ to make weapons for us. With competition marketing and careful playing of the field, we could make a nice, tidy profit."

Rumble glares at Chasm. "Humans are useless bugs. They won't work for us."

Starscream flicks a glance at his wing and absently wipes off the last of the polish. He takes up a position of authority at Megatron's left.

Reflector says, "That is illogical. What need have we for profit, when we can simply take what we need?"

Ruse says, "Profit? Chasm, what use would we have for that? We are here to gather energy for Cybertron, NOT make monetary gains."

Skywarp arrives from Access Corridor.
Skywarp has arrived.

Chasm sighs, "But they'll work for trade... I still think we can use them to some extent..." He sighs, still despising the Decepticon attitude towards money...

Buzzsaw looks at Chasm with what might be called contempt, but says nothing, as he chuckles a little at Starscream.

You say, "They are currently working for the Autobots, Chasm. That is the concern."

Chasm explains, "Well, we make them a counter-offer or something."

Ravage remains silent... this conversation interesting him little.

Megatron turns back to his speech: "We know the location of the main factory. The plan is to insert a virus into their system that shall also infect connected systems.

Tempest regards all the newcomers, trying to memorize faces. She draws back, attempting to obscure the crude sigils on her wings that are only mockeries of the Decepticon logo.

Reflector says, "Humans are negligible as a threat, except for the fact that they have great numbers, and great resources. We must take the resources from them before the Autobots empower them with sufficient weaponry to overwhelm our forces."

Chasm's optics flick alight, "A virus... How interesting."

Soundwave says quietly to Chasm, so as not to interrupt Megatron, "We do not barter with those who have sided against us."

Ruse hmmms, and listens. o O(So this was his plan he mentioned.)

Skywarp wanders into the room. He considers the gathering, and remains quiet so that he can figure out just what he's going to blow up today. Yup, that's him. The strong, silent type.

Chasm cants his wings back a little, "You take all the fun out of life, Soundwave."

Ravage rumbles up at Chasm and growls silently...

Starscream mutters to Skywarp, "On time as usual, eh?"

Soundwave tilts his head a bit, the equivalent of an unconcerned shrug.

Tempest looks at Skywarp. A flyer, like she is...one with proper Decepticon logos, and a look of solid pride. She also regards Starscream intently.

Megatron says, "We will also collect energy during this operation. This will not only increase our supply but also distract the Autobots' attention from the main mission."

-Mindlink- Ravage says, "Annoyance..."

Reflector turns and scans the new arrival, noting his identity, and returns his/their attention to Megatron.

Chasm stares at Ravage, and tries to get behind Soundwave. "Eeeek," he mutters to himself.

Rumble pokes Ruse. "Get ready for forklift mode again..."

-Mindlink- Buzzsaw says, "Agreed, brother."

Buzzsaw ignores Chasm for once, instead tuning into Megatron's words, claws gently grasping Tempest's shoulder.

Soundwave makes use of Chasm's movement to scoop him up so he can balance on one arm. "Chasm does have certain abilities in the area of inserting viruses, or so I understand," he says to Megatron.

Ravage keeps eyeing Chasm... Hiding behind Soundwave would help him little if the cat decided to pluck a few wings.... fortunate for Chasm Ravage isn't in a KFC mood.

Tempest strokes her new friend's head, hoping her association with Buzzsaw will be enough to convince the other Decepticons that she belongs here.

Megatron turns to Starscream. "Well, this is your opportunity to show your qualities as a... leader. You will lead the mission, Starscream."

Ruse mutters to Rumble, "If this was a union job I would go on strike. Ah the joys of the army. At least Reflector is here to help us now."

Chasm clings to Soundwave's arm rather tightly, his irritation at being picked up over-ridden by Soundwave's sudden declaration of his abilities, "Er me? What ever gave you that idea, Soundwave?"

Reflector turns to Soundwave and requests permission to upload his report on the humans, as well as all information gathered, to the computer mainframe.

Rumble mutters, "I hope we at least get to scramble some Auto...er, some humans."

-Mindlink- Ravage Chooffs... "A rat with wings..."

Divefire arrives from Access Corridor.
Divefire walks into the area

-Mindlink- Buzzsaw says, "A snake more likely... to strike one's heel when you least expect it."

Starscream bows with flourish, "I shall lead this mission, Megatron, and show you my unadulterated skill... Skywarp! Stand to attention!"

-Mindlink- Ravage says, "Mmmmm no... I have my optics on this one."

Buzzsaw allows himself to be stroked carefully, looking at Ravage and Chasm occasionally, optics glinting in amusement.

Reflector does a rather good impression of rolling his eyes at Starscream's remark.

-Mindlink- Buzzsaw says, "True. None can escape your optics."

Megatron gestures at the present troops: "Make your decision who to take with you besides Soundwave and Chasm who will implant the virus."

Soundwave looks to Chasm. "It is time you displayed some of your abilities."

Skywarp eyes Starscream, considering stretching Starscream's patience, but decides that it's really not worth hearing his voice rephrase the order. He steps over to Starscream. "Yessir."

Chasm says smoothly, "Soundwave, you /know/ I'm more of a 'hands-off' mech..."

-Mindlink- Ravage says, "Coward..."

Reflector turns to Soundwave. "Sir, requesting permission to join virus deployment team. I am not exactly set up for combat, and would be better employed as a picket.

Ravage leans against Soundwave's leg lightly.

Tempest just sits there, ruby optics darting around, not really sure what to do.

You say, "Would you prefer to be inserting viruses into human systems, Chasm, or fighting off Autobots?"

Rumble raises his hand. "Bring 'em on!"

Buzzsaw chuckles and rustles his wings, watching Chasm. He squawks then, making chicken noises at Chasm.

Chasm says quickly, "I'll take the virus mission, then."

Soundwave glances aside at Ravage, but makes no comment to the silent message for now.

Divefire walks in to join everyone, having had his head buried into a project for most of the day. Although he does manage to catch the air commander's comments and wonders what Starscream has been doing with his spare time.

Reflector turns and uploads his rather thorough report into the computer mainframe, making sure to red flag it for Soundwave's terminal.

Ravage looks up and fixes his eyes upon Soundwave's for a moment.. then glances to Chasm again.

With a thought, Reflector also sends a copy of it to Divefire.

-Mindlink- Ravage says, "I'll keep an eye on the little traitor... who knows what he'll do."

Megatron waits for Starscream's decision. Well... he will see....

You paged Ravage with '(tel) I know, Ravage. But I remain curious about this one. Why he claims he is my creation from some future time, for instance, and what he might yet accomplish.'.

A holographic dagger floats up behind Buzzsaw and suddenly vanishes again.

Tempest instantly jumps back (since Buzzsaw is on her shoulder) and in a flash her swords are in her hands ... but there's nothing there.

Ravage gives a soft growl to Chasm again.

Chasm is looking in the other direction.

Reflector notices the commotion, and focuses on Chasm.

Ravage hops up into Soundwave's lap so he is very close to Chasm now.

Tempest's head jerks around and she looks for the source of the image ... she looks confused, and scared ... she lowers the swords. "Sorry."

Megatron suddenly turns his attention to Tempest, while saying. "I'm waiting, Starscream..!"

Tempest cringes back into the shadows, sheathing her blades, looking at the ground.

Ruse is leaning back, and blinks at the holographic image... o O(Ohh so he wants to play.)

Starscream looks over the assembly, then shoots a glare at Megatron. "You want the members of the mission to be well-considered, don't you, *leader*?"

Ravage sits down and by pure accident... whaps Chasm on the back of the head with his paw.. *WHap!..* he glances at Chasm all innocent.. /Oh sorry... /

Buzzsaw turns and glares at Chasm as well, patting the side of Tempest's head with one wing. His optics redphase for an instant at the dragon.

Starscream says, "Alright - for air support and firepower I select Skywarp, Thundercracker, and Divefire. Ground support: Reflector, Rumble, and Ruse. For the virus mission, the obvious choices-" he flickers a somewhat mistrustful glance at Soundwave and his brood, "Soundwave and Chasm."

Tempest murmurs to Buzzsaw, "Am I crazy or was there a dagger behind us?"

Megatron nods.

Chasm leaps up on Soundwave's head as Ravage paws at him.

Rumble cheers. "Let's shake 'em up!"

Soundwave is very much aware that holographs have been flying in the vicinity, but makes no reaction to them.

Buzzsaw shakes his head to Tempest's question, chirping gently.

Megatron says, "You heard the choice of the *mission leader*..."

Reflector nods at Starscream's decision. He doesn't feel he's the correct choice for ground support, but he will not protest his commander's decision.

Starscream adds, "Oh, and - Ravage. Someone to keep guard and attack unexpectedly. Not like we *need* the ground support."

Divefire internally goes over Reflector's report and catches himself up with the situation. The virus part certainly sounds interesting, but alack he's going flying. He just hopes that there is something big to shoot at...

Tempest sighs and slips over to a chair, curling up with the chair's back ... and her's ... to the wall, getting ready to stay here with Megatron. She eyes Megatron carefully as if wondering what he plans to do in Starscream's absence.

Ruse smiles... ground support? o O(Alright!) She hops out of the chair, "Or all the hot exhaust in here... close it Starscream."

Ravage glances to Starscream and wonders who he is supposed to guard.

Thundercracker wacks his fists together and steps up behind Skywarp "It's about time, I'm gettin' cabin-sick."

Skywarp turns to Thundercracker with a smirk "Too bad you didn't get to go to Cybertron too."

Megatron whispers to Soundwave: "Have an eye on him and take care of..." He stops. "No... she is a Decepticon. She has to take care of herself."

Soundwave opens his tape compartment for Ravage to enter - retaining him as the element of surprise.

Starscream strides toward the door, expecting the others to follow.

Soundwave follows, keeping hold of Chasm.

[Travel Time]

Atlantic Ocean <Central>

Skywarp [Robot]
Ruse [Robot]
Chasm [Dragon]
Reflector [Robot]
Rumble [Robot]
Space Cruiser <Star Drive II>

Obvious exits:
<N> North leads to Atlantic Ocean <Central>.
<S> South leads to Antarctic Circle.
<E> East leads to Atlantic Ocean <Eastern Hemisphere>.
<W> West leads to Atlantic Ocean <Western Hemisphere>.
<D> Down leads to Conning Tower.

Starscream transforms into his sleek fighter jet mode, taking the lead and soaring off across the ocean.

Starscream calls, "Decepticons, follow me!"

Rumble rolls his optics.

Skywarp says, "I thought I was, Starscream."

Reflector wonders what is worse. Facing the Autobots and their human allies on their turf with massive weaponry, or having STARSCREAM as the team leader.

Chasm claws tightly at Soundwave, "You don't have to hold me so tightly you know. It's not like I'll run off or anything."

Thundercracker eyes the sky "Are you accusing Starscream of stating the obvious?"

Starscream would glare at Skywarp if he could, in this mode - instead he just fires his engines and retains the lead.

Skywarp shrugs. "Maybe he's just so used to -no one- following him, that he has to say it?"

Soundwave releases his grip a little. "By all means, then fly on your own - but remain nearby."

Ruse flies after the faster jets, "Hopefully this won't end like the last mission he lead..."

Skywarp says, "And you don't have to spend as much time with him, Rumble."

Rumble admits, "I don't envy you, Warp."

[Travel Time]

Munitions Plant Grounds

          This huge multi-level brick building is enclosed by a high wall topped in barbed-wire, ringed at the perimeter with surveillance cameras mounted up high and swiveling in all directions. The lawn is kept cropped and there are no trees or bushes behind which an approaching enemy may easily hide. Numerous smokestacks leach toxins into the sky.

Contents:
Munitions Plant

Obvious exits:
<NE> Northeast leads to Suburbs.

Ruse has arrived.

Reflector has arrived.

Chasm has arrived.

Chasm hovers in the air near Soundwave, "My jetpack needs to cool down for a bit. How about a nice tea break?"

Skywarp has arrived.

Reflector says, "Preparing for reconnaissance."

Reflector transforms into his Camera mode.

Rumble has arrived.

Reflector transforms and hovers towards Soundwave's hands.

Chasm simpers, "How about a few shots of me? I'm rather dashing from this angle..."

Soundwave indicates the building below. "We are almost at our destination, Chasm. You can cool down there."

Soundwave catches the transformed Reflector and quickly checks out the defensive capabilities of the place from the air. "No indication of nearby Autobot presence," he calls to Starscream.

Reflector starts doing an optical scan of the facility, and finds no Autobots.

Ruse looks to Chasm and murmurs to Rumble, "I can't believe someone has a bigger ego than Starscream. I think I can feel the universe starting to implode already."

Rumble adds, "Let's hope it lasts." He snickers at Ruse. "Yeah, but at least the lizard is the size for us to beat up to keep him quiet."

Soundwave replies in response to Chasm's comment, "You can amuse yourself later, Chasm. Now we have work to do."

Starscream dives toward the building, his engines screaming as he heads straight for the outer brick wall....

Reflector waits for his leader to signal what to do.

Munitions Plant

          Spindly staircases and narrow walkways climb the gray interior walls of this huge building, while machinery transports heavy pieces of equipment back and forth. Conveyor belts rumble along, the noise of the equipment echoing in the cavernous, poorly-lit interior. This factory is busy manufacturing weapons, the purpose of which is clear from the poster slapped against one wall - a not-unbecoming picture of Megatron labeled with the text "The Enemy." High up along one platform, a ceiling-high computer bank controls all the automated machinery, its lights flashing in multicolored sequence.

Ruse has arrived.
Rumble has arrived.
Reflector has arrived.
Skywarp has arrived.
Chasm has arrived.

Reflector transforms into his Camera mode.

Rumble folds his arms, snorts, pokes ruse and gestures to the poster.

Starscream leads the way, crashing right through the brick wall and tearing open a hole that everyone else can follow through.

Reflector signals to the others to shield their optics. He then proceeds to blind the humans with a flash, and hopefully burn out any security devices.

Chasm removes a felt-tipped pen from subspace and quickly squiggles a mustache on the poster.

Skywarp follows through the hole created by Starscream "I'm glad he did that...mighta ruined my paint."

Thundercracker follows, his engines roaring noisily. "Your paintjob is already a ruin."

Human guards scurry forward with rifles, firing at the Decepticons as they land and transform.

Starscream raises his arm-lasers and sneers, "Foolish insects!"

Rumble sighs and waits for Soundwave to make some cubes...

Reflector flashes a bright pulse, aimed at the enroaching humans, sending all of the Decepticons a warning to shield their optics before he does.

Ruse slows down as she nears the ground and lands with the others through the brick wall. She blinks at the poster and giggles, but then dims her optics so she's not blinded. "Alright 'leader' what next?"

Starscream follows up on Reflector's camera flashes with a laser bolt from his weapon, which impacts on a nearby wall and blows out some of the computer systems. He turns to Skywarp and Thundercracker. "Drain this factory of its energy!" he commands. "Fill the energon cubes!"

Skywarp and Thundercracker transform in tandem and immediately start to fill the cubes.

Chasm flaps over to the computer systems and tries to poke it into life with a delicate paw, "Vandals," he sniffs to himself. "There might have been something actually /useful/ on here."

Ruse sighs, looking to Reflector and Rumble, "At least it's not us... let's go outside and stand guard for Autos."

Soundwave starts producing the glowing-edged cubes, but stays back from the jets who are intimidating the human guards. "Chasm," he says quietly, "infiltrate the computer systems. We wish to destroy this planet's ability to interface with Autobot software and manufacture weaponry for them."

Chasm flicks a gaze Soundwave, "You're actually instructing me to do something useful with my vast talents? Appreciated."

Chasm brings his wings forward and crunches down into his cassette form.

Soundwave replies casually, "That is why you were brought here."

Rumble takes position at the hole, scanning the horizon. He's NOT letting any Autobots slip past him again!

Soundwave continues to generate cubes.

Chasm slides into a socket and starts to transmit a copy of a virus on to the system.

Reflector flies into Ruse's hands so that she can scan for any Autobots coming to the rescue.

Starscream, for all his directing of the action, does help out with filling energon cubes, and a nice stack soon fills the floorspace in front of him.

Ruse stands guard with Rumble, plasmarifle drawn, "Well so far so good." She catches the camera with one hand and holds it up to scan with.

Chasm mutters to himself, "I delight in anarchy... well, this sort of anarchy at any rate." The virus is downloaded onto the system tapes of Cray-5000, spreading quickly throughout the primitive computer system and corrupting most of the data.

Skywarp continues to assist Starscream, but can't help himself from commenting "I think you're gonna have to get your paint redone...it's all messed up."

Thundercracker dryly comments, "Skywarp, he always looks like that."

Starscream activates his communications system to contact Megatron, but before doing so retorts to his flying partners with a smirk, "You're just jealous. Keep working hard and being good little flyers, and maybe someday you'll be able to lead a glorious mission too."

Chasm jacks out of the system, "Soundwave," he says smugly, "I've wiped most of their data, made a copy of it for us to peruse over in our leisure, perhaps over a fine cup of enerwine, and infected some of the subsidiary Aarnet systems..."

Divefire has arrived.
Divefire flies into the area

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

Soundwave nods to Chasm. "Excellent. I knew you could be of assistance."

Reflector scans the new arrival, recognizes him as a friendly, and continues to scan for approaching Autobots.

Chasm points to the monitor behind him -- sure enough sparks start to crackle around it, smoke pours out of vents, the huge tape reels stop winding and the display flashes 'SYSTEM ERROR SYSTEM ERROR SYSTEM ERROR".

<Earth> (the screen in the Decepticon base command center activates) Starscream says, "Mission leader to Decepticon headquarters. Acknowledge, Megatron!"

Soundwave's optics flicker a little brighter in a smile - whether because he's pleased at Chasm's work, or amused by Starscream's posturing, is hard to tell.

<Earth> Megatron says, "Megatron here. Report *mission leader*, Starscream."

Divefire looks over to the equipment that just got fried and frowns slightly. "I hope someone got copies of that information."

<Earth> Starscream says, "I have achieved complete success! All the factory's energy is ours!"

Ruse continues to scan the horizon roads along with Reflector. She murmurs to Rumble, "They should show up soon... it never fails. You ready Rumble?"

<Earth> Megatron says, "Return with the energon cubes. When I receive the new coordinates for the space bridge, we will transport them to Cybertron."

Rumble says, "I'm ready to rumble..."

Unnoticed to any of the Decepticons in the room, up on a high scaffold, a small human in a wheelchair is frantically pushing buttons on a computer console which has not yet been entirely disabled by Chasm's virus.

<Earth> Starscream straightens his wings and says, "As you command, Megatron! But- " here his expression takes on a nearly hurt look, "surely you wish to commend me for my efforts. After all, I-" he breaks off as a sound catches his attention.

Ravage has arrived.
Ravage stalks into the area.

The jade-green cassette sudden unfolds itself and expands into the small form of a hovering dragon-like figure.

A sound of engines can be heard from outside. The guards would notice a group of Autobots coming into view and approaching rapidly.

Skywarp looks up from cube filling. "Sounds like we got company!"

Reflector notices the approaching dust cloud, and scans it. "ALERT Autobots approaching!"

Reflector transforms into his Robot mode.

<Earth> Starscream gasps, "Autobots!"

Ruse nods and opens her palm for Reflector to transform for battle.

Reflector says, "Do we engage, or do we take our energon and retreat?"

Rumble says, "Time for some action!" and draws his laser, getting ready.

Soundwave draws his weapon, taking up a stance before the largest of the energon cube stacks.

Reflector waits for the Autobots to close, and then they'll be in for a surprise...

Reflector transforms into his Camera mode.

Divefire turns his attention to the door and strains his optics to see how and who is coming. "Do you have numbers, Reflector?"

Reflector says, "Scanning."

Chasm declares, "Well, I've done my bit..." He flicks his holographic cloaking shield on and quickly scuttles away.

Optimus Prime leads the way and roars in through the opening already made by Starscream, leading a troop of attackers.

Ruse says, "Alright Rumble, you start off defense with an earthquake, go out there and shake 'em up! Me and Reflector will follow it up with cover fire."

<Earth> Megatron notices that it is only Prime: "You outnumber him by far. Gang up and destroy him."

Rumble ducks as Prime passes overhead! He quickly recovers, activates his piledrivers, and tries to make a nice canyon to stop the other Autobots.

Reflector flashes again, trying to disorient the Autobots and give the Cons some cover.

Rumble creates a big wide canyon in the earth!

Reflector transforms into his Robot mode.

Thundercracker sets himself in front of the energon cubes, with a grunt. "Why can't they ever leave us alone?"

Reflector turns to face Prime and tries to hit him with a flash beam.

Cliffjumper and Brawn are following behind Prime, "Hey Prime," Cliffjumper calls out. "Leave some 'cons for us!"

<Earth> The screen in Decepticon headquarters shows Prime roaring into the munitions factory, with Cliffjumper and Brawn trailing in afterward. Ironhide, Wheeljack, and Bumblebee follow from afar.

Skywarp takes a step to the left, putting himself at another protective space before the cubes. "They can't fly, must be boring existence. So they think we gotta be boring too."

Starscream fires at Prime as the Autobot leader transforms.

Megatron radios Soundwave: Is the virus implanted?

Ruse grumbles, "So much for that..." She turns and begins firing on the other Autobots, taking an aimed shot Brawn!

Rumble pulls his laser and takes a shot at Cliffjumper.

Rumble's shot goes wild! Rumble curses and tries again.

You radio Megatron with 'Success, Megatron. Virus is implanted.'.

Cliffjumper laughs, "Hey, it's Soundwave and his tape army. Oooh, I'm really scared now." He draws his laser and starts to fire it into the Decepticon ranks.

"I'm right behind you," Brawn grunts, covering Cliffjumper with his own weapon.

The battle of the big boys isn't any place for Reflector. He turns and fires at the approaching Autos, trying to cover his comrades.

Divefire summons his sword from subspace and mutters to himself as he steps up to position to attack the big red semi of death. "Well this is new..."

<Earth> Megatron says, "Starscream! Do NOT fight them! Escape with the energon cubes!"

Rumble yells back, "You should be!" as his next shot hits Cliffjumper right on!

Skywarp blinks at Megatron's command from afar, and unquestioningly begins to gather the energon cubes. "You heard 'im, Thundercracker...let's get outta here!"

Starscream looks displeased with the orders, and rushes forward for one last assault on Prime, slamming him backwards against one of the computer banks. Prime's weapon happens to go off and strike the machinery above, setting off a chain reaction inside. It *is* a weapons plant, after all.

Reflector hears his leader's orders, and begins trying to draw the Autobots' attention away from the cubes.

The smaller Autobots veer out of the way of Reflector's defensive attack.

Cliffjumper curses as Rumble wings him. He does a forward roll, ducking under most of the incoming fire.

Brawn fires from the distance and then Wheeljack and Bumblebee arrive in a hail of dust, transforming quickly into their robot modes.

"Careful," Wheeljack comments, "This is a delicate situation... One wrong shot and..."

Ruse watches the Autobot dodge out of her line of sight, and fire on her. She is hit in the hand with a laser bolt and winces as it fuses two of her fingers together melting part of the armor. Quickly she takes aim using her good hand to steady the rifle and fires at Brawn again!

Brawn sniggers, "You Decepticons couldn't hit the broad side of a barn," he comments as Ruse's shot misses him.

Rumble grabs at Ruse. "Come on, it's time to get out of here!"

Reflector flies up in front of Brawn and Cliffjumper, and sends out a massive pulse to give his comrades time to escape!

Brawn and Cliffjumper are knocked down momentarily by Reflector's pulse wave!

<Earth> The screen in Decepticon headquarters shows Prime just having been knocked back against the wall by Starscream, and the battle having started a chain reaction in the manufacturing machinery. One wall starts to spark and fizzle. One of the humans shouts, "Optimus - the machinery! It's going to blow!"

Brawn groans, "That light... my optics are all sizzled out..."

Soundwave is gathering up energon cubes amidst the chaos.

Reflector moves to gather up energon cubes, though he can't hold that many. The Autobots are now the least of their worries. No one wants to get caught in the explosion.

Rumble runs over to Soundwave and scoops up an armful of cubes.

Ruse gahs, grabbed, and tries to wrench out of Rumble's grasp, "Can't hit the.. why you little.. let me go, Rumble, I am going to rip his optics out!" Luckily Rumble does manage to lead her off without to much effort...

<Earth> The screen continues to show the image: Prime notices the humans in danger and shrugs off the Decepticon attacks. "I will shield you!" he says, and throws himself before the machinery, just as the explosion goes off, lighting the interior of the building with a brilliant flare of light.

Cliffjumper tries to grab for his pistol again, "Can't let... them... get ...away with this..."

Wheeljack calls out.. "Prime! No!" just as the explosion knocks him and Bumblebee down.

Starscream whirls on Prime. "Now's our chance. Hit him with everything!"

Rumble balances his laser over the armful of cubes and fires.

Rumble gets a few shots in at Prime before the cubes threaten to fall out of his arms and he has to stop firing and leave.

Soundwave says, "Alert, more Autobots approaching! We must return the cubes to base."

Ruse grabs a few energon cubes reluctantly as well... and then with one hand free takes a semi-aimed, fully powered shot at Prime, her rifle glowing red as it overheats from the power!

Reflector stops briefly and wonders what to do. Fire on Prime, or continue to retrieve cubes? He pauses a moment and decides on a compromise. He fires, but not with all of his weapons.

A few cautious laser shots (not really all that powerful) seem to come out of nowhere, connecting with Prime. Chasm's holographic shield ripples as he fires through it.

Divefire shields himself from the explosion with an arm, and then raises both his arm rifles to fire at the prone Prime, unleashing a torrent of rifle fire into the Autobot leaders body.

Skywarp loads his cubes into his cockpit, and lifts his weapon, unloading a burst of weaponry towards the Autobot leader.

Reflector comes to a conclusion and opens fire at Prime with his lasers.

Starscream snarls, hating to let this chance go, as Prime falls away from the wall with steam rising from his body - but with more attackers on their way, he complies with orders and takes off.

Chasm manages to lift a cube in his back claws and tries to flap off carrying it.

Thundercracker lifts to the sky after Starscream, the cubes in his arms disappearing as he transforms.

All three of Reflector have picked up every single energon cube that they could possibly hold and take off.

<Earth> The screen shows Prime falling away from the wall with steam rising from his body. Some of the Decepticons take a few last potshots at him, though the rest are escaping as ordered, while a fresh wave of Autobots rolls in - ready to tear after the Decepticons until they notice the battered body of their leader. The screen then goes dark as the transmission ends.

Munitions Plant Grounds

          This huge multi-level brick building is enclosed by a high wall topped in barbed-wire, ringed at the perimeter with surveillance cameras mounted up high and swiveling in all directions. The lawn is kept cropped and there are no trees or bushes behind which an approaching enemy may easily hide. Numerous smokestacks leach toxins into the sky.

Contents:
Munitions Plant

Obvious exits:
<NE> Northeast leads to Suburbs.

Reflector has arrived.
Chasm has arrived.
Ruse has arrived.

Reflector says, "Prime. Neutralized."

Divefire has arrived.
Divefire flies into the area

Reflector says, "Prime is heavily damaged. Without him to lead them the Autobots will be disorganized for a time."

Chasm clutches his cube towards his chest.

<Earth> Starscream says, "On our way, Megatron. And victory over Optimus Prime is mine!"

<Earth> Megatron says, "Return to base! Megatron out."

Reflector uploads his visual scans of Optimus Prime's damage to Soundwave.

Soundwave seems pleased with the images, and nods to Reflector, then continues onward in flight.

[Travel Time]

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.

Chasm [Dragon]
Reflector [Robot]
Ruse [Robot]
Laserbeak [Red Cassette]
Buzzsaw [Condor]
Tempest [Robot]
Megatron [Robot]

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

Rumble arrives from Access Corridor.

Divefire arrives from Access Corridor.

Megatron looks straight into her optics. "I'll explain that to you one day, Tempest."

Ravage arrives from Access Corridor.
Ravage stalks into the area.

Tempest nods slowly. "We can only hope the damage was enough to destroy him."

Buzzsaw is still perched on Tempests' shoulder, but as Soundwave enters the condor lifts off and swoops towards his master, optics scanning for damage.

Soundwave arrives, carrying an armful of glowing energon cubes. In terms of gathering fuel, the mission was a great success. He places the cubes down in the middle of the floor.

Reflector unloads the energon cubes that he was carrying into storage.

Soundwave is undamaged, and seems pleased with the outcome of things.

Tempest is alerted by Buzzsaw's movement and turns her head to examine the returning Decepticons.

Skywarp arrives from Access Corridor.

Rumble proceeds to unload his helping of cubes.

Ravage follows in after Soundwave.

Reflector uploads his visual record of the events to Megatron, with several heavy visual scans of Prime's damage.

Starscream strides in, adding a stack of cubes to the growing pile, and turns to face Megatron, his manner proud.

Skywarp begins to remove energon cubes from his cockpit. "I doubt that Optimus Prime is gone, Starscream."

Megatron nods, content, as he see the cubes. "Very good." However something is bugging him.

Buzzsaw lands on Soundwave's shoulder, clicking his beak.

Ruse unloads hers as well.. she received the only damage of the whole group it appears, her hand having been hit by a laser bolt and two fingers are now fused together. Also her rifle is for the moment until its repaired.. useless.

Divefire walks in with cubes being caries under his arms. He adds them to the pile, then starts pulling the amazing energon out of my cockpit trick, much like Skywarp is.

Starscream says, "Mission Leader Starscream reporting complete success."

Thundercracker unloads his cubes, adding them to the pile. He snorts quietly at Starscream's manner, but remains otherwise quiet

Reflector says, "Designate: Prime: Temporarily neutralized. Damage: Heavy, but unknown."

Megatron turns to Starscream, ignoring the report. "What is the true condition of Optimus Prime?"

Soundwave adds from the background, "Virus implantation was successful as well."

Laserbeak still sits on Megs's shoulder, just listening to the others and observing.

Starscream glares at Skywarp and Reflector - spoilsports! - and says, "Prime has been *permanently* deactivated! We saw him fall."

Tempest lifts an eyebrow ridge at Starscream.

Reflector says, "Prime has been known to suffer severe damage and return reactivated. I doubt that he has been fully neutralized."

Skywarp says, "Get real, Starscream. Even if we did hit him with everything, it doesn't mean he won't get back up again. Did you see the lights go off in his optics, huh?"

Megatron shortly nods to Soundwave, then turns back to Starscream. "Fall... yes... but can you guarantee his laser core was extinguished? I must be certain!

Starscream bristles. "Actually I did, Skywarp."

Divefire mutters from the side. "Which still doesn't guarantee he's dead."

Reflector says, "May I suggest a reconnaissance mission to the Autobot base by an infiltrator to gain information on the extent of Prime's damage."

Skywarp says, "And if you believe he didn't get up without seeing, then you're dumber than you look."

Buzzsaw regards Chasm for a moment /perhaps this one is useful after all/

Rumble thinks back /maybe...a LITTLE.../

Laserbeak's optics lit up a bit.

Megatron looks at Laserbeak. "Laserbeak! Fly to Autobot headquarters and learn the true condition of Optimus Prime!"

Laserbeak nods his head as he flies off with a sqweek.

Starscream's fists clench. "You-!" He begins to whirl on Skywarp, but stops short upon hearing Megatron's command. His wings slump a little, but even he realizes it's best to be absolutely sure.

Ruse walks over to a chair and has a seat.

Buzzsaw watches Laser leave, a little jealous of his other brother.

Soundwave steps forward. "Commander, may I recommend Laserbeak be accompanied by someone?"

Laserbeak flies off towards the exit and leaves/
Laserbeak enters Access Corridor <<S> South>.
Laserbeak has left.

You paged Laserbeak with '(tel) You receive a telepathic message to remain for a moment...'.

Reflector goes to the computer and enters his visual records of the battle. He's trying to gain some understanding of Prime's damage from analyzing where Prime was hit. It's a job for Soundwave, but it gives Reflector something to do while he waits.

Megatron says, "Send Chasm to back up him, Soundwave."

Reflector looks up, surprised at Megatron's choice.

Buzzsaw perks up at the mention of accompanying Laser, then flattens down again. He takes off, soaring up to a perch.

Oddly enough, Soundwave was thinking the same. Megatron's not picking up some telepathic talents, by chance? Soundwave looks to Chasm, nodding. "It will be good experience for you, Chasm. Consider this a momentous day for you."

Chasm hides under his wings again, "Why me?"

You paged Laserbeak with '(telepathic message) Laserbeak, Chasm is coming with you. His holographic disguise abilities will be useful to you both.'.

You say, "Your holographic disguise abilities will be highly useful."

Ruse carefully attends to her minor hand wound with a laser scalpel.. and hms, "I will go if Chasm doesn't want to."

Buzzsaw makes chicken sounds at Chasm from his perch.

Laserbeak pages: (tel) Alright, have him find me above the base.

Megatron rubs his chin, thoughtfully. "If Optimus Prime's laser core was in fact extinguished, we shall destroy the Autobots and nothing shall stand between us and our conquest of the universe." Why does he have the feeling, sending Chasm wasn't only his idea?

Chasm snorts and flaps off...

Chasm enters Access Corridor <<S> South>.
Chasm has left.

Tempest looks over the pile of cubes. "I take it we've got lots to eat for a while then?"

Megatron says, "This energon will be shipped to Cybertron. We have our own supply."

Divefire throws Tempest a look which is could be translated as surprise that she's not already jumped on the pile and eating them.

Ruse winces... unwelding her fingers from where the laser bolt hit. She grumbles, "Blasted Brawn, lucky shot is all." She then hops out of the chair and takes her rifle over to Soundwave, "Soundwave, is it possible to repair it or is my rifle damaged beyond repair?" It looks.. pretty fused from the heat overload but it might be able to fire again if a skilled technician looks at it.

Buzzsaw watches Chasm leave, satisfied. Then he flips his wings and sighs mentally. His brothers get all the fun.

Soundwave crouches down and takes a look at the rifle. "It will need some replacement parts, but it is not beyond repair."

Skywarp quietly asks, "Will you need anyone to direct the shipment, Megatron?"

Reflector looks up at Tempest. He doesn't recognize her from the transit to Earth. She must be a recent transfer here from Cybertron. Things must have gotten pretty bad there, given how grungy she looks. All three Reflectors nod her a polite greeting, and get back to work.

Ravage yawns..

Tempest does start edging towards the pile, waiting to see if anyone is going to try to stop her, particularly Divefire.

Soundwave hands the rifle back to Ruse and stands again, his attention now going off into the distance as though looking through the eyes of someone else.

Megatron looks down at Ruse. "What happened to your hand?"

Tempest looks curiously at Reflector for a while, tries nodding back, and then continues her movement towards the cubes.

Talons grip Tempest's shoulder gently, and a bird head moves into her view. Buzzsaw looks at her for a moment, then shakes his head /Patience/

Ravage enters Access Corridor <<S> South>.
Ravage has left.

Divefire has his optics firmly on Tempest and just coughs slightly and moves to stand off from the side.

Reflector concludes a preliminary report on the possible extent of damage to Optimus Prime and uploads it to Soundwave for analysis.

Ruse nods, "Thanks Soundwave." She takes the rifle for now and holsters it along her back, then glances to Buzzsaw as she hops back into a chair. She pats the armrest, motioning the condor over. She ohs, "Just a stray laser bolt, Megatron. Nothing major." o O(Thankfully. Blast, I need to learn to dodge those bolts like everyone else one of these cycles.)

Tempest looks up at Buzzsaw, grits her teeth, and plops herself down against the wall, again casting a longing optic at the cubes, but not moving. She mutters, "I'm hungry..."

Soundwave seems to be watching and listening to something far away.

Soundwave announces quietly, "Laserbeak and Chasm have arrived outside the Autobot base."

Reflector waits patiently for Soundwave to acknowledge him. There's no rush, and Soundwave is his superior.

Soundwave moves toward the main computer and dials up a certain frequency, linking Laserbeak's visual input to the screen image. He nods a bit absently to Reflector. "Your analysis of the damage to our enemy is appreciated, Reflector, but we will soon see for ourselves."

Megatron is about to say something to Ruse, but can keep himself from doing so, reminded by the presence of his warriors once again who he is.

Buzzsaw pats Tempest's head reassuringly. /In time/ He then chirps in Megatron's direction, gesturing to the energon, then to Tempest inquisitively.

Reflector nods.

Megatron turns his attention back to the screen.

Starscream moves closer to the screen as well, regarding it with interest as an image of a stone tunnel appears - apparently what Laserbeak is seeing.

Divefire gives the screen the once over, but moves so he can keep an optic on the screen and the pile of cubes...

Tempest starts studying the screen, and Soundwave, intently. It's like nothing she's ever seen before ... but rather than ask, she observes, hoping to figure it out for herself.

Ruse looks to the screen as well, "Let's hope no human vermin are there this time to give them away..."

Divefire adds a passing comment to Ruse. "They're not vermin, Ruse."

<Earth> The image is transmitting along the cassette's recording equipment: The situation looks grave for the Autobots. Optimus Prime lies on a table, while Wheeljack and others fuss around him with repair tools and wires. A few small humans are even helping out with the repairs. "This isn't looking good," Wheeljack says grimly.

Buzzsaw rustles his wings at Ruse' words, but says nothing as he zooms in on the screen.

<Earth> The camera focuses in on an exposed patch of circuitry on Prime's chest, glinting invitingly.

Reflector scans in on the damage, comparing it to his estimate.

Megatron chuckles. "Excellent..."

    [OOC] Divefire says, "Note the lack of shiny disco ball in this scene ;)"
    [OOC] Soundwave nods. No Matrix. :)
    [OOC] Divefire wonders if the Matrix *awe and reverent tunes, plus some dark shades..* even exists here?"
    [OOC] Soundwave says, "Good question. :) Prime sure doesn't have it...."

Ruse hms at the screen and grins joking, "Ah now this is entertainment! If only I had a box of energon goodies and a quart of oil to go with it..."

You paged Laserbeak with '(telepathic contact) Be careful in the heart of the enemy stronghold.'.

<Earth> A projection link from Laserbeak suddenly comes up on the visage as it shows the Autobots standing around Optimus who lies on a table. As you hear Wheeljack,. "I hope we can fix it, he got a real good blast."

Tempest darts a glance at Ruse. "Hey, speaking of goodies ... you got any food?"

Reflector reaches into his chest compartment, and pulls out a small energon cube. He then proceeds to offer it to Tempest.

Laserbeak pages: (tel) Did you all get the transmission ?

<Earth> Megatron says, "Laserbeak, Chasm! Finish him off!"

You paged Laserbeak with '(tel) We are watching it now.'.

<Earth> Wheeljack furiously works on a group of wires, "Prime, don't give up on me now. Hey, you've pulled through worse than this - remember that raid on Iacon Point?" One of the humans hands Wheeljack a wrench, "Thanks, Sparkplug," the Autobot says absently. Sparks fly up.

Ruse hms and produces one of her energon cube rations for the week and .. puts it back, "Reflector, your beating me to the punch too often today."

Tempest looks at Reflector, startled, and then takes the cube as if surprised that he offered it to her. "Um...thanks," she said, uncertain, then she quickly gulps it down.

<Earth> Chasm asks querulously, "What, you mean open fire?"

Divefire shakes his head lightly at Ruse and Tempest. "You're just enjoying the fact Chasm isn't here..."

Buzzsaw chuckles at Ref and Ruse and looks back to the screen.

Skywarp grins, his optics flash bright red at Megatron's command.

Soundwave watches with interest - not only to see the enemy leader in such a perfect position to be finished off, but that his second-oldest creation is in there in the heart of the Autobot base.

<Earth> Megatron says, "YES!"

<Earth> Suddenly the camera moves in close as Laserbeak does a strafing run on Prime. The laserfire burns directly into Optimus Prime's open chest panel. The Autobots are thrown into confusion - hands are raised, blasters are reached for. "Decepticons!" Spike calls out, rather helpfully.

Tempest examines the screen. "That's the enemy base?" She pauses. "Why do you both live in crashed ships?"

<Earth> Chasm fires a few shots into the confusion.

Soundwave never averts his gaze from the screen. "It was a convenient use of materials, Tempest," he answers without looking at her.

<Earth> Laserbeak circles around and takes another strike at the fallen leader. *Sqawk*

Divefire drops his head and clutches at his nose piece in semi pain. "Plus there's a whole reports archive you can go through to find out."

You paged Laserbeak with '(tel) (you sense a feeling of pride from your creator over the telepathic link)'.

<Earth> Ironhide yells, "Fire!" Eventually, some of the Autobots regroup and concentrate their fire on Laserbeak. In the background, it can be heard over static... "This doesn't look good... Sparkplug" "What, Wheeljack?" "It's Prime's cosmotron - it's been hit. And the only replacement is back on my workshop on Cybertron."

Tempest nods. "You mustn't have been here long, then," she says perceptively.

<Earth> Chasm yells, "Under heavy full frontal attack - I'm going to draw back.."

Reflector looks up, confused. So she wasn't a transfer from Cybertron, then?

<Earth> Megatron says, "Return to base."

Soundwave replies as though from a great distance, "We have not." His optic band brightens as he intensifies his telepathic link with Laserbeak.

Ruse watches, hoping Laserbeak can get out safely.

<Earth> Laserbeak takes off towards the exit and retreats out while laserfire streams passing him.

Divefire tosses Tempest a cold smirk in reply. "I've been on Earth a good 2 million years longer than you, Tempest."

<Earth> Chasm draws back from the base at a high speed.

Reflector wonders why we can't save the bickering for later.

Buzzsaw waits, a statue on Tempest's shoulder, perfectly still.

Tempest looks back at Divefire, regarding him expressionlessly. Though she seems a bit irked. "Doing what?" she snaps.

Divefire retorts quickly. "Scenery." And then looks back to the main group.

Tempest herself seems to look uncomfortable, as if she'd lost control, or said too much, or something ... she goes back to looking at Soundwave. "That is SO weird!" she says to Buzzsaw.

Starscream turns away from the screen to face Megatron. "With Prime dying, we should attack the Autobots *now*, Megatron, while their defenses are down!"

Tempest nods slowly in agreement.

Megatron says, "We attack when I so order!"

Chasm arrives from Access Corridor.

Laserbeak arrives from Access Corridor.

Chasm flies sulkily into the corner, staring angrily at the burnt patch on his armour. "I got shot at," he complains to himself.

Laserbeak flies in and heads straight for Megatron, seeming to want a landing. *sqawk*

Something in Soundwave's stance seems to relax imperceptibly as Laserbeak and Chasm return safely.

<LongRange> Megatron says, "Come in, Shockwave!"

Ruse looks to the arriving duo, "Good work you two."

Soundwave moves over to Chasm's corner. "Let me see."

Buzzsaw looks and squacks back at Laserbeak, flexing his wings and relaxing.

Rumble waves to Laserbeak. "Welcome back, bro!"

Laserbeak diverts from his flight and turns to Soundwave landing on his shoulder. *sqeewk*

<LongRange> Shockwave's image flickers in slowly as the connection is established. "Hail Megatron."

Soundwave reaches up to rub Laserbeak's wings in appreciation of his successful mission.

Tempest perks up. "Who's this guy?" she whispers harshly so the radio band will not pick up her voice.

Reflector looks up and nods politely to the returning duo. They have just made a critical blow in the war effort against the Autobots. With Prime down, the Decepticons have a chance to defeat the Autobots present on Earth for good.

<LongRange> Megatron says, "When will the spacebridge materialize?"

Chasm reluctantly flicks his wings back to reveal a scorched chest, "It'll take a good panel beating to get this out."

Laserbeak nods to all Decepticons, seeming to be proud himself on his task.

Buzzsaw scrawks at Tempest quietly.

Reflector requests to Soundwave that they upload the log to Shockwave so that Cybertron will have a record of events that have occurred on Earth.

Chasm removes a small cloth from subspace and starts to fastidiously scrub away at the scorch markings.

<LongRange> Shockwave says, "In seventy-two billion astroseconds, at these coordinates."

Soundwave takes out a small repair tool and sprays the burnt area with a quick burst of nitrogen coolant to still the pain. "Superficial damage," he notes. "Armor replacement not necessary."

<LongRange> Megatron says, "Broadcast visual representation!"

Rumble mutters to Ruse, "Awwww...poor Chasm..."

Divefire gives Chasm and Laserbeak the once over, then glances back to the screen. In a back whisper he translates for Tempest. "Shockwave, the Guardian of Cybertron. Megatron gave him the position when he left, 4 million years ago."

Reflector sighs thankfully. This might shut him up for awhile, or at least keep him away from them.

Chasm complains, "I'm not going out with this gaping black patch in my smooth jade complexion..."

Reflector stiffens in alarm. That's not what he wanted!

<LongRange> Shockwave's image disappears, replaced with a picture of the area in question, with a precise map arriving on a subchannel.

<LongRange> Megatron says, "Excellent, Shockwave!"

Tempest whispers back to Divefire--softening her expression--"So this guy is boss of Cybertron?"

Ruse pokes at Rumble and mutters, "Be nice for now, he may be a snob but he did just do a number on Prime with Laserbeak."

Soundwave leaves Chasm to deal with the cosmetic aspect of the small burnt patch, and says, "Commander, if we upload Reflector and Laserbeak's visual record of the events to Shockwave, he will have a better understanding of the state of our enemies here on this planet."

Laserbeak flares with his optics.

Divefire nods slightly, watching Cannon-Kid's optic blink away on screen. "As it stands yes. No one's taken it off him in 4 million years, don't think anyone will now."

Megatron says, "Do that, Soundwave. Starscream!"

Starscream straightens his wings and looks to Megatron.

Ravage arrives from Access Corridor.
Ravage stalks into the area.

Reflector sets up a computer uplink with the computer on Cybertron to upload the data.

Soundwave moves to the computer and touches a few controls.

Tempest looks at Shockwave's image closely, vowing to remember the face. It seems hard to forget...

Megatron says, "You'll take a few warriors, take the energon to the spacebridge and send it to Cybertron!."

<LongRange> Soundwave says, "Shockwave - I am uploading the visual record made by Reflector and Laserbeak during their missions. It will give you an idea of what to expect from any Autobot retaliation."

<LongRange> Shockwave says, "Data received Soundwave. You expect them to retaliate here?"

<LongRange> Soundwave says, "It is possible. They spoke of a part to repair Prime that was kept in storage on Cybertron."

<LongRange> Soundwave says, "Their leader is dying - they may attempt to reach Cybertron to prevent it."

<LongRange> Shockwave's optic glitters. "Then we shall prepare an appropriate welcome for them."

Starscream once again picks his team to carry out the next mission. "Skywarp, Thundercracker, Divefire, Reflector, Soundwave and your whole mess of creations - let's get this energon to the space bridge!"

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.

Divefire wonders how he got to be so popular all of a sudden. He turns to the pile of cubes and loads himself up with some, yet again.

Soundwave opens his tape compartment for those who want a ride.

Ruse hops out of her chair and towards Soundwave as she 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.

Ruse has left.

Chasm brings his wings forward and crunches down into his cassette form.

Rumble has left.

Chasm snorts, "I can't pass up a free ride..."
Chasm has left.

Tempest looks inquisitively at Soundwave.

Divefire throws Soundwave a question while he's packing cubes. "Can Chasm speak in tape mode?"

Soundwave looks to Divefire and answers honestly, "Unknown. He has told me very little about himself."

Buzzsaw transforms into his Gold Cassette mode.

Soundwave obviously finds nothing unusual about the several small robots disappearing into his chest compartment. He steps forward and takes up an armful of glowing energon cubes to follow Starscream out.

Buzzsaw has left.

    [OOC] Megatron says, "No matter how often I see Soundwave's Kangaroo trick... I'll like it everytime anew."

Tempest calls out, "Hey! Am I stuck here AGAIN?"

Laserbeak flies off and turns towards Soundwave and transforms.
Laserbeak transforms into his Red Cassette mode.
Laserbeak has left.

Reflector picks up several armloads of energon cubes and goes off.

Skywarp too, picks up the cubes that he placed in the pile and follows the others.

Starscream pauses in the doorway to look back at the unfamiliar yellow seeker. "Alright, grab the rest of those cubes and let's go."

Tempest eagerly grabs an armful of cubes and bolts after the others, not needing to be told twice.

Skywarp moves around Starscream and heads out.

Skywarp enters Access Corridor <<S> South>.
Skywarp has left.

Ruse links up once inside. She mentally laughs and radios Ravage, /No it's a shame his radio works though and he can speak in here... and radio out./ She would use the telepathic link to communicate in this mode like the others but.. she doesn't have it.

Reflector enters Access Corridor <<S> South>.
Reflector has left.

Divefire sighs slightly and wonders if he could craft a muzzle for Chasm to wear, although he doesn't say it. "Ah, well that must be fun for you."

[Travel Time]

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.

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

Tempest has arrived.

Tempest touches down right beside Soundwave.

Tempest transforms into her Robot mode.

Reflector has arrived.

Tempest yelps, "What happened to my alt mode?"

Tempest stares at Reflector. "Reconfigured--what?" She's confused.

Soundwave lands, and opens his tape compartment for those who wish to emerge.

Divefire flies into the area.

Rumble has arrived.
Rumble transforms into his Robot mode.

Ruse radios to Tempest, /Converted for disguise... Seeker jets stand out here too much./

Reflector says, "Our alt modes were redesigned from our Cybertronian ones to Earth-appropriate ones to allow us to blend in and not be as obvious."

You say, "I utilized parts from this world's machinery to repair you, Tempest. You had sustained quite some damage."

    [OOC] Divefire says, "Which is why I still look like a Marcos YF-19 Kai Fire valkerie in this mode ;)"

Tempest mutters, "Nice of you to ask me about it..." And then she mellows out. "You know, it's not bad...once you get used to it..." But there's still some serious apprehension there, centering around the fact that she wasn't asked.

Soundwave tilts his head a bit. "The alternative was to leave you as you were."

Tempest , in fact, seems on the verge of ... tears? ... but then she resumes that stoic blank expression.

Tempest mutters something about the price of survival and nods firmly to Soundwave.

Soundwave asks not unsympathetically, "You were fond of your original alt mode?"

Reflector stays out of this. It's not his place to intervene here.

Tempest says, "The new one works as well..." Her optics become slits. "What else happened to me while I was out?"

Divefire blasts down from the upper atmosphere, having gone higher and faster then the rest so not to draw undue attention. He transforms and lands near the group, taking a quick look around, before stepping over to Tempest and Soundwave.

You say, "I discovered some curious things - but nothing of consequence. I see Megatron has seen fit to return your weaponry."

Laserbeak has arrived.
Laserbeak transforms into his Condor mode.
Laserbeak comes out of Soundwave and lands on Soundwave's shoulder.

Tempest says, "Yeah ... like my hilt ... at least I got it all back." Any anger at having that confiscated seems mollified by her relief at having it back. "There's no OTHER nasty surprises in my circuits, are there?"

Ruse has arrived.

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

Skywarp arrives from Desert Road.

Starscream circles the area a few times just to assure himself there are no nearby dangers, then he lands and transforms, bringing to light the energon cubes he's transporting. A conveniently waiting transport vehicle stands at the end of the runway leading to the space bridge. "Load the energon cubes, but be *careful*," Starscream orders.

Skywarp sighs, and drops to the ground "There he goes, stating the obvious again."

Ruse leaps out as well, and transforms. She stretches, "Time to play forklift again, Rumble." She begins to load energon cubes into the transport vehicle...

Reflector moves to begin doing a continuous visual scan of the area, alert for any Autobot intruders.

Divefire shakes his head slightly as he loads up the transporter. "And that after we were playing anti matter energon cubes not so long ago.."

Starscream says, "You know, Skywarp, if you'd spend more time doing your job instead of worrying about mine, maybe I'd be able to rely on my troops and get something *done* around here. My talents are wasted here - I should be in charge of everything!"

Rumble mutters, "That'd be the day..."

Skywarp says, "I agree, Starscream. You -should- be in charge of everything..."

Skywarp says, "Everything like ... oh ... scrubbing the floor..."

Reflector thinks, "Like the farthest point away from our Empire that's possible.

Rumble picks up a load of cubes and loads them in right after Ruse.

Divefire finishes loading up the transporter with his cubes and walks away from the seekers, glad he's only mildly related to them...

Tempest watches the bickering with a look of incredulity, then imitates Ruse and Rumble, dropping her load of cubes in the transport.

Starscream narrows his crimson optics at Skywarp. "Just see how far *you* go in the ranks when *I'm* in charge," he says, and abruptly turns away, helping to load the cubes.

Tempest asks, "What are the cubes for? I mean ... isn't this our next meal?"

Soundwave seems barely to react to the bickering at all, apparently it's normal.

Ruse finishes loading a few cubes and then looks to Tempest, "No, see.. we have a geothermal tap back at base. We ration out the energon it produces."

Reflector turns and explains. "This is for Cybertron, our home planet. They haven't gotten much energon in the past four million years."

Skywarp says, "I wouldn't say that too loud, Starscream. Just think about who's saying that behind -your- back"

Tempest seems relieved that their fuel supply isn't in danger ... but confused on another point. "Cybertron ... why don't they go out and get their own? What ties do you have to them?"

Divefire gives Tempest another look. "Well for one, it's our home."

Starscream snaps, "Oh, go lick Megatron's boots, Skywarp. We've got a mission to accomplish here. And we need a driver for the vehicle to cross the space bridge." He looks over the others speculatively.

Skywarp laughs, having won his point. "You're such a pushover."

Skywarp shrugs at the Space Bridge "I'll take it if you want."

Ruse explains to Tempest while working, "Well, Cybertron is hurtling through the universe and so far hasn't come close to a planet with energy, so can't. That's why we were sent out as sort of an advanced team. It wasn't our original mission, it was to see what the Autobots were up to, but now it is, since we crashed on a planet so rich with energy."

Starscream sighs in exasperation, but keeps his mind on the proceedings for now. His gaze centers on Reflector, or one of his three components, anyway. "And I've decided on *you*." He reaches for the smaller robot.

Reflector says, "Negative, sir! I am not the correct choice to be used! The shock of being separated could fry my laser core!"

Reflector says, "I cannot be separated from myself!"

Tempest nods slowly. "You all came from there, didn't you? You are all the same crew..." This she seems to comprehend. But at the requirement for volunteers, she slinks behind Soundwave.

Reflector turns to Soundwave. "Sir, I cannot be separated from my components. The consequences for my linked mind could be catastrophic! Please explain it to Starscream, sir!"

Starscream brushes off Reflector's complaint as just cowardice, and stashes the smaller robot in the ship, slamming the canopy down over him. "Nonsense. Meet your fate like a warrior!"

Divefire ponders passing comment on Starscream's wonderful choice of pilot and looks back to Tempest. "Not all of us, Tempest. But mostly you've got the right idea."

Rumble tries to cheer Reflector up. "Say hi to the old gang back on Cybertron!"

Reflector's other two components move towards their third, and try to pull him out of the ship.

Soundwave makes a move to step forward, but it's already too late ... the vehicle starts off down the runway.

Reflector says, "Sir, we cannot survive if we are separated! YEEEEAAAAARRRGGGGHHHHHH!!!"

Skywarp tsks at the 1/3 of Reflector "Oh get over it. There's nothing scary about it."

Buzzsaw has arrived.

Tempest cringes back, not liking the looks of this at all!

Ruse blinks and tries to sway Starscream's choice, "Starscream I will go... Reflector is too valuable here anyway." She doesn't think he's a coward, and gives a sharp glare to Rumble. She winces though.. too late. o O(Oh no.)

Reflector's other two components race forward, after the ship, and grab on to the sides, or at least they attempt to.

The vehicle slides off into the ring of the space bridge, which closes behind it, and the transport sequence activates.

Reflector in desperation starts trying to blast his way out of the ship, but cannot break out.

Soundwave turns to Starscream. "That may have been a drastic mistake, Starscream."

Divefire sighs and steps close to Starscream so he can just comment under his breath, with a cough. 'Idiot.'

<LongRange> Soundwave says, "Soundwave to Shockwave - prepare for the arrival of a shipload of energon. And ... a potential problem."

Buzzsaw looks at Diver and nods in agreement, rolling his optics a little.

Ruse looks to the two components left... then to Soundwave, "Can't you link them via some long range communication link temporarily or.. something?"

Starscream looks genuinely surprised. "What do you mean?"

Reflector's other two parts just stand there like zombies, doing nothing, with no movement. The light in their optics dimmed.

Skywarp sniggers at Reflector. "Hey ... that blank look! They look like Starscream!"

Reflector enters Space Bridge <Earth> <<I> In>.
Reflector has left.

<LongRange> Megatron says, "This is Megatron. What problem are you talking about?"

It slowly comes to Starscream that perhaps Reflector *wasn't* just trying to weasel out of the trip.

<LongRange> Shockwave says, "We are prepared to receive. Can you detail the problem?"

Soundwave moves to stand beside the motionless Reflector components. "I can try, but - Reflector was an experimental construct, much as my early creations were."

Tempest gives Starscream a piercing gaze, as if to convey her distrust of him.

Divefire shakes his head and walks away from Starscream again, his thoughts center on just how he managed to get air command...

Rumble runs up to what's left of Reflector. "Aw, slag..." He, too, glares at Starscream, for reasons much more personal.

<LongRange> Soundwave says, "Megatron, Shockwave - the energon vehicle is being piloted by Reflector. *One* part of him. As best I know of the workings of his mind, it may inhibit his mental facilities to have one of his components separated from the rest. I am trying to link them up from afar."

Ruse walks over as well, looking worried as she waves a hand in front of one of the trio's optics.

Starscream's blustering manner gives way to a sudden uncertainty. "I ... er .. thought he was just saying that?"

<LongRange> Shockwave says, "Yes, he has arrived. Perhaps he can link back to his other two parts by using the space bridge alignment beam?"

<LongRange> Megatron says, "Do whatever is necessary. And give me a report on the idiot who is responsible for that!"

Soundwave examines the blank-eyed Reflector components.

Rumble says, "He's not ... dead, is he?"

You say, "Negative, but he is--" Any response by Soundwave on the problem is cut off, however, by new arrivals on the scene. Soundwave detects the telltale sound of engines first. "Autobots!""

Ironhide, Wheeljack, and Bumblebee come rolling in on the scene, transforming and drawing weapons, racing for the space bridge.

Skywarp says, "Great, so ... I'm guessing the other component -in- the space bridge looks the same, so how can he guide..." he looks over to where the noise comes from, "Still haven't given up!"

Tempest's head swings up, eager for her first look at her "new" enemies.

Divefire blinks and turns, looking over to rushing in Autobots. "Oh wonderful, just what we need."

Rumble mutters, "Aw man ... they pick the WORST times!" He leaps forward, piledrivers ready. "So, you wanna Rumble with Rumble, eh?" And he starts pounding away at the ground.

<Earth> Soundwave says, "Megatron - space bridge is under attack by Autobots as we predicted. Reflector's condition is temporarily stable, and I will try to link his mind into the space bridge signals to bring his shattered mentality back together - but we have additional problems now."

Ruse scowls and draws her... o O(Aw slag! Its jammed!) She instead grabs one of the components and takes cover while lugging zombie behind her. o O(If the bodies are damaged, he definitely will be dead.)

The three Autobots seem intent not so much on blasting the Decepticons, but in breaking their way through the defenses to reach their target.

<Earth> Megatron says, "Give me visual contact to the events at the spacebridge!"

Tempest looks at Divefire. "I CAN fight them, right? Any way I see fit?"

Rumble's trench opens too slowly, and the Autobots have time to dodge it instead of falling in.

Divefire looks to Tempest and just draws his electro sword in response. "Just dodge the friendly fire."

<Earth> An image comes up on screen of Ironhide, Wheeljack, and Bumblebee racing for the space bridge, firing left and right at the surrounding Decepticons as they try to make their way toward the ring.

Tempest whips out her longblades and waits for the Autobots to rush her.

<Earth> At about that time, the local weather conditions take a turn for the worse as a cloudburst opens and pouring rain begins to stream down.

Ruse shields herself with a hologram as well as the Reflector body so they hopefully won't be seen. She then draws a discbomb, arms it for a short delay, and then frisbees it from her hidden position, towards the Autobots!

<Earth> Megatron says, "Starscream! The rain has given me an idea... Let the Autobots win!"

Bumblebee, remaining in vehicle mode, gets nearly flipped over as the blast wave from the bomb strikes him.

Divefire pauses for a moment to await an order from the 'magnificent flying machine' that is Starscream. Hearing none, he just does what he does best... and meets the Autobots' charge head on.

<Earth> Starscream demands, "What?!"

<Earth> Megatron says, "Do as I say!"

Rumble gives up on the earthquakes and tries his laser.

Laserbeak flies around in the air as he turns towards Soundwave.

Starscream, having been shaken out of his thoughts by the arrival of enemies to target, draws up short as he hears Megatron's orders. His optics flash in disbelief.

Ironhide turns to help Bumblebee back onto his wheels, taking the laser strike from Rumble full in the chest. He fires off a few shots at the little Decepticon.

Rumble ducks into the trench he had made for cover, letting Ironhide's shots fly over his head, and emerging every once in a while to strafe the Autobots.

<LongRange> Megatron says, "Shockwave, acknowledge!"

Soundwave reacts to Megatron's orders by making it look good, firing on the 'Bots, but missing or only clipping them as they race for the bridge - which is starting to light up with activity.

Tempest, lacking guns, must wait for prey to get within striking range.

<LongRange> Soundwave says, "Space bridge activated."

Skywarp stands back, pretending that he couldn't just slag the heck out of all of these Autobots on his own. "They're ... too much for us! Oh NO!"

<LongRange> Shockwave says, "Hail Megatron. Reflector reports the space bridge receiver is under attack."

<Earth> Megatron says, "Well done... Return to headquarters immediately."

Tempest looks at Skywarp incredulously. "Surely we can take them!" As a new arrival, she doesn't have a radio link....

Divefire gets left with charging into Wheeljack, sword drawn and quite eager to modify the blinky-eared idiot's laser core permanently. However he is given pause at Megatron's command... and gets caught by a hard right hook from Wheeljack and goes down, well, makes it look like he goes down at any rate.

Starscream fires a barrage of laser blasts in frustration after the Autobots as the bridge closes and the cone of light arrows upward toward the sky.

Ruse draws yet another discbomb from her subspace compartment, but then upon hearing the orders shunts it back into subspace and just hunkers down for now. o O(Well, saves me a few explosives and the time making them.)

<LongRange> Megatron says, "A group of Autobots is heading for Cybertron. Let them pass! I want to know where they are going."

<LongRange> Shockwave says, "We are not to destroy them?"

Skywarp stops shooting. "Y'know, Starscream. I'm not quite sure if you were -trying- to miss them, or you're just naturally a bad shot."

Starscream stalks over to Tempest and Skywarp. "Yeah, we could have taken them. But we had *orders* from our illustrious leader not to."

Tempest, standing where she is, rushes towards the bridge but not in time to stop the Autobots from getting into it. She looks back at the other Decepticons in disbelief.

Tempest demands, "Why wouldn't you kill them now while you had the chance?" And then she remembers where she is. "um...Sir."

<LongRange> Megatron says, "Not at once... but do as if you'd fight them."

Ruse lets the hologram fade and carefully lugs the Reflector zombie back, "... Tempest, can't you hear the longrange channel?"

Tempest shakes her head.

Soundwave puts away his weapon and walks over to the blank-eyed Reflectors. "Starscream, considering your tactical error just now, I would not be so quick to question Megatron's orders." The words are calm as always, but there's an underlying note of accusation to them.

Divefire flips up to his feet and casually rubs his jaw as he walks back to the rest of the group. "I hope this is worth getting clocked by Wheeljack... Not sure if I'll ever live that one down..." He adds more quietly.

<LongRange> Megatron says, "And report as soon as they leave Watch Central."

Starscream has no response to that, nor to Skywarp's taunt - an indicator that perhaps he feels worse about Reflector than he's willing to let on. "Back to base," he says, turning away.

Ruse says, "Soundwave, could you give her the frequency to tune into? She needs to hear the orders to you know."

Tempest follows the instructions to turn on her radio and grins a little, feeling more like part of the group.

<LongRange> Shockwave says, "Acknowledged Megatron. As always, we follow your orders."

Soundwave gathers up one of the Reflectors, indicating to Ruse that she's to haul along the other. "We will calibrate your radio to receive the long-range transmissions as well, Tempest."

Starscream transforms and takes to the sky without another word.

Tempest nods and grins tentatively at Soundwave.

Rumble climbs out of his trench. "Geez ... poor Reflector..."

Soundwave doesn't reply either, but the slight darkening of his optics betrays that he's worried too.

Ruse carefully grabs a Reflector zombie under the arms and lifts off with a small erf as she adjusts to the heavy load. o O(Ugh he's heavy! I think my jets can take it though. Let's hope the arm servos hold out, though. Gotta get him back to base.)

Divefire gives the Reflectors the once-over and muses, "Well he's still generating. That's something."

Soundwave takes to the sky to follow Starscream.

Rumble helps Ruse carry her burden.

[Travel Time]

Repair Bay

          The place Decepticons seek medical care, the repair bay makes every effort to put the patient at ease. The temperature and lighting are optimized for comfort, and the walls are a neutral grey. There are ten beds along each wall, all with display panels. Equipment and tools are stored in the wall between beds and diagnostic scanners emerge from under the beds when in use. Off of the main room is a specialized surgery unit for laser core trauma, a small cryogenic stasis facility, and an emergency room with stacked beds to be used when the main room becomes too crowded. Overall the repair bay appears to visitors as modern and efficient and this impression is quite valid. Even the most catastrophic injuries can be treated here by a skilled medic.

Obvious exits:
<E> East leads to Access Corridor.
<S> South leads to Equipment Storage.

Ruse arrives from Access Corridor.

Rumble arrives from Access Corridor.

Rumble helps Ruse set Reflector's component down.

Ruse enters... Reflector part number 2 in tow with Rumble's much appreciated help. She sets it down and hms, looking worried.

You radio Megatron with 'We have returned two of Reflector's components to the repair bay, Commander. He is alive, but nonresponsive.'

Megatron radios: Acknowledged.

Soundwave sets the other Reflector part down, and the little purple robot stands motionless.

Rumble mutters, "I think Starscream's gone too far..."

Buzzsaw has arrived.

Soundwave opens Reflector's access panel, making some adjustments. "He should have listened - he misinterpreted the situation."

Buzzsaw lands on Soundwave's shoulder to watch, nodding in agreement.

<LongRange> Shockwave says, "Cybertron to Megatron. The Autobots have passed through and appear to be heading toward the Megacity."

Rumble kicks at a loose part. "You say that like it's a forgivable mistake ... almost makes me feel bad for Screamer ... but ... look at Reflector! Starscream should've KNOWN that Reflector's no coward!"

Ruse looks at the two lifeless robots, "I agree, but getting mad won't help Reflector, Rumble. Besides, I am SURE Megatron will deal with this."

Soundwave's optic band darkens further. "Indeed, he should have."

<LongRange> Megatron smirks. Then he contacts the air defense on Cybertron: "Megatron speaks. Security on Cybertron has been breached! Destroy all intruders with rain - acid rain!"

Rumble retorts, "He better!" and begins looking over Reflector's two components, wishing there was something he could do.

Soundwave makes some more adjustments, and then looks up. "This will keep him stabilized a while longer. If the third component can return to us soon, I may be able to reconnect them. But - so little is known about this sort of mind. Reflector was a prototype. He is the only one of his kind."

<LongRange> Soundwave says, "Shockwave, are you receiving?"

<LongRange> The three jet warriors acknowledge the order silently and transform into the pyramid shapes of Cybertronian jets.

<LongRange> Shockwave says, "Affirmative Megatron."

<LongRange> Soundwave says, "This is Soundwave calling. I would request, if there is opportunity, to send Reflector's third component back to us at the earliest re-opening of the space bridge. Can he comprehend orders to return to base?"

<LongRange> Reflector says, "Affirmative, sir."

Rumble looks suddenly relieved.

Soundwave's optics brighten a little as he hears Reflector's voice come in over the long-range communications.

Ruse watches silently .... and listens to the channel. She smiles hearing Reflector's voice.

<LongRange> Megatron says, "Shockwave, I want a visual of the events on Cybertron. I want to see our seekers' success!"

<LongRange> Shockwave says, "Unfortunately Soundwave, one of the Autobots has glued us to the floor. We shall have to find a way to detach ourselves before we can send Reflector back."

<LongRange> Soundwave says, "Understood."

Soundwave steps back a little from the silent Reflector clones, and seems more at ease now. "It was before your time, Rumble, but Reflector was created in the same facility where your sibling was brought to life."

<LongRange> Shockwave says, "I shall instruct our warriors to send down a video feed of the events Megatron."

Ruse says, ".. why one mind and three bodies though? I mean, it seems like he could perform his function just as well with one body."

Buzzsaw stirs a little in interest.

<LongRange> Megatron says, "Good. And get yourselves free!"

Rumble sits down on an empty gurney to listen to Soundwave's story.

You say, "It was an experimental process. There was a research team under my direction that was seeking a way to combine the talents of individuals into new ways - either to split one mind into many sensory inputs and abilities to act, or to merge several minds into one, with the abilities of all."

Rumble says, "Freaky. Um ... no offense, but I'm glad *I* wasn't part of that experiment."

Soundwave chuckles softly. "Reflector has the distinction for being the precursor to a larger project. One that was never quite completed."

Ruse blinks and hmms, "Me either... I pity Reflector. Although he doesn't seem to mind his current state of existence, I know I would. Hmm, what was the larger project?"

You say, "He turned out well, however. Besides the fact that his consciousness resides in three different forms, making him most useful around the labs, he is as normal as any other Decepticon." His expression darkens just a shade again. "And hopefully will remain so."

<LongRange> Megatron eagerly waits for the pictures from Cybertron.

Rumble admits, "I gotta say, after you get used to them being in unison all the time, Reflector's a pretty cool guy."

You say, "The larger project, Ruse, was the notion of combining individual minds into one form, temporarily, for the sake of creating a super-warrior."

You say, "The opposite of the Reflector approach, you could say."

Rumble whistles. "A whole bunch of minds ... merged into a whole. And ... one form? You mean their BODIES merged too?"

You say, "Affirmative. Combined knowledge, combined strength, combined firepower."

Buzzsaw flips his wings.

Ruse says, "... a giant transformer like the Guardian Robots with all that knowledge? Woah."

Rumble says, "I guess it didn't work, eh."

Soundwave sighs a bit. "We never had the chance to find out. The Autobots destroyed the laboratory before the project reached its final stage." The optic band darkens more at some flicker of memory, but he pushes it aside ... bringing his mental shielding down firmly so that Rumble will catch no glimpse of that old nightmare.

<LongRange> On the monitor, the feed flickers to life. Acid rain begins to pour down on the Autobots standing outside Wheeljack's workshop. They collapse on the ground, energy flickering over their forms. Bumblebee mutters to the human, "It's all over Chip. All over..."

Ruse sounds extremely impressed, "Well... if it did, nothing would stand in ... their.. er..its way." She looks to Rumble and suddenly leaps up and tries to land on his shoulders using her graceful agility to balance, "Cassettes, combine to superwarrior!"

Rumble blinks as the shielding comes down. He sighs -- and yelps as Ruse lands on him and he falls off the table.

Ruse acks as Rumble falls and she ends up crashing atop him!

Soundwave is shaken out of his dark musings by Ruse's antics. His optics brighten again into a smile.

Rumble sprawls on the ground. "On second thought, maybe it wasn't the greatest idea."

-Mindlink- Ravage says, "Hey let me out."

Soundwave responds to a silent request from Ravage, and opens his tape compartment so the oldest of his creations can emerge.

Ruse chuckles, slowly shaking off the fall and stands, getting off Rumble and moves to help him up, "Could have been worse... Buzzsaw might have joined in, along with Ravage."

Buzzsaw watches, and chuckles loudly.

Ravage has arrived.

The black tape flips up into the air and spins as legs, paws, a head and body form out of it. With a rumble Ravage lands on all fours in perfect grace. Claws digging into the ground on impact.

Rumble climbs to his feet. "Or worse, we could have STARSCREAM for the head..." and at that mention, he suddenly sobers and looks at Reflector.

Ravage lands on the floor and glances over to Ruse... How unlikely that would be... he doesn't play games.

<Earth> From somewhere in his quarters, Starscream too views those pictures, and announces over the open channel, "The Autobot mission on Cybertron is finished, Megatron! I humbly submit that we attack the rest of them *now*!"

Ravage leans up against Soundwave's leg for a moment as if to say thanks for letting him out... he then hops up onto a chair and looks at the remains of Reflector.. how sad... we will need a new timmy now.

Buzzsaw watches as well, silently.

Soundwave listens in on the communications.

Ruse hmms a bit, herself glancing to the zombielike robots. She shakes her head, o O(Well, sounds like Starscream is still active.) She hops onto a repair bay table, and just remains there for the moment thinking.

Ravage gazes over to Rumble for a moment, then lays down and half closes his optics.

Rumble scratches Ravage's back absently.

Soundwave reaches down and touches Ravage's neck, rubbing his ear briefly, as though contacting some part of the distant past for the briefest moment.

You say, "It seems the Autobots have failed to obtain the needed part to repair their leader. Now would indeed be an ideal time to finish off the rest of them." A flicker of brighter light from the optic band, and a word that one does not often hear from Soundwave: "Retribution. Justice."

Ravage in many ways is the big brother of the tape bunch... may he not be the best example, he does let Rumble rub his back, being content for now.

Ruse hmms, her optics dimming a bit, "Then let's go and finish this." o O(Then... then we can deal with Starscream.)

Soundwave straightens and steps toward the door, knowing the others will follow.

[Travel Time]

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.

Divefire [Robot]
Tempest [Robot]
Megatron [Robot]
Skywarp [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.

Soundwave arrives, carrying the small army of cassettes along.

Ruse waits for the eject cue... ready to fight!

Soundwave lands and ejects the tapes, one after the other.

Rumble has arrived.

Buzzsaw has arrived.

Rumble transforms into his Robot mode.

Ruse has arrived.

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

Ravage has arrived.

Ravage flies into sight...

The black tape flips up into the air and spins as legs, paws, a head and body form out of it. With a rumble Ravage lands on all fours in perfect grace. Claws digging into the ground on impact.

Starscream, apparently not given to sulking in his quarters after all, flies in after the others, engines screaming as he comes in for a dive and transforms as he lands.

Megatron says, "To victory! No-one can defeat us now!"

Tempest looks eager for a fight ... but a little nervous, as if fearful that if the battle is won today, Megatron will have no more use for a warrior.

A whole row of armed Autobots emerges from the base, bringing up their weapons simultaneously. Notably, Optimus Prime is not among them.

Ruse lands... and quickly scans the entrance to the Autobot base for activity.

Skywarp dives down towards the ark entrance, and shortly before the ground, he transforms midflight, and stands prepared for the Autobots.

-Mindlink- Ravage says, "Let's kick tailgate!"

Tempest draws her blades, keeping in the back of the Decepticon army...

Ravage crouches slightly and stalks forward a few steps, hissing.

Rumble laughs. "Are you ready to Rumble, Auto-butts?"

It's almost an absurd image, but Spike comes running out of the base with a weapon that's far too big for him, firing poorly aimed energy bursts.

Megatron attacks. "Take NO prisoners!!!"

Spike attempts to target Ravage. "Bad kitty!" he shouts.

Rumble rushes forward, piledrivers at the ready, prepared to shake the Autobots out of their rock barricades.

Megatron shoots at the next available opponent.

Ruse draws a discbomb from her subspace compartment, arms it, and frisbees it at the neatly lined up Autobots as she dashes forward! "Die autoscraps!"

Divefire blasts down to join the fray, transforming at the last moment with sword in hand before he piles into Brothers Lambogeni.

Prowl, Bluestreak, and Hound launch themselves into the air in their vehicle modes, attempting some transforming acrobatics as they transform in mid-leap and fire down toward Megatron and Skywarp.

Tempest makes a note to ask for guns as she crouches in the back, slipping into the cover of the rocks ... making her way, the long way, up to the back of the Autobot lines, ready to attack them from behind....

Soundwave keeps watch on the progress of the tapes as he fires repeated bright bursts of plasma.

<Cybertron> Reflector says, "ALERT AUTOBOTS AT SPACE BRIDGE!"

The Autobot was lucky, he could avoid the blast from Megatron's cannon. This time...

Ravage growls as Spike fires at him... That filthy human dares shoot at him... he will pay for his fatal mistake... With a quick leap Ravage leaps forward charging for the human who is firing very misplaced shots at him... As he nears his target, Bumblebee yells "Spike!... watch out!" and leaps onto Ravage, smushing the Kitty with a *crunch.* Soon both are rolling on the ground as Bumblebee struggles to keep Ravage at bay.

Tempest jumps down on two Autobots, her swords flashing!

Soundwave shifts his aim to Bumblebee, waiting for an opportunity when he won't risk hitting Ravage.

Ruse watches her bomb... of all things.. fail to go off as it bounces off a random Autobot. She curses and continues forward though and leaps for Bumblebee, intent on helping Ravage by tackling the robot! "Oh so ya wanna play, eh!"

Megatron continues his "work", not caring about the energy he spends. It's time to get rid of the Autobot plague once and for all!

The combined efforts of Sunstreaker and Sideswipe manage to drive Divefire off for just a second, landing a couple of hard blows but nothing major. Divefire comes back at them with an oh so subtle growl of rage and electricity dancing off his blade as he slices at Sunstreaker and spin kicks at Sideswipe.

Starscream fires with both arm lasers, but in the midst of the firefight he calculates something and calls out to Megatron, "We're expending too much energy! We need to conserve!"

Skywarp fires to his core's content...Autobot *zaaaap*...*ZAPZAPZAP*

Ravage Rarrrs! It's Bumblebee... Ravage.... Bumblebee... Ravage... rolling over and over again... Bumblebee arrgs, "You're going to the vet, that's it!!.. Prime is gonna have you fixed... Bad Kitty... *AAHhhh* Don't bite me there!"

Buzzsaw swoops up and pinpoints the one Auto who REALLY gets under his skin... Hound!

Megatron addresses Starscream: "Then I will end this raid now!"

Megatron transforms into his Walther P-38 mode.

Tempest's blades slice Huffer's gun out of his hands and bashes Ironhide in the wrist...Two unarmed Autobots now face a very dangerous looking Sharp-edged Seeker...

Skywarp aims for his most hated rival...Brawn!

Megatron transforms, falling into Starscream's hand.

Starscream catches Megatron with a quick motion and turns to blast Bumblebee off of Ravage.

Tempest goes flying as Ironhide's punch connects ... she rolls, holding her blades in her hands still, and lands on her feet, springing again!

Ravage gets grabbed by the neck and thrown against a rock face by Bumblebee... Ravage goes *Smack* against the wall and slides down looking a little stunned.

Tempest fails to skewer Ironhide ... he flips her over his back and she lands, hard. These Autobots are tougher than they look ... but the yellow Seeker won't quit!

A cloud of dust around the perimeter of the battle scene indicates something moving rapidly toward the base entrance, but all the action is distracting attention from it.

Tempest's helmet is creased by a shot from Huffer, who has recovered his laser weapon.

Divefire's blade snicks nicely along Sunstreaker's arm, slicing neatly into it as Sideswipe goes slamming into the rocks courtesy of Divefire's foot. However as he lands from the attack, Sunstreaker yells at him and spears him into the ground...

Ruse tackles Bumblebee after he throws Ravage off (and Starscream misses) and skids to the ground! She quickly tries to grab the smaller Autobot around the head and choke him from behind!

Tempest, pissed off completely, waits for Huffer to close as if she were giving in ... and then brings her swords up in a slice at Huffer's throat. The Autobot drops his gun and falls back, hands to his neck. She doesn't have time to finish the job, because Ironhide is rushing in...

Bumblebee is taken by surprise as he was about to fire his weapon at Ravage.... "Ack!... Get off me you Decepticreep.. You're scratching my paint!.." Ravage takes this moment to charge in and take a good swipe at the Autobot's legs, sending him toppling over onto the ground.

Megatron decides to re-transform and do the aiming himself.

Soundwave's plasma shots connect with the onrushing Bluestreak, sending the vehicle-mode Autobot skidding toward a canyon.

Megatron transforms into his Robot mode.

Starscream leaps upward and then shifts direction, diving down and firing with both arm lasers, sending various small Autobots scurrying.

Tempest grapples with Ironhide hand to hand. The Autobot is stronger than she is, but she's slippery to hold, and those swords discourage close contact...

Divefire gets his head beaten around by an irate Sunstreaker who has lots of oil and energon leaking down one arm. He hangs his arms after a moment, then looks down at the modified seeker, a little deterred by that fact that two rather angry dark green optics are looking back at him. "Finished?" Divefire queries the yellow Autobot who answers by trying to punch the jet again. Which the jet just blocks and powers his feet into the Autobot's chest and sends him crashing into the rock to meet his brother. With another flip to his feet, Divefire looks around, shouting out a challenge to any Autobot near by. "Next!"

Rumble pounds at the ground, ripping a tear in the earth, giving Gears a very nasty shaking!

Soundwave turns and quickly catches Buzzsaw as the bird takes a hit to the flight engines. Deciding that one additional warrior isn't needed just now, he encourages Buzzsaw to fold up and return to tape mode.

Megatron quickly turns around, covering an 180 degree area with his blasts.

Ruse acks, thrown off by Bumblebee... and offs. She rolls and stands slowly before looking towards Megatron.

Megatron says, "Ruse, come to me."

Most of the attacking Autobots dive for cover under the intensity of Megatron's cannon blasts.

Ruse dashes over to Megatron and hisses in a whisper, "I need more practice hand to hand but for now I need a gun! Transform and let me take a shot and these Autobots with a cannon for once!"

Tempest continues to trade blows with Ironhide. She's got a few dents where the big Autobot landed punches, but he's got a network of longblade slashes creasing his armour.

Megatron kicks an attacker away: "I'm too big for you as weapon!" He shoots at another incoming Autobot. "Take cover!"

Ravage gives Bumblebee a good hit with one of his proton rockets in the chest, sending the yellow Autobot falling backwards into a ditch... he then turns around and scrapes his claws on the ground, kicking dirt in the bot's direction before he pads off.

Rumble starts beating on Gears, laughing gleefully.

Megatron shoots and shoots. No, he really doesn't care that his energy supply rapidly draws short.

The Autobots are obviously at a disadvantage here, and begin to pull back, some dragging their injured comrades.

Divefire takes the advantage of the momentary cover and quickly sprints over towards the fight Tempest is having with Ironhide. Without feeling the need to introduce himself verbally into this fight, he just slices his fully powered sword down the back of the Autobot, making his stagger towards Tempest...

Megatron laughs, seeing the damaged Autobots retreat.

Tempest looks startled at the sudden help ... then slashes Ironhide deep, driving her blades into his windshield glass.

Ruse grumbles, "Never! I will not run from a fight!" She watches the Autobots start to draw back, "Oh well, it's pointless now."

Megatron says, "We are victorious!"

Ravage reloads and fires off two more rockets at the fleeing Autobots... the blurring shapes of the rockets corkscrewing through the air with a white smoke trail just before they explode near a Bot sending him face first into the dirt.

Tempest pulls her longblades free and kicks Ironhide away ... slipping behind Divefire to guard his back against an onslaught from Prowl.

Ironhide staggers away from the brutal assault to join the other retreating Autobots.

Tempest yells back over her shoulder, "Thanks for the assist!"

Ruse draws a discbomb from subspace and throws it at the fleeing Ironhide after arming it! "Run, cowards, you merely prolong your death!"

Ravage pads back to Soundwave and spits out a piece of yellow armor plating at his feet.

Megatron, standing in the middle of the scenario, shouts: "Is there anyone in the universe who challenges the might of Megatron?"

Though the bomb doesn't strike its target, it does seem to make a final statement over the battlefield, with the Autobots having drawn back to cover.

Tempest curses that Ironhide is still alive to stagger. The Autobots are perhaps a little tougher than she'd planned ... but no matter...

Divefire finds himself under attack by a swarm of minibots, he manages to block a few hits and dodge the rest as he then opens fire at point blank range with his arm rifles, peppering the annoying kneecapper-bots with rifle fire. He calls back to Tempest, when he has a second. "No problem."

Ruse watches it go off early and mentally scowls... o O(I have got to work on the timing on those.) She walks over towards Soundwave as well, now that the battle seems over.

A voice sounds out in response to Megatron's words: "There is one, Megatron! I, Optimus Prime, challenge you!" The Autobot leader, obviously repaired and fully energized, emerges from the base and strikes a pose.

Tempest, newcomer that she is, still recognizes the figure she'd seen on the monitor. She continues to guard Divefire's back.

Starscream folds his arms and says snidely, "He accepted your challenge, 'leader.' The battle code requires you to engage him in combat - alone!"

Rumble yells, "KICK HIS AFT MEGATRON!"

Soundwave's optics flicker, noting immediately the unequal conditions, the amount of power expended in the battle by Megatron.

Ruse turns at the entrance and watches Prime power pose... and REALLY wishes she had a rifle right now just so she could take a potshot at the heroic fool. She still cheers her leader on though, "Slag him Megatron!"

Megatron ponders shortly, then raises his cannon, shooting at Prime.

Divefire straightens as he hears that voice, dropping his guard a little to utter an ancient Cybertronian oath that in English would translate to something like. 'Stab his eyes! Why won't he die?!'

Megatron feels his power shortage violently, but knows that he has to fight.

Megatron flies up, attacking Prime directly.

Tempest's mouth quirks a little. He's tenacious ... she has to give him that...

Prime meets Megatron's attack head-on, meeting force with force.

Divefire frowns as he looks over Prime and Megatron... "This is not going to be pretty.." He utters quietly while he kicks away a rogue mini-bot.

Megatron slightly moans as the force of the impact hits him. Darn, he has not enough reserves left...

Prime rips a boulder out of the hillside and sends it crashing toward Megatron.

Tempest watches the fight. This situation too is alien to her ... this code where two fight alone...

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.

Megatron stumbles, trying to avoid the attack. He falls down the cliff, landing on his back.

Soundwave surreptitiously brings up his plasma rifle, watching the combat intently.

Prime follows up by sending a barrage of shots down toward Megatron. "Megatron, do you yield!" he demands.

Megatron says, "I used too much power against the Autobots... I need assistance."

Starscream keeps his arms folded across his chest and turns away slightly. "How unfortunate. If you cannot fight your own battles, you are not fit to be our leader. I'm the only suitable leader anyway."

Tempest's optics almost pop out of her head...

Soundwave's optics flash bright in a moment of fury as he flickers a glance at Starscream.

Megatron realizes what he said. Must be the energy shortage. Of course, Starscream is right. Megatron has to fight.

Tempest slinks over to Soundwave, clutching her swords helplessly, not sure what to do.

Soundwave looks for a moment ready to take on the arrogant Autobot leader himself, but remains locked in place.

Megatron gets back onto his feet, attacking Prime anew, being nearly out of the last drop of energon.

Divefire frowns in Starscream's general direction and wonders if someone shot his head off, would anyone notice the difference. Ah, of course they would, he'd shut up then.

Prime meets Megatron's attack with another punch.

Ruse as Megatron says he needs assistance, reacts. Code or no... she draws her last remaining discbomb, and starts to arm it, but waits before entering the arm code. She waits and will only act IF Megatron cannot continue on. O(If he can't then I will. Stand still, you red clown, and let me show you to your final destination.)

Megatron, unable to coordinate his defensive measures properly, is knocked down.

Prime repeats his demand, "Do you yield?!" reaching for that ego-trip.

Tempest chokes. "He can't yield ... the Bot will kill him!"

Soundwave says in a tone almost devoid of its usual harmonics, "Then he will go through me first."

Tempest looks up at Soundwave and nods once, feeling a bit better ... and she takes a step forward to stand beside Soundwave and join him.

Ruse says nothing and waits... weapon ready.

Ravage is inside Soundwave, so technically anything going through Soundwave.. would go through him first.

Divefire stands ready, his attention now back on the fight, his sword crackling with power at the ready.

Megatron, really exhausted: "Yield - for now... ONLY for now..."

Starscream, seeking some way to retain his bravado without making yet another horrendous mistake, says, "Retreat - and take our 'leader' back for repairs!"

Rumble cringes. So close...only to have it end like this?

Soundwave steps forward decisively to Megatron's side, brandishing his weapon as a clear threat, that if Prime continues he will have to stand there and slay at least two Decepticons on the spot.

Skywarp gives Starscream a frown, but moves with Soundwave to Megatron's side.

Megatron tries to get back on his feet, but is not able to.

Ruse rushes towards Megatron, and moves to help the huge mecha up, well at least TRY to. She keeps her discbomb visible.. in clear threat.

Tempest can't quite bring herself to do that. She holds her stance a moment longer, glaring at the Autobots...then....

Tempest transforms into her CF-18 Hornet Jet mode.

Divefire steps over to the others near Megatron. He doesn't quite join them, instead he has his back to them, watching the 'Bots to see if they dare try something.

Rumble makes sure the Autobots stay well back, ready to activate his piledrivers if need be.

Prime seems to think the better of continuing the attack, when by the rules he has tacitly set up, he should back off at the admission of defeat from his opponent. Almost reluctantly he lowers his weapon.

Soundwave, keeping wary optics on the hated Autobot, reaches down slowly to help Megatron to his feet.

Starscream's optics sweep across the battle scene one more time, and then he hovers upward, transforming as he does so, to lead the way back to base.