THE DWELLER IN THE DEEP BLUE SEA

Logged by: Soundwave


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.

Tempest [Robot] 

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


Soundwave comes back from his other tasks in repair 
bay, to resume his communications monitoring.

Tempest actually is working on the computer, looking 
up information. Clumsily, but she's still working at 
it.

Dirge has arrived.

Soundwave glances over at Tempest, noting she's 
absorbed in her work, so does not disturb her. 
Instead he seats himself at his usual station, 
realizing Dirge, whom he recognizes by his footsteps, 
has come in behind him. Assuming he will be in for 
the usual long night of monitoring Earth 
communications, Soundwave activates his station.

Dirge enters from the Access Corridor, his face 
clouded by a foul expression. He wanders over to one 
of the terminals and punches some buttons.

Soundwave's right hand taps across a keyboard tuning 
in Earth frequencies, while his left hand idly taps 
at another keypad, calling up exterior base sensors 
on a small insert screen. Something catches his 
attention, though, and he gives his full attention to 
these readings.

Tempest, with a lot of muttered curses and mis-hit 
buttons, manages to drag herself through screen after 
screen of information about....

Ruse arrives from Access Corridor.

Wildrider arrives from Access Corridor.

Ruse slinks in, looking to see who isn't in recharge 
at the moment.

Wildrider follows her in "I'll come with ya.."

Rumble has arrived.

Dirge is looking depressed or mad or sullen or all 
three as he idly punches a few buttons at a console.

Tempest snickers at Rumble. "Hey Rumble, your 
spelling is lousy, Megatron says."

Soundwave does not turn around as he hears footsteps 
behind him, indicating he's seen something that 
concerns him on the screen.

Rumble scowls at Tempest. "Who asked you?" Then he 
looks at Soundwave, expecting a rebuke and getting 
nothing...so he goes to see what Soundwave's looking 
at.

<Earth> Soundwave says, "Soundwave to 
Starscream.  Have detected something unusual on base 
sensors.  Unexplained energy drain from the north 
side of the base.  Unable to detect a cause."

Ruse walks over to Rumble, and smirks chipping in 
jokingly while greeting, "Hi Rumble, your typing is 
lousy by the way..."

Skywarp has arrived.

Skywarp teleports in following a bright flash of 
light.

Soundwave's small screen shows an image of the 
undersea base, lit up in a simulation of power flow 
throughout the structure - but the north section 
shows an irregularly-shaped dark patch.

Skywarp ports in with the pumpkin still on his head.

Rumble scowls at Ruse. "Yeah, your yellow buddy told 
me already," he growls with a wave of his hand at 
Tempest.

Dirge pays no attention to the gathering group or to 
Soundwave.

Motormaster arrives from Access Corridor.

Soundwave waits for a reply from Starscream, knowing 
Megatron is temporarily out of range. Not getting 
one, he turns to the others in the room and looks 
them over thoughtfully. He regards Skywarp as though 
it was nothing at all unusual for the black seeker to 
walk around with that odd Earth-vegetable on his 
head.

Tempest continues to pick through her research on the 
computer....

Wildrider looks at Skywarp. "Nice hat." ..Snickers 
madly.

Skywarp ?? "What? Oh darn, I forgot.." ..Tries to get 
the thing off!

Motormaster walks into the Command Center and looks 
about, pausing as he spots Skywarp and grinning. 
"Hold still son... I'll cut it off real quicklike."

Ruse ponders recreating the alienish queen behind 
Skywarp again but... decides one prank is enough for 
tonight. She looks to Rumble and smiles, "Hey I was 
just teasing."

Skywarp blinks though the pumpkin. "Cut? ..er..."

Tempest grins at Motormaster. "I'll just /bet/ you 
will."

Skywarp says, "W..Wait.. Uhm.. You don't havta 
bother..."

Wildrider grins.

Soundwave repeats for the others, though they have 
likely heard the announcement already, "Detecting an 
energy drain of unknown cause, apparently originating 
from the exterior of the base. Sensors are of no 
assistance. Suggest investigation." He looks around 
for Thundercracker, who would be likely to volunteer 
at this point, but since Thundercracker isn't there, 
he waits to see if anyone else is interested in the 
task.

Rumble says, "You mean this is /outside/ our base? 
Out in the water?"

Motormaster steps towards Skywarp, pulling his 
chainsaw-out-of-hell sword from subspace and powering 
it up with a whir of the slicing teeth around the 
edges, "Now what yer gonna want ta do is NOT TWITCH. 
'cause ya might lose somethin' important if ya do." 
However, he is distracted then by Soundwave, "Eh? It 
somewhere me an' m' boys can reach, 'r ya need a 
flier?"

Soundwave looks calmly from Skywarp to Motormaster. 
They can have their fun, but he has this odd little 
puzzle to solve. He nods to Rumble. "The source of 
the drain seems to originate from the exterior. 
And..." he checks his screen again, "the problem 
appears to be spreading."

Ruse looks to Soundwave having heard but was 
expecting Thunder to beat her to the punch as always. 
She speaks up, "I will go Soundwave. Most likely it 
is just a leak someplace and the ocean pressure is 
causing the hole to widen."

Rumble wisecracks, "We need a boat."

Skywarp "!!!!!AAHHH!"...Sees the pumpkin fall in half 
at his feet and grabs his head checking for any loss 
of.. er.. head.

 [OOC] Tempest wonders who invited Cthulhu over... ;)

 [OOC] Motormaster mutters something about the goat 
with a thousand young.

Wildrider snickers.

Dirge crosses his arms and sighs. "Why don't we just 
point a camera at it and take a look?"

You say, "Motormaster, perhaps you and Wildrider and 
Ruse can investigate. I will remain in contact with 
you from within."

Ruse says, "Because Dirge, the cameras there won't 
function without power."

Rumble says to Dirge, "What she said...it better not 
be Autobots."

Motormaster claps Skywarp on the shoulder. "Don't 
worry son... yer not hurt at all. And ya got the damn 
orange thing off yer head." And with that he turns 
back to the rest, "Sure thing, Soundwave. Ya heard 
the mech, Wild.. get ready ta go."

Skywarp calms down and looks at Soundwave. "What do 
ya want me to do Sounders?"

You say, "I do not believe Autobots would be so 
subtle."

Skywarp gets hit on his shoulder and coughs..!

Striker has arrived.

Skywarp says, "Yeah..Thanks Motor...I /think/."

Ruse hovers up excitedly and tries to land on 
Motormaster's shoulder, "Lets go! .. And stop teasing 
Skywarp. I don't think he can withstand much more."

Dirge mutters, "We need some Oceancons or Seacons or 
something like that."

Wildrider laughs at Skywarp and follows his leader 
out.

Striker walks in and looks about, "Hello everyone."

You say, "Skywarp, it would not be amiss to patrol 
the outskirts of the base to watch for incoming 
trouble. Take whomever you require."

Motormaster returns his sword back to subspace and 
flashes an innocent look Ruse's way, "Don't know what 
yer talkin' bout... I was jest helpin' a fellow 'con 
in need." He allows her to land on his shoulder and 
then makes his way out of the room.

Skywarp nods at SW and looks at Dirge. "Seacons?. Who 
would want a Decepticon that looks like a fish?"

Striker watches Ruse and Motormaster leave with the 
Stunts, "Where's everyone goin?"

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

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

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

Skywarp looks at Striker. "Off on a mission. And we 
are on patrol."

Striker groans, "We?"

Skywarp grins. "Yup."

Dirge says, "Is this really such a big deal? After 
that floating base whacked us, I'm surprised we have 
any power."

Striker says, "Floating base? No power? What in 
Primus name are you talking about?"

Skywarp looks at Dirge.

You say, "Power has been restored, Dirge. I do not 
think this unusual energy drain can be explained by 
our earlier problems."

Dirge says, "What, you weren't around for the base 
that whacked us? Water was pouring all through this 
place."

Dirge seems decidedly distressed about it.

Striker shrugs, "Musta been asleep."

<Earth> Soundwave says, "Motormaster, 
Wildrider, Ruse, use caution as you approach the 
north side of the base.  I am getting no surveillance 
camera imaging from that section.  Are you detecting 
any potential danger in your current location?"

Dirge mutters under his breath, "Must be nice. I'll 
be lucky to ever get a decent recharge cycle."

<Earth> Striker says, "Ya, don't any of you 
come back beat up or dead..."

<Earth> Motormaster says, "Nothin' yet, Sound.. 
gettin' dark here though. Can't see a thing."

Striker shrugs,

Striker says, "Not really, I usually miss out on 
stuff."

[You paged Ruse with 'As you approach the north hull 
of the base, you notice if you're looking sharply, a 
small glowing worm-like creature, about half your as 
long as you're tall, attached to the side of the 
base. It looks kinda cute and harmless, but it's 
right in the middle of the blackout section.'.]

Starscream arrives from Access Corridor.

<Earth> Ruse says, "I am starting to shed some 
light on the situation... just follow the holo 
lightorb path. Soundwave any sign of motion down here 
besides from us and the organic beasts?"

Starscream strolls in with the stride of 
sophistication and starts toward his station but 
pauses when he sees everyone.

Soundwave has a schematic of the undersea base up on 
a screen, showing the power flow highlighted, though 
there's a section on the north hull that shows an 
irregularly shaped dark area.

<Earth> Soundwave says, "Negative, Ruse.  I am 
detecting no enemy activity on the perimeter.  Though 
there could be a hidden danger in the area I am 
unable to read.  Keep your weaponry handy."

Skywarp looks over at Starscream.

<Earth> Striker says, "Just be careful down 
there you three."

Soundwave says without taking his attention off his 
readings, "Greetings, Air Commander. You have 
received my earlier message?"

Starscream looks to Soundwave and for the briefest of 
moments has the most complete blank look on his face.  
He never got any message, he's off duty...but he just 
nods, "Yes....but....reiterate."

Soundwave repeats calmly for the third or fourth time 
as though it were the first time he were explaining 
it, "There is an unexplained energy drain on the 
north section of our base, apparently from an outside 
source. Surveillance cameras in the region are 
without power. I have sent Motormaster, Wildrider, 
and Ruse to investigate."

<Earth> Soundwave says, "Investigation team, 
what is your status?"

<Earth> Motormaster says, "There's a little... 
glowin' worm thingy right in the middle o' the dead 
zone. Ruse is gonna pop it off... ya want us ta bring 
it back?"

Starscream asks, "Have you checked out the satellites 
that circle this planet?"

You say, "The energy drain is local. It originates 
very close by."

Dirge frowns. "This mudball has energon leeches?"

<Earth> Soundwave says, "Can you contain it in 
some manner?"

<Earth> Motormaster says, "Heck, Sounds... 
/Ruse/ could rip this bugger in half if'n she had 
to."

[You paged Ruse with 'As you approach the little worm 
it wriggles toward you in an almost friendly way - 
then it leaps at you and wriggles and squirms right 
into your mouth and down your throat!'.]

Starscream says, "Wait....whatever it is catch 
it......" he pauses long enough to get a wicked look 
on his face, " Drop it off at the Ark.  'Happy 
Halloween!'"

<Earth> Soundwave says, "Approach with caution. 
If this creature is the source of the energy drain, 
do not underestimate it.  It has blackened out the 
entire north section of the base."

<Earth> Wildrider says, "A teeny worm?...You 
gotta be kiddin."

<Earth> Motormaster says, "Ah frag!"

Soundwave nods to Starscream, "That would be one 
possible use for this creature-" he stops at 
Motormaster's exclamation.

<Earth> Soundwave says, "Problems?"

<Earth> Striker says, "What's wrong 
Motormaster?"

[You paged Ruse with 'It doesn't seem to be doing you 
any harm, just disappears inside you.'.]

Starscream mutters, "Motormaster is the problem." His 
tone's not that serious, he's just being humorously 
sarcastic.

<Earth> Striker says, "Motormaster, Wildrider, 
Ruse?"

<Earth> Motormaster says, "It... it jumped /in/ 
'er..."

<Earth> Soundwave says, "Clarify, Motormaster?"

<Earth> Striker says, "What jumped in her?"

<Earth> Motormaster says, "The worm thingy! It 
jumped down her throat!"

<Earth> Starscream asks seriously "It what?"

<Earth> Striker says, "Well get her back here 
so Soundwave can get it out then, you idiot."

<Earth> Ruse says, "Soundwave, Starscream!... 
T- the bug it... jumped and... it went down my air 
intake/exhaust port! Eww the thing is inside me!"

Soundwave's optic band flickers a bit. On his screen, 
the black patch on the undersea base schematic starts 
to shrink a bit as power slowly comes back.

Starscream stands suddenly and says a few choice 
Cybertronian metaphors, "Hell no, what if it jumps 
out of her and into someone else?!"

<Earth> Soundwave says, "Return to base 
immediately.  I will meet you in med bay."

Starscream stares at Soundwave shocked, "You're 
serious?!!"

Dirge's frown only deepens. "Parasites, just great. 
We'll all have to be dismantled to get them out."

Striker looks at Starscream, "Of COURSE he's 
serious!"

<Earth> Motormaster says, "Shut it, Striker. 
I'm gettin' her back."

Striker says, "Soundwave is /always/ serious."

Starscream continues, " Look, I don't think I can let 
you do this."

Soundwave nods. "For safety reasons, I will examine 
her alone. We do not know what this creature is."

[You paged Ruse with 'As you get back toward the 
base, you notice your power fading rapidly....'.]

Starscream asks quickly, " What if it jumps into 
you?"

You say, "That is a risk I shall have to take."

Striker says, "If it jumps inside Soundwave... 
well... what ya want us to do if it does, Soundwave?"

Dirge says, "And don't say pray."

Starscream studies him for a moment. Though he won't 
admit it, he might be concerned about Ruse; that 
Soundwave might detect if he tried. But he is more 
concerned about an unknown object loose in the base 
and with no one able to defend against it at this 
point.

You say, "Unknown, Striker. I have not yet seen its 
effect on Ruse. I will meet the exploration team at 
the tower to insure this creature does not go 
astray."

[You paged Ruse with 'In fact, as it drains more and 
more of your power, you will suddenly feel more and 
more hungry...'.]

Striker says, "And... what if it turns you into an 
undead zombie mech like we saw on that planet where 
Straxus died?"

Dirge says, "Don't we have, I dunno, some kind of 
containment field or isolation doohicky? A jar? 
Something?"

[Ruse pages: I somehow anticipated that, she asked 
for energon. ^_~]

Starscream looks to Skywarp, Dirge and Striker, "The 
four of us will stand guard, Soundwave. If something 
goes wrong I have this base to consider." He feels he 
does not need to say more as Soundwave should be able 
to figure it out.

You say, "I will isolate her in medbay." He nods to 
Dirge. "As for 'zombie mechs,' Striker, I do not have 
enough information to draw a conclusion."

Soundwave says, "Affirmative, Starscream." He heads 
for the exit.

You enter Access Corridor.

Dirge arrives from Command Center.

You enter Armory.

Striker arrives from Access Corridor.

Dirge arrives from Access Corridor.

Striker enters Equipment Storage <<W> 
West>.
Striker has left.

You enter Training Complex.

Dirge arrives from Armory.

You enter Engine Room.

Engine Room

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

RandE Office

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

Dirge arrives from Training Complex.

Starscream arrives from Training Complex.

Skywarp arrives from Training Complex.

Soundwave waits with the others at the tower.

<Earth> Soundwave says, "Exploration team, we 
are prepared to receive you."

Motormaster arrives from Conning Tower.

Wildrider arrives from Conning Tower.

Ruse arrives from Conning Tower.

Skywarp stands behind SS. "I don't like this," he 
says to him.

Motormaster comes stumbling into the room, water 
still running off of his monochrome metal form, with 
Ruse cradled protectively in his arms. He's obviously 
worried, with the little tape losing power as she is.

Striker arrives from Training Complex.
Striker peeks in.

Wildrider walks in behind MM.

[You paged Ruse with 'Power levels should be very low 
for you by now ... in fact, the hunger in you is 
starting to crowd out all other thoughts. You become 
very aware that Motormaster is a big, nearby source 
of power, and you realize you can just suck it from 
him through your skin - something inside you gives 
you this ability all of a sudden.'.]

Soundwave is relieved to see them return. "Bring her 
to repair bay, Motormaster. I will set up a 
containment field. And be alert for problems." He 
addresses this last to all of them, assuming they 
will follow at least as far as the repair bay.

Ruse is limp in Motormaster's arms, drained heavily 
and her power fading more with each moment. She is 
dimly aware she is in the repairbay now, as often as 
she has been here and asks, "... some... fuel..." She 
shudders then suddenly just grips Motormaster with 
her hands, "Fuel!"

Starscream looks to Ruse with an undetermined look on 
his face. Then he looks to Motormaster and slowly 
follows the truck.

Dirge is prepared to be the team trouble shooter. Any 
trouble, he'll shoot it.

Striker looks over Ruse and raises an optic ridge, 
"She doesn't look so well. Think she'll be ok, 
Soundwave?" He looks over Motormaster and Wildrider, 
"You guys ok?"

Soundwave starts to lead the way to repair bay, 
mentally already mapping out his steps ... if this 
thing inside Ruse was draining the base's power, 
she'll need energon immediately. And the rest of the 
base will have to be protected from the creature when 
he extracts it.

Wildrider looks at Striker. "Yeah. But I don't know 
'bout the lil tape..."

Motormaster suddenly staggers as Ruse grabs hold of 
him, optics flickering so abruptly that it hasn't 
really got any warning, "What... the...." He drops to 
his knees with a clang as weakness washes over him, 
weakly calling, "Soundwave!"

Wildrider looks at MM. "Boss! " ..Runs over to him.. 
"What's the matter?"

Soundwave turns abruptly.

Dirge's optics narrow.

Skywarp steps back suddenly. "I knew something was 
wrong..."

[You paged Ruse and Motormaster with 'Think Dweller 
in the Depths ... as your power drains from you, you 
realize you can only draw it from those near you who 
have energon. The hunger starts taking over all your 
rational thought.'.]

Ruse just clings to Motormaster, her hands almost 
digging into his metallic frame. After a moment 
though she lets go with one hand as Wild draws near 
and moves to grab him by the leg as well!

Wildrider looks at Soundwave. "What's goin on?!"

Motormaster raises his head, Ruse slipping 
thoughtlessly from his arms, pretty much ignoring her 
now... and then his own hand flashes out to try and 
seize Wildrider by the throat!

Wildrider says, "AAAh!" His optics flicker a bit as 
she digs into his leg!

Dirge raises his lasers, not sure if he should fire.

Striker turns to Dirge, "Don't do that."

Dirge says, "They've gone nuts!"

Soundwave draws out a small energon cube, realizing 
Ruse desperately needs fuel, and perhaps can lure her 
away from the Stunticons before more damage is done - 
but too late. He takes a step back and motions to the 
others to keep back, the energon cube still in his 
hand, holding it out, to see if he can draw them to a 
safer location.

Wildrider feels Motormaster now grabs his throat as 
he feels his energy drain...!!!!!!

Skywarp backs up more...

Ruse isn't one to share when she is quicker then most 
of her prey. Slowly she turns to Dirge, "Energon..." 
She suddenly leaps forward, moving to grab onto one 
of his large wings!

You say, "Ruse!"

Soundwave hopes her rational mind can still detect 
him. He holds the cube out to her.

Striker says, "Ruse, stop! Starscream, null her or 
something!"

Motormaster looks towards Soundwave as the purplish 
glow hits the corner of his optics, blinking once or 
twice and then shoving Wildrider away roughly, 
starting for the cube himself.

Wildrider falls to the floor suddenly.

Dirge jumps backward as fast as he can, reflexively 
firing at Ruse. His aim is thrown off by jumping and 
he misses.

Skywarp says, "Oh man. This ain't good!"

Striker turns around to hit at Dirge, "Stop that!"

Starscream orders, " No one get any closer!" He 
charges his lasercannons and brings his null rays 
online. "Soundwave...I will null them both."

Wildrider's color changes to a grayish dark color as 
he sits up looking at the others ... as a mad Hunger 
seems to cross his face. "Energon!"

Soundwave keeps a careful awareness of Motormaster's 
movements, slowly backing away. "We must lure them 
out of this room so they cannot escape and do further 
harm to themselves, but we will have to re-power them 
somehow. And remove the original parasite."

Starscream gulps, " Oh slag." He fires his null ray 
at Wildrider.

Ruse misses, then looks to the energon, "..." She 
races past Motormaster and leaps for the cube, hoping 
to snatch it first! Hunger, fuel ... cube is fuel ... 
but Soundwave has more fuel in him and his creations 
than the cube, so she moves instead using antigravs 
at the last second to try and grab him!

You say, "Starscream, we do not know what effect this 
will have-!"

Motormaster hisses, "Eneeergon... fuel..." And gives 
Soundwave a wary look as he starts to reach for the 
cube... only to have it withdraw. He snarls and 
lunges again, this being repeated several times, 
snarling at Ruse as she lunges past him.

Starscream replies, "Uhm we are about to find 
out...."

Wildrider gets hit by the null and pauses for a 
second...then his optics flash a deep red. "GGGrr." 
..Looks at Starscream and makes a leap towards him!

Striker says, "Lock them in Cat's office or 
something!"

Skywarp says, "Screamer ... Look out!"

Starscream takes a quick step back and fires at WR 
again.

Soundwave tries to gasp Ruse and hold her away from 
him as she jumps right up at him.

Dirge is pressed up against the wall, trying not to 
panic. He's closed in this little room with crazy 
cons. He doesn't want to shoot anyone, but this is 
getting out of hand.

Starscream snaps, "Brilliant idea, Soundwave. Perhaps 
this was a task meant for the LAND BASE."

RandE Office:

Research and Exploration Office
Carrying:
Halloween Decorations

Motormaster gets frustrated with the cube and turns 
to Skywarp as he calls to Starscream, a manic, hungry 
grin stretching his features unnaturally. He starts 
to walk towards him with deliberate, predatory ease, 
"Fueeel..."

Wildrider gets hit again but it only pauses him for a 
moment.

Soundwave tries to hold Ruse at arm's length as he 
hurriedly pulls out another energon cube. "Striker, 
open the door to the office. If we can get them 
inside..."

Skywarp backs up to the wall. "Now would be a good 
time to go."

Ruse is grasped and held away by the neck.. she 
merely grins, "FUEL!" She swings her legs up 
hopefully around Soundwave's arm, not wanting to be 
let go since she can drain him now in contact...

Striker hurriedly rushes over and kicks open the 
door, firing a laserbolt at Motormaster to get him to 
come in, "Come on you big land-based freak! Get in 
here!" He fires another laserbolt, though both of 
them are weak shots.

Wildrider makes a grab for Starscream and Skywarp's 
wings!

Starscream realizes his null ray is not working as he 
had hoped. He glances to Soundwave and is about to 
say something when he sees Wildrider make a grab for 
him. He scrambles out of the way.

Soundwave's optic band flickers a little darker as he 
feels a sudden drain on his power reserves. Ruse is 
sucking the energy out right through the contact with 
his hand! He quickly realizes his mistake and tries 
to shake her off, tossing the energon cube toward 
CatsCradle's office at the same time, hoping it will 
make an additional distraction.

Dirge's hands shake as he keeps his lasers trained in 
front of him, but he manages not to shoot. He's still 
pressed against the wall, shooting glances at the 
door.

Starscream looks around and thinks quickly. Suddenly 
he starts charging up his lasers in the hopes MM and 
Ruse will detect the build up of energy in his form.

Skywarp sees Starscream flee so now he's got to do 
something about the car. !!!AAHHH! ..Kicks WR right 
in the face, sending him into the Office!

Wildrider sails past them into the office. "RAAGGRH!"

Wildrider has left.

Ruse clings tightly to Soundwave's arm like a leech 
hissing, "... energon ..." She ignores the cube, 
siphoning power quickly from him. Suddenly though she 
drops... and looks to Starscream, "Energon!"

Dirge's optics flash as he makes a quick decision. He 
rushes forward, trying to tackle Ruse and push her 
into the office all in one motion.

Motormaster swivels to face Starscream as he runs by, 
stepping into a lope after him, "Energon!"

Starscream snaps, "OUT OF THE WAY DIRGE!"

Soundwave drops to his knees, his blue color seeming 
to gray out a little as his power levels drop. As 
Ruse lets go of him, he manages to catch himself, 
though he remains crouched and steadies himself 
against the floor.

Skywarp looks at Sounders. "Hang on Soundy!"

Stalker arrives from Training Complex.
Stalker saunters into the room.

Striker fires another shot at Motormaster and slowly 
starts heading into Cat's office, "Come on, get in 
here!"

Starscream steps a bit closer to the three and 
continues the energy build up again, hoping to get 
their attention.

Motormaster doesn't even seem fazed by the blast, the 
energy of it seeming to get sucked into his gray-
colored form like a sponge soaking of water. However, 
it does entice him to give chase, following Striker 
and Starscream.

Starscream sees he's got their attention and begins 
to head up toward the tower, 
"Good, now follow me....."

Stalker walks in and stretches "Ya'all need a bit of 
help here mechs?"

Ruse leaps up over Dirge but grabs onto his back 
hissing! Agile little thing isn't she?

Skywarp takes off his laser and holds it like a bat. 
"Heads Up!!!" ...Swats at Ruse with his laser, hoping 
to get her into the office.

Striker smirks, "Ya, that's right, get in here." He 
notices the laser's not doing much, so he pulls his 
plasma rifle and fires at shot toward Motormaster 
with plasma, he glances towards Stalker, "Ya, we 
could use a hand, how about ya help us get them in 
Cat's office?"

Stalker is idly wondering why some of his friends are 
attacking others of his friends. It just don't make 
sense.

Soundwave pulls himself up along the wall, his optic 
band unusually dark, but he seems to be rational. At 
least he's not attacking anyone. He looks around for 
a moment as though somewhat dazed.

<Earth> Wildrider starts to bash his fists into 
the door of the Office..."RRAH..ENERGON!"

Striker thinks Stalker'll think it makes perfect 
sense after the zombies try to go after him.

Striker looks over at Soundwave, "Oh great, they got 
him too! Soundwave? Soundwave, are you ok?"

Motormaster is smacked in the chest with the burst of 
plasma... and again it roils about him for a moment 
only to seem to drain into him slowly.

Ruse is slammed off Dirge and into the office! She 
hisses, rubbing her head... fuel...

Skywarp grins. "Strike one."

Soundwave takes a step, noticing the forgotten 
energon cube glowing faintly on the floor near the 
door of the office. He reaches down, picks it up and 
regards it for a moment. He looks up at Striker's 
question but does not reply. Instead he holds out the 
energon to Motormaster. It seems he's trying to lure 
Motormaster into there as well.

Striker shakes his head, "Fine, ya just don't wanna 
play nice do ya?" He holds his plasma rifle by the 
other end, hoping the cube distracts Motormaster 
enough for him to knock the big mech into the office.

Dirge takes quick stock of himself, realizing he 
seems to be ok. He gets up and looks around quickly.

Motormaster is the only free-range zombie at the 
moment, but this fact seems to be lost upon him in 
his fuel-slavering. He starts for the cube... and 
then, boom, upside the head with the rifle and he 
stumbles into the office as well.

Motormaster has left.

Ruse has left.

Soundwave pushes the door shut after Motormaster, and 
remains standing with the cube in his hand.

<Earth> Ruse slowly stands in the office.  
"Hehehehe... fuel..." She suddenly grins as if she 
had a plan.

Striker says, "Soundwave? Are you ok?"

Dirge says, "Ok, so how come you got mad at me for 
shooting, Striker? Seemed to work."

Skywarp locks his laser back on his arm and looks at 
the office door. "Now 
what?"

Stalker says, "You got the laser, weld the door, 
Warpo."

The glowing pink energy of the cube is drawn into 
Soundwave's hand as the cube itself goes dark and 
dissolves. His optic band flickers. Yes, his color is 
definitely more gray than it should be, but not as 
dark as that of the other three. He's gotten the 
competition out of the way now, and some internal 
hunger drives him toward the nearest source of living 
energon ... but some remnant of his rational mind 
calls him back. He can't just suck the energon out of 
his own comrades!

Skywarp nods and charges his laser up.

Soundwave reaches toward Striker, though his hand 
pauses in mid-motion.

<Earth> Ruse leaps back, transforming and 
sliding into the offices linkport to the central 
computer... and begins to redirect power to the port. 
The leech then resumes happily munching away. As she 
does, the power for this part of the base begins to 
flicker...

Striker glares at Dirge as if to say, it's ok for me 
to do it but not you, then he stumbles back as 
Soundwave reaches for him and he grabs his plasma 
rifle, in preparation to fire.

Dirge gets to work on the door too, muttering.

Skywarp aims at the door. His laser humms with energy 
as he starts to weld the door shut.

Stalker pulls out his hand to hand weapons. "So 
energy is basically useless on these things, huh?"

Striker looks over to Stalker, "Ya, but don't touch 
them. Or you'll turn into one too."

Dirge looks up from welding as the lights flicker.

<Earth> Motormaster eyes Ruse and then starts 
towards her to join in on the feeding, a hand sliding 
onto her shoulder and optics flickering as he drains 
energy even as it pours into her.

Skywarp looks up. "Now what's goin on?"

Striker narrows his optics on Soundwave, "Wait a 
sec." He saw that his energy weapons absorbed into 
Motormaster, maybe if Soundwave isn't totally like 
'them, energy weapons will reenergize him - so he 
fires plasma at a low level at Soundwave to see the 
effects.

Stalker reaches over his shoulder and pulls out his 
sword, "What if something I'm holding touches em? Is 
that allowed?"

<Earth> Wildrider watches the others but keeps 
clawing at the door. He wants to get out where the 
live prey is!

Striker is too busy seeing the effects on Soundwave 
to answer Stalker, instead he just lightly shrugs.

Dirge looks startled as Striker shoots Soundwave. 
"Hey, what the..?!"

Soundwave pauses as the lights dim. He regards 
Striker with a sort of puzzled expression, as much as 
that can be read in his optic band, in any case. As 
the base's internal power systems start to be 
strained, though, some awareness of the fading energy 
seems to drive him forward and overcome his 
resistance. Only take a little bit, something inside 
him seems to warn, but then even that restraint is 
gone as he reaches forward toward Striker, trying to 
grab his arms even as Striker fires.

Skywarp stops welding to see what's going on. "What 
the slag?!"

Striker tries to continue firing, but as soon as 
Soundwave grabs his arms, the energy drains from him 
and he drops the rifle to the floor, his already dark 
color scheme turning totally black, with no color in 
it at all. Like a black phantom on a dark night.

Dirge says, "Oh, smelt THIS, I'm outta here!"

Soundwave is struck by the shot and the power blazes 
around him for a moment. In the bright flash it looks 
for a second as though he's gained his normal color 
back - and then he grays rapidly, the shot having 
apparently pushed the process to its extreme. He's as 
gray as his victim now, even the optic band dark, and 
yet he still looks around, as though calculating.

Dirge runs toward the door.

Skywarp !! "Sounders is one of them!"

Stalker swings his sword at the nearest grey figure, 
which would apparently be Soundwave. He flinches. "I 
hope I don't get in trouble for this..."

Skywarp backs up. "I'm right with ya, Dirge!"

Soundwave turns toward Stalker. If he takes note of 
the sword at all, it doesn't seem to register. He 
tries neither to counter nor to evade, but instead 
reaches out an arm toward his attacker.

Stalker attacks Soundwave with sword, but misses him!

<Earth> Wildrider pounds the door, trying to 
pry it open.

Striker gets up slowly and turns a pair of dead black 
optics to Skywarp and Dirge as they leave. 
"Energy..." he rises to his full height and lunges at 
them, arms reached out at them both.

<Earth> Motormaster is soon drawn to 
Wildrider's activity instead, and lowers his shoulder 
and charges the door to slam into it, joining his 
erstwhile comrade in trying to beat down the thing 
blocking them from prey.

Skywarp says, "I gotta get to the command center!"

Skywarp teleports out in a bright flash of light.
Skywarp has left.

Soundwave lets the sword strike glance off his armor, 
and although it slashes into the outer layers, he 
shows no signs of pain. He keeps coming at Stalker, 
trying to grasp his shoulders.

<Earth> Ruse whispers outward her fuel drain 
content a moment, "Energy...." Motormaster 
unfortunately can't fit his hand in a cassette sized 
port. The cassette seems to sense him, though, and 
already her mind races on how to get more food. Ah, 
she can use them. She senses the activity going on 
and bahs. Darkly, she instructs them, "...attack the 
door with guns. Lose energy, get much more... all of 
us get more." She commands suddenly of both of them, 
"Now, attack!"

<Earth> Skywarp teleports there just as Striker 
tries to grab him and shuts the emergency doors to 
the CC.

<O-Decepticon> Soundwave thinks that charge is 
plenty to break down the door. But *you* explain it 
to Cats. ;)
<O-Decepticon> Striker had to explain it to 
Cats /last/ time. :P  It's Ruses turn now. :)

Dirge is caught by Striker, and struggles in his 
grasp. "Let go!"

Stalker ducks under the outstretched hand and this 
time goes for a straight thrust, it seems that he has 
to be touched directly and not through the sword to 
become tainted "Here goes everything."

<Earth> Motormaster glances at Ruse with a 
raised optic ridge as the door goes down from his 
powerful slam, "Fuueeeelll..." is his only response 
and then he is free again to try and get to the 
still-untouched ones.

Stalker attacks Soundwave with sword, but misses him!

Motormaster has arrived.

Wildrider has arrived.

Ruse has arrived.

Striker laughs and tries reaching onto Dirge, his 
arms going for any visible part of the body as he 
tries to feed off of the mech.

Wildrider shuffles out. "HehHA..Free!"

Soundwave is rammed into by Motormaster as the 
Stunticon leader comes charging out of the door to 
CatsCradle's office, shattering it in the process. 
That act saved Soundwave from being impaled by 
Stalker's sword, but may also have saved Stalker from 
contact with the energy-leech Soundwave.

Dirge's coloring starts to grey, as his optics dim.

<Earth> Skywarp after securing the doors to the 
CC sends out an emergency signal to Megatron, in hope 
he will hear it somehow.

Motormaster turns with a satisfied air in the midst 
of the door wreckage, but then narrows his optics as 
he sees only gray forms for the most part... curses, 
foiled again. However, Stalker still seems to look 
nice and juicy, and so he starts for him, hissing 
eagerly.

Striker smiles and grabs ahold of Dirge's wrists, 
feeding hungrily on the mech's energy and draining it 
from his victim.

Stalker starts swinging his sword wildly backing up 
towards the access hatch.

Ruse hops out of the cassetteport, transforming, and 
follows Motormaster, "Fuel... " She doesn't care her 
idea was worthless like she normally would. Slowly 
she stops, though, a part of her mind tells her this 
is wrong... but she is so hungry... hunger... She 
eyes Stalker as well and moves with Motormaster, 
leaping for him in between a wild swordswing!

Wildrider looks at Stalker and starts for him as 
well.

Dirge smacks Striker away as his free energy is 
totally drained. He looks toward Stalker, and moves 
toward him.

Soundwave orients toward Stalker again. There's 
almost a hesitant motion as he reaches out a hand ... 
this was supposed to be his protege, someone to tutor 
here on Earth. Is there any part of his mind that 
remembers this? If so, it's drowned out by the all-
consuming hunger. He moves in along with the others.

Motormaster leaps even as Ruse goes past him, trying 
to join in on the feeding before all the energy is 
gone.

Stalker gets zombified too....yay me.

Ruse doesn't fight Motormaster over Stalker, merely 
hisses slightly as she drains his energy.

<Earth> Skywarp hits the comm. "Megatron? This 
is Decepticon Earth base! I could really use some 
help, Boss Con! ... Megatron, come in!"

Dirge tries to get some of Stalker's energy as well.

Striker looks around for another source of energy, 
anything to fuel his hunger and he marches towards 
the command center, knowing that there's lots of 
computers there, and where there's lots of computers, 
there must be a lot of energy to support them.

<Earth> As a result of Ruse's power drain on 
the base systems, power to the long-range 
communications is minimal. The batteries will have to 
recharge again.

<Earth> Stalker says, "Megatron cannot help you 
now, Skywarp, I have jammed the frequencies, you have 
no escape."

Striker enters Training Complex <<N> 
North>.
Striker has left.

<Earth> Skywarp says, "..Slag...."

<Earth> Motormaster says, "Heh heh heh... 
fuel..."

Ruse wonders if she should laugh at Stalker.. later.. 
hunger first. She follows, eager to leap past and 
score another meal.

<Earth> Skywarp's thinking isn't his strong 
suit. "Now what?"

Soundwave trudges in the direction of the command 
center as well, sensing the power of the systems 
therein.

Dirge doesn't seem too bright in his zombie mode, and 
claws at the wall, maybe remembering there are power 
cables under there.

You enter Training Complex.

Motormaster arrives from Engine Room.

Ruse arrives from Engine Room.

Dirge arrives from Engine Room.

Stalker arrives from Engine Room.
Stalker saunters into the room.

You enter Armory.

Motormaster arrives from Training Complex.

Dirge arrives from Training Complex.

Ruse arrives from Training Complex.

Stalker arrives from Training Complex.

Dirge enters Access Corridor <<N> North>.
Dirge has left.

Motormaster enters Access Corridor <<N> 
North>.
Motormaster has left.

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.

Motormaster [robot] 
Dirge [robot]

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.

Stalker arrives from Armory.

<Earth> Skywarp says, "They want energy, huh? 
... Mmm."

<Earth> Ruse gets sidetracked... Energon 
storage room! *_* "Fuel!"

Soundwave comes upon the sealed command center door 
with the others. He places his hands flat against the 
surface. Power inside, definitely. He bangs once on 
the metal surface.

Wildrider arrives from Armory.

<O-Decepticon> Comes from France Dirge notes 
the Storage Room would be sealed as well as the 
Command Center when Skywarp gave that command. Sorry 
Ruse. :)

Wildrider enters Energon Storage <<E> 
East>.
Wildrider has left.

Dirge starts to pound the door, and happens to pound 
Soundwave's hand resting on the door.

Ruse arrives from Armory.

Soundwave seems not even to notice Dirge, all 
physical sensation giving way to hunger. He pounds on 
the door as well, slowly, rhythmically. Some 
awareness within him tries to get through, and yet 
it's drowned under a barrage of sensation that 
suffocates all thought. And yet...

Ruse joins the others after finding no way into the 
energon storage.

Motormaster steps up beside Soundwave, big fists 
raised over his head to begin pounding on the door as 
well, hungering for the energy inside.

<Earth> The hollow, ominous sound of pounding 
on the sealed command center door echoes through the 
base as the zombies bang on the barrier.

<Earth> Skywarp looks at the scanners of the 
base. "Gotta shut off the power!"

Ruse walks over and looks to Motormaster, "Trans.. 
form. Ram!" She knows good and well that if anything 
will get through the door.. and in the confusion she 
can drain the last remaining living fuel.

<Earth> Soundwave keeps pounding on the door, 
but pauses for the barest moment as he hears 
something from within.  "Sky ... warp..."

<Earth> Skywarp looks over what seems to be 
miles of controls and hope he hits the right one as 
the lights lower and flicker out.

<Earth> Skywarp looks over at the doors and 
listens.

Motormaster pretty much ignores Ruse, all 
intelligence having finally been consumed by his 
hunger and faded into mindless pounding on the door, 
thirsting for the life within.

<Earth> Soundwave's pounding on the door 
increases in pace as he's caught in a flood of 
warring impulses.  Power around him shutting down, 
which engenders panic and increased desire to drain 
everything and everyone dry - but some hint of 
gratification is there in the back of his mind too, 
trying to push itself to the forefront. Even as he 
bangs more frantically on the door, he speaks, "Shut 
... down.  All."

<Earth> Skywarp hears Soundwave's voice. "All?" 
..Looks at the controls...and starts switching off 
system after system!

<Earth> Skywarp says, "I hope Soundy knows what 
the hell he's talkin about."

<O-Decepticon> Braaains! Er... fuueeeell! 
Motormaster says, "You listen to the zombie pounding 
on the door?... Sky, we need to have a talk.;)"

Ruse hungers, but she fends for food, existence with 
her mind rather then brawn, so isn't reduced to the 
same level as most warriors. She notices one though, 
not affected to the same level – Soundwave, who seems 
to be.. fighting it. The part of her that craves 
power screeches at him, "No! Energon!"

<Earth> Skywarp keeps hitting switches.

<Earth> The lights throughout the base flicker 
off, plunging the structure into the complete pitch 
darkness of the ocean floor.  The soft susurration of 
circulating air stills as the vents and filters stop, 
and the temperature begins to drop rapidly.  The 
pounding on the door to the command center continues, 
but slowly, slowly, Soundwave's banging on the door 
weakens as his surroundings power down completely.

Dirge starts kicking the door, oblivious to Soundwave 
and Ruse, and really everything but his desire to get 
into that room.

 [OOC] Soundwave notes that the infection within us 
is causing us to use up so much power that we'd 
rapidly run out without a renewed supply....

Stalker still has his sword in his hand and tries to 
jam it into the gap between the doors.

<Earth> Skywarp hits the last switch as the 
base goes dark.

Dirge kicks the door harder and harder as his power 
levels steadily get lower.

<Earth> Soundwave's pounding on the door 
becomes progressively slower, though each blow still 
echoes in the hollow silence of the base.

Motormaster pounds on the door... but it slows, 
slows... and stops... and he drops to his knees again 
as he did earlier, optics dimming... and then, boom. 
He lays out flat, fingers splayed like claws towards 
the door through which was his last hope of energy.

Ruse slowly, becomes overridden by desperation and 
begin slamming her shoulder uselessly into the door, 
eventually just tapping the door softly as she grows 
weak.

<Earth> Dirge slumps down to his knees, no 
longer having the power to continue 
trying to get through.

<Earth> Skywarp leans back on the terminal. 
"Ohman. Now what do I do? Wait in here or port out 
and let 'em hunt me down? There's gotta be some way 
to fix them."

Stalker finally uses the last of his power and jams 
his sword into the doorway before he too collapses in 
a heap.

Ruse claws at the door. Finally though she slides 
down like the others who used up their energy up 
quicker on the door by pounding on it all this time. 
Her feet give way and slumps to the floor.

<Earth> Soundwave hits the door *one* last time 
with a resounding clang of metal, then slides down 
along its smooth surface, the whisper of the sound 
seeming unnaturally loud now in the silent base.  All 
those little sounds of a functioning undersea 
habitation, which one doesn't normally notice, are 
missing now and conspicuous in their absence.  The 
corridor behind the command center door is still now, 
with nothing stirring.

not even a mouse

Dirge twitches a little.

<Earth> Skywarp walks up to the door and 
listens. When he doesn't hear anything, he opens the 
doors up a crack.

Skywarp arrives from Command Center.

Skywarp steps out carefully.

Soundwave lies completely motionless, like the 
others.

Skywarp ulps and looks down at them.

Skywarp steps over Soundwave and Ruse. "Ohman ... 
where is TC when I need him?" he whispers.

A strange glowing little worm snakes its way out of 
Ruse's mouth, though it glows only dimly now. Sensing 
living energy, it stretches toward Skywarp, but 
weakly, writhing on the floor.

Skywarp stops and hears something squeaking on the 
floor.

Skywarp looks at the glow worm..."!!!GAH!" He rears 
up a foot and slams it down on the thing ... and hits 
his afterburner, blasting it with a searing fire!

The worm absorbs the heat! Though its outer layers 
char black, it lurches forward with renewed power.

Skywarp growls. Now he's really mad! "Ok Wormface ... 
you like energy? Try some of mine!"

Though the creature's movements are uncoordinated, as 
it's been damaged, it's definitely stronger and 
orients toward Skywarp, writhing past the motionless 
bodies of the other Decepticons toward the only 
source of power.

Skywarp in a lunge reaches out and grabs the thing!!

The worm squirms and wriggles, trying to squirm out 
of Skywarp's grasp - perhaps so it can jump down his 
throat as it did with Ruse.

Skywarp says, "Let's see ... how you like ... 
teleporting in the void!" In a blast of white energy, 
Skywarp ports out, leach and all, in a flash of white 
light and disappears with it!!!"

Stalker twitches his leg, and ends up kicking 
Soundwave, in his unconscious state.

Soundwave doesn't seem to notice. He remains dark and 
motionless.

 [OOC] Motormaster says, "Everyone zombie kick 
Sound!"
 [OOC] Soundwave said Soundwave doesn't *seem* to 
notice. He remembers it all. ;)

Moments pass and then the darkness is once again 
broken as Skywarp ports back in, a bit drained. He 
leans on the wall, dropping the leach - dead and 
covered in ice from the airless vacuum of the void 
Skywarp teleports through.

Stalker does it again and again and again, cause his 
leg just won't stop twitching.

The worm is flash-frozen and dissolves into powder as 
it's dropped.

Skywarp whews ... and looks at his friends.

Skywarp hurries and gets Soundwave up, since he 
seemed to be half ok. "Gotta get you some Energon. 
Preferably not mine."

Is it an illusion, or is Soundwave's color shading a 
little away from the gray? How can one tell in the 
complete darkness of the base? Yet, the reflexive 
motions exhibited by Stalker also hint that the 
others are not beyond recovery.

Soundwave doesn't move under his own power, and 
remains unresponsive as Skywarp props him up.

Skywarp looks at the energon storage door..."Cmon, 
Soundy.." ..UUnng!!..Tries to drag Soundwave to the 
door.. "It's a ..good thing your not a big .. heavy 
.. tape player .. or this would be .. real 
difficult!"

Soundwave, if he could, might have suggested it would 
be easier for Skywarp to bring energon to the 
Decepticons than to bring the Decepticons to the 
energon. But, being unconscious and drained of power, 
he is unable to share this advice.

Ruse's color is pure grey... first infected and the 
longest. She makes no movement at all now. She just 
awaits her turn to be dragged like luggage, 
powerless.

Skywarp props him up at the door. "Stay!" ... and 
runs in to get him a few cubes.

Skywarp runs back out with an armful, and stoops down 
next to Soundwave, holding the cube out where he can 
hopefully sense it.

Dirge is sprawled out with the others, grey and 
unmoving.

Soundwave makes no indication that he senses anything 
at all. But there was Stalker who was twitching 
still....

Skywarp thinks this ain't working and looks over at 
Stalker. He's still moving! ..Walks over to him and 
props him up against the wall. "Hey Stalker? Ya 
home?" ..Holds out the cube.

Stalker is still twitching, he seems to be returning 
to his normal color, cause he was the zombie the 
shortest.

Skywarp gets Stalker to drink some of the energon.

Stalker stops twitching but starts moving in a more 
regular movement. He grabs his head and moans.

Skywarp pats his shoulder. "Yer gonna be ok there 
Stalker. If ya can .. help me with the others."

Stalker starts propping them all against the walls.

Skywarp stands up and walks over to Ruse and gets her 
to drink down a cube as well.

Ruse slowly glumps down the energon. Her eyes flicker 
on and she slowly comes around .. but says nothing.

Motormaster just lies there in a big black and white 
heap.

Skywarp smiles and sets her down carefully and 
stands, walking over to MM with another cube.

Dirge is also lying around in a heap, unaware energon 
is forthcoming.

Skywarp helps the Truck drink down the whole cube. 
"Motormaster .. Ya ok?"

Motormaster stirs a bit, purple optics going from 
dark to dim, "Wh... what happened?"

Skywarp says, "Long story." ..Pats his shoulder.. 
"Drink yer cube." ..Stands up and next helps 
Soundwave and Dirge.

Ruse eventually lets out an audio-splitting scream as 
she realizes what happened! She shudders and growls, 
"That.. THING.. ugh... that .. that... VILE 
DISGUSTING GRAH!" She just recovered from being host 
to an alien type creature, no she is NOT ok with 
that. She wipes at her mouthplate feverishly, 
sickened beyond words after being used like that.

Dirge takes a good long pull on his cubes when 
Skywarp brings him around. "Next time, I'm shooting 
everyone."

Skywarp grins and then look at Ruse. !!!

Soundwave's optic band flickers very faintly as some 
energon trickles into his fuel processors. Yes, his 
color is definitely returning, though it's still 
rather too dark to see that. Ruse's loud complaint 
brings him fully back to awareness.

Wildrider is laying right next to Ruse, still all 
grey.

Motormaster swallows the cube on down and then turns 
still-wan optics to Ruse, noting tiredly, "Yer a 
strong little bugger when you want to be."

Dirge says in his best morose tone, "I wonder how 
many more of those things are out swimming around."

Ruse wretches, looking to Moto and everyone down 
still... and has to force her systems to keep the 
energon in her as she looks down at Wild next to her. 
She shakes her head, and just tries not to follow the 
urge to claw off her faceplate and wrench out her own 
air intake.

Skywarp stands. "None, I hope."

Soundwave's optic band steadies. "Most interesting," 
he muses, looking around and counting everyone by the 
faint glow of their optics, adding Wildrider to the 
count by the reflected light shining from the eyes of 
the others. "To have used such a thing against the 
Autobots as Starscream suggested ... intriguing."

Dirge tries standing up. "Yeah, create an army of 
zombies to come after us. Count me out, Soundwave."

Skywarp walks over to WR and gets some energon in 
him.

Skywarp says, "I hope never to have to do that 
again."

Soundwave says, "With the proper containment..." he 
considers a moment, taking it as a scientific 
challenge. Then he shakes his head. "Perhaps now is 
not the time," he decides, and looks over at 
Wildrider, the last to be revived.

Motormaster crawls slowly over to Ruse, saying 
quietly, "Sorry, fem. It was my fault. I shouldn't'a 
sent ya after it."

Wildrider's optics flicker a bit as he drinks from 
the cube.

Dirge shakes his head. He mutters, "Bases falling on 
us, zombie worms. Bet next we'll find out conquest is 
bad for our circuits or something," while heading off 
toward his quarters.

Ruse slowly growls, "Spare me your pity, 
Motormaster..." Her tone softens a bit, "I am just 
glad your functions... as everyone's, have returned 
to normal."

Soundwave regains his strength gradually but 
steadily. "We all take risks when dealing with the 
unknown," he says. "And as Ruse points out, we have 
all survived. That is the important part."

Motormaster winces a bit, and drags himself to his 
feet unsteadily, feeling rather bad at the moment, "I 
almost wish I wasn't functionin' right now... owww."

Soundwave too climbs to his feet carefully. "It will 
pass," he assures Motormaster. "And it will help to 
restore power to the base." In fact, the air is 
getting rather stale by now, with the filters off, 
and the temperature is definitely in the cold range.

Wildrider stands up all wobbly. "Ooohh."

Skywarp walks over to SW. "You guys all ok now?"

Soundwave nods to Skywarp. "We will be. You did well, 
Skywarp."

Skywarp grins and nods..


END