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.

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

Chasm flaps in, giving Ruse a quick glare as he does so, before taking up his 'safe' perch behind Soundwave.

Shockwave arrives from Access Corridor.

Soundwave waits quietly for Megatron's attention, and otherwise just watches those around him.

Tempest has coiled up on a chair and is alertly watching the proceedings.

Reflector notices Shockwave's arrival, and he greets him.

CatsCradle is standing, silently leaning against the wall, just inside the door.

Ruse glances to Chasm... ohh bad move, Ruse is in a devil of a mood as of late. She twistedly smiles.

Slipstream has arrived.

Megatron watches the large screen. It shows the visual recording from their first encounter with the Dinobots.

Reflector hands Shockwave and Megatron his completed report on the Dinobots.

Shockwave enters the Command Center with Slipstream in tow, taking in the feel of the place.

Tempest studies the Dinobots and seems rather upset that she hasn't been able to come up with a solution yet.

Soundwave notes Shockwave's arrival, seemingly with little surprise. He simply nods a greeting to the Guardian of Cybertron.

Slipstream notices Ruse and grins, waving. For once his face is free of any kind of anguish.

Chasm leaps onto Soundwave's shoulder, "I've finished my research, Megatron. Scientific names, breeding habits, terrain and preferred climate and food - it's all there in my report on these beasts."

Shockwave nods back to Soundwave, but doubts the communications expert saw it, considering Chasm just leaped on him.

Slipstream looks around, taking in the base.

Ruse nods to Slipstream and salutes Soundwave before looking to the screen, innocently pretending not to be glancing towards Chasm.

Megatron's mood turns worse, watching the Decepticons being defeated. He doesn't hear Chasm's report. "Enough! I've seen enough! My finest warriors defeated by those primitive pea-brain beasts! Revolting..."

Slipstream hasn't seen Chasm before, and idly wonders who the heck he is. He's already getting on his nerves...

Soundwave takes a step closer to Megatron, not wishing to disturb him too much from the playback of the Dinobot battle, but at the same time thinking of several possibilities to distract Megatron before the Decepticon leader works himself into a fury.

Tempest eyes Slipstream, remembering him from the repair bay.

Chasm's tail droops, "But Megatron, I have all the scientific names and data you could ever possibly want..."

Slipstream looks up at Tempest's gaze and stares right on back, his look inquisitive, and empty of any kind of instability. For once.

Starscream protests, "But we were brilliant in battle! We were defeated by sheer brute force!"

Tempest snorts, "Who /cares/ how brilliant we were, the point was we /failed/."

Slipstream wonders, "What the slag are those three big brutes onscreen? And how could anything as dumb looking as they are defeat Megatron?"

Snipe has arrived.

Ruse says, "... and very powerful armor. Soundwave, did you finish any tests on that sample Reflector and CatsCradle brought back?"

Arriving behind Shockwave and Slipstream is a green and gray robot unfamiliar to any in the room.

Megatron sneers: "Brilliant? The Dinobots beat you because you had no strategy, but I have!"

Soundwave glances toward Slipstream with a slight motion of his head as though in curiosity, perhaps wondering why Shockwave brought him along, but says nothing.

Slipstream notices Soundwave and grins, pointing to his head and then giving the Cybertronian version of a "thumbs up."

Reflector glares at Slipstream, wondering how many precious resources were spent repairing him once again.

Tempest perks up, ready to hear Megatron's idea. She watches the newcomers carefully as she listens.

Slipstream tries to take in three identical bodies all with the same look, and it appears to be a negative one.

Shockwave says nothing, motioning for those he brought with him to also remain silent for now.

Soundwave makes a silent assessment of Slipstream, his gaze passing to Snipe as well, though his expression remains unreadable. He replies to Ruse, "Affirmative. The armor of these creatures is of non-Cybertronian alloy, but worked with a process that has greatly increased its strength. It would be worthwhile determining this process for ourselves."

Slipstream turns his gaze away from the three strange robots.

Starscream folds his arms and sneers at Megatron with a "Oh, let's hear your /great/ idea then" look on his face...but he, too, is listening.

Reflector turns his attention to Soundwave, and then to Megatron.

Megatron starts pacing up and down. "We must probe the Dinobots for their weak points. And when we have found them - strike!" Yes of course, he has read the reports by Reflector and the others, but he thinks of a special kind of investigation - telepathical. "Soundwave, discover the Dinobots' soft spots!"

Soundwave says, "As you command, Megatron. However, Chasm may have additional information for you from his research, which will assist us."

Slipstream wonders how bad that those things can be?

Tempest glances at Soundwave and shivers slightly...

Soundwave nods slightly to Chasm, encouraging him to repeat his earlier information now that Megatron is listening.

Chasm waves his disk around. "Well, it's mainly about the original organic creatures they were developed from. I'm sure it will come in useful at some stage."

Snipe looks around a bit uncertainly, not used to everyone yet.

Slipstream nods to Snipe, not recognizing him beyond that he came with them from Cybertron. Slips then nods to CatsCradle, indicating that he is all there.

Megatron turns his attention to Chasm. "Tell me, we need all the information we can get."

Soundwave looks over the assembled others, as though considering who might benefit from the excursion.

Ruse nods to Soundwave, smiling somewhat. oO(That armor could be of great use if we can duplicate it... for the empire and myself.) She then looks to Chasm and the disk, "Hmm."

Starscream mutters, "Find the Dinobots' weak points.../brilliant/ idea, Megatron, that's what we've been trying to do all /week/..."

Snipe smiles tentatively and returns Slipstream's nod. His attention, though, seems to be drawn towards the silver and black Decepticon.

Megatron says, "I don't expect that your limited mind is able to follow me, Starscream."

Chasm leans back, "Well, they're not terribly bright, when it all boils down. Maybe tricking them will be the way to go. I think they also might be easily impressed by displays of strength (being primitive creatures and all) so all we have to do is show them someone stronger than Prime."

Soundwave seems to come to a decision, and says, "Commander, with your permission I will take Slipstream along on the mission. If he has been brought to Earth, he should become familiar with the planet. And Ruse could be useful as well."

Megatron looks at Slipstream, critically. Then he answers: "I agree, Soundwave."

Slipstream smiles towards Ruse. The twin engines of destruction, back together again!

Ruse smiles, "Trick them..." She chuckles for some reason, then falls silent remembering what happened a few days ago.

CatsCradle says softly from her spot by the door, "They don't like Prime bossing them around. That one," she points at Grimlock, "seemed to be ready to challenge Prime at any excuse."

Slipstream wonders why Ruse's expression went down. She always was the queen of the jokes. Perhaps one went wrong.

Snipe observes everyone and listens to the conversation, remaining silent.

Starscream gives Megatron a disgruntled look and turns his attention to the Dinobots on the screen.

Soundwave lifts Chasm off his shoulder and sets him down on the nearest console, then turns toward the exit with a look to Ruse and Slipstream. He glances at Shockwave in passing, though if he's curious as to what the Guardian of Cybertron will say to Megatron, it's impossible to tell. He has a job to do now.

Reflector watches Slipstream go, glaring at him.

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.

Slipstream arrives from Command Center.

Chasm arrives from Command Center.

Ruse arrives from Command Center.

Ruse nods towards Soundwave, then transforms after a short hop and radioburst of mild warning towards him.

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.

Soundwave opens his tape compartment for Ruse, and notices Chasm come flying in from the Command Center as well. He accepts them both, and then continues on.

Soundwave looks over Slipstream unobtrusively as they walk. "So, you have been transferred to Earth?" he guesses.

Slipstream says, "I'm actually not really sure. I just got fixed again, and we haven't been able to contact Colossus to see if he still wants me. At the moment I'm just assigned to the Med Bay officially, since I don't even have quarters."

MEANWHILE, AT AUTOBOT HQ...

Entrance Bay

          This massive, gold metal room contains Teletran-One, the non-sentient but voice-controlled computer that runs the Ark and serves as the Autobot database. The ceiling rises out of sight above your head and is shrouded in darkness. Leading off are several rooms.

Obvious exits:
<NW> Northwest leads to Ratchet's Surgery.
<NE> Northeast leads to Wheeljack's Laboratory.
<W> West leads to Residential Quarters.
<D> Down leads to Brig.
<O> Out leads to Base of Mt. St. Hilary.

Darkness, static... and then light burning into their optics... "Dinobots, I have a mission for you," Wheeljack's familiar voice says as the Dinobots realize that their door has slid open, revealing their 'creator' pacing back and forth in the depths of the Autobot HQ. "Prime needs you to guard this asteroid from the Decepticons. It's really important."

Grimlock says, "Me, Grimlock not FEEL like it!"

Slag says, "Me Slag TOO not feel like it!

Wheeljack clenches his fists, "Come on, guys! Prime needs us! And there could be Decepticons to fight later on!"

Brawn comments sardonically, "I think we need to work on their team spirit."

Slag's eyes narrow. "Fight?!"

Grimlock transforms into his Tyrannosaurus mode.

Wheeljack nods, "Yeah! That's why it's so important that we guard this asteroid!"

Wheeljack says, "We don't have much time left. Come on, Grimlock, Slag and Sludge!"

Grimlock says, "Dinobots need to fight. Need more practice to make us BETTER!"

Grimlock says, "Me, Grimlock say we GO!, but only because we want it."

Grimlock says, "DINOBOTS! TRANSFORM!"

Wheeljack transforms and starts to burn rubber, causing a shower of dust to fill the air. "Come on!"

Cliffjumper scoots ahead. "Come on, slowpokes!"

Slag and Sludge transform to dinosaur modes.

The Dinobots begin barreling out towards the Ark's main entrance, growling the entire way.

      [Travel Time]

Abandoned Warehouse Complex

          What may once have been a productive storage facility, is now a ghost town of ruined warehouses. Cracked brick and crumbling mortar weakens the walls of the buildings, and broken windowglass litters the ground. The sparse vegetation of the arid landscape has started to encroach back onto the asphalt, and erosion has cut gullies into the ground.

Once outside they have arrived...

The Dinobots assume robot modes.

Grimlock transforms into his robot mode.

Slag and Sludge transform to robot modes.

The Dinobots land with a thunderous crash.

The Dinobots can see a huge, glowing rock in a large pit. Optimus Prime and several other Autobots are surrounding it. Optimus Prime steps forward, "Glad you could make it, Wheeljack. We need you to analyze this meteorite. The Dinobots will guard it, while we're away."

Slag looks around. "Me Slag not see Decepticons!"

Prime steps forward, his optics glinting resolutely, "Do you understand, Grimlock? Guard the meteorite until we get back."

Wheeljack steps forward, scientific curiosity overwhelming him. He chips off a small sample.

Optimus Prime folds his arms, "You're here to guard this rock /if/ the Decepticons show up."

Grimlock says, "Me Grimlock UNDERSTAND!"

Prime nods, "Good work, Grimlock."

Prime turns back to the assembled Autobots. "Autobots! Let's transform and roll out!" The Autobots transform and form a convoy. Wheeljack hesitates, starting at Grimlock, but then, lost in consideration for the meteorite, hurries after Prime.

Soon, the Autobots are gone.

The huge meteorite glows and crackles in the middle of the field...

Sludge says, "Me Sludge NO LIKE."

Slag looks over to Sludge, "What you know NO LIKE?!"

Sludge says, "Something feel WRONG!"

Grimlock says, "You just guard meteorite, Sludge!"

Slag says, "YES, guard against ENEMIES!"

Soundwave flies in low to the ground, radioing Slipstream at a low-frequency level to remain close to him and silent.

Slipstream moves into the shadows, ready for a surprise assault, or to give fire support for a quick escape.

Ruse links up and eagerly waits... While waiting she gives Soundwave a mental hug over the links, having missed seeing him around the base lately. The voice of reason was indeed sorely missed by her.

From inside Soundwave, Chasm picks up on Ruse's sappy communique and inwardly sneers at it. "Honestly, if she can't learn independence..."

Slipstream goes into silent running mode, locking down all emissions, and with sensors running at minimum levels so that there's less to pick up.

Slipstream looks to Soundwave with a motion in infiltrator hand signs querying as to what those things are, and what they are guarding.

Soundwave makes no outward reply to the vibes from the tapes inside him, and instead concentrates his considerable sensor acuity toward the surroundings, picking up nearby lifesigns. He lands as silently as is possible for a Decepticon of his size, some distance away and hidden behind the crumbling walls.

Soundwave transforms into his Tape Recorder mode.

Slipstream moves behind several pieces of wall, slipping into the shadows, his home.

Soundwave transforms and shrinks down to his smaller mode.

Slipstream does a quick series of hand signals to Soundwave, making no noise, requesting permission to move a visual probe up so that he can go deeper into cover and still keep an eye on the reptilloids.

Soundwave slides a small microphone forward out of a storage compartment in the side of his tape recorder mode, and snakes it toward the glowing energy field that shows the glowing meteorite and its three armored guardians.

Sludge says, "You smell something, leader Grimlock?"

Grimlock says, "No."

Soundwave transmits a message via radio.

A radio transmission is received by Slipstream.

Sludge says, "Ok, never mind."

Slipstream powers down to minimal operating levels, to lessen his chances of detection.

Slipstream signals his agreement, and extends a visual probe and recorder up and starts scanning the meteorite, but with the recorder and probe at minimal levels, to lessen detection.

Soundwave determines that these "Dinobots" aren't very forthcoming conversationalists. He'll have to do things his own way to gain information about what they're assigned to, and where their psychological weaknesses might be. Quietly and carefully he transforms again.

Soundwave transforms into his Robot mode.

Slipstream wonders what Soundwave is doing, but he's the boss, so Slips will just let him go on, and be ready to support if things go sour.

Soundwave creeps forward carefully along the side of a cracked brick wall, until he can see the eerie glow of the meteorite. "Initiating brain-scan" he notes silently to himself (those inside his chest compartment can detect the almost imperceptible words) - and then his optic band goes nearly blank as he reaches for the minds of the Dinobots.

Slipstream wishes that he could power up some more of his active sensors, but that would give them away for sure. Primus, those things are big...

Grimlock thinks to himself...
      Strongest should lead! Me Grimlock am strongest!

Slag thinks to himself...
      Me Slag want to fight!

Sludge thinks to himself...
      Me Sludge obey strongest leader!

From inside Soundwave, Ruse merely listens along the link and takes in all she can of what's going on.

Slipstream thinks, "Yup, they are big, brawny, and brainless."

Soundwave steps back quietly, having gained the information he wanted.

Slipstream waits for Soundwave to signal a withdrawal, and he continues scanning, but starts stepping back.

Soundwave transmits a message via radio.

A radio transmission is received by Slipstream.

Slipstream acknowledges via hand signals, and moves to the background, but where he can still keep an eye on the Dinos, and provide some fire support to Soundwave if needed.

<Earth> Soundwave says, "Soundwave to Earthbase ... scan complete, Megatron. There is something here that may be of interest to you. The Dinobots have been left to guard a particular item that you may wish to see for yourself."

Slipstream transmits his visual record to Soundwave.

<Earth> Soundwave forwards a visual record from Slipstream, showing a huge rounded glowing meteorite, seething with unknown energies, guarded by three massive armored Dinobots.

<Earth> Megatron says, "Very interesting, indeed... Return to base with your data, Soundwave."

<Earth> Soundwave thereafter transmits a recording: Grimlock's voice says: "Strongest should lead! Me Grimlock am strongest!" Slag's voice says: "Me Slag want to fight!" Sludge's voice says: "Me Sludge obey strongest leader!"

Slipstream is kinda jumpy about the prolific use of radio, but he slams himself, reminding himself as to who he's with, and he calms himself down.

Soundwave is of course simultaneously ready to jam any signals the Dinobots might send to Autobot base, though he has detected no attempt to do so.

<Earth> Megatron says, "No, wait... stay where you are..."

<Earth> Soundwave says, "Affirmative. We will keep watch on the situation until you arrive, Commander."

Slipstream thinks, "What are those things? They're like some kind of myth out of Cybertronian history. And one of the stories they tell young mechs about to get them to go to their recharge cycle without complaints."

Soundwave listens intently, aware of each time one of the massive behemoths shifts his weight, but they seem to be staying near the asteroid so far.

Slipstream wonders what's in that asteroid that makes it so important as to be guarded by these massive automatons. Or maybe it's to get them out of the base.

Slag shifts his weight constantly, itching for a battle.

Slipstream keeps his visual probe up, hoping that whatever data it's taking in will prove helpful.

Slipstream signals to Soundwave, requesting permission to activate some more sensors, to gain more information on the asteroid.

Soundwave turns his head in the direction of the Dinobots again, edging closer. Something about one of those minds has caught his curiosity. Once again he sends out a telepathic probe, a careful testing, the faintest tendril of a mental wisp of inquiry.

From inside Soundwave, Chasm wonders if his own bizarre form was inspired by such creatures, though his report to Megatron, "Chasm's Guide to the Age of Dinosaurs" ($19.85 rrp) never really highlighted a creature that looked /exactly/ like his current form. What was Soundwave... (well, the Soundwave that he knew, not this... version... so complicated...) what was Soundwave thinking?

From inside Soundwave, Ruse asks Chasm over the link, /It's amazing how close the scraps built these things to real ones. Anything we might want to know right know about how real Dinos sensed, so we aren't spotted?/

Soundwave's optic band shades to a uniform brightness again. He's very much aware on some level of Ruse and Chasm, and Slipstream's position, though he does not respond to the signal as though he does not see it. His main attention is focused on the mind of the largest of the Dinobots standing in the outer halo of the asteroid's glow. Is the mind really as structurally simple as it seems? Or is there more to it, more potential?

From inside Soundwave, Chasm reflects /Mainly movement and scent, so as long as we keep still and stay downwind, we're covered/.

Since he hasn't received an acknowledgement, Slips keeps his sensors powered down.

Megatron has arrived.

Reflector has arrived.

Snipe has arrived.

Shockwave has arrived.

CatsCradle has arrived.

Slipstream stays in the shadows, acknowledging the new arrivals with a series of infiltrator hand signals to get down, stay quiet.

Soundwave is lurking behind one of the old brick walls, his attention apparently concentrated on the Dinobots guarding the meteor - so it takes him a moment to register the arrival of the others. Only a fraction of a moment, but longer than usual, as he disengages his renewed mental scan.

Reflector transforms into his Camera mode.

Megatron flies in, not trying to hide his approach.

Reflector requests permission to do a closer optic scan of the meteoroid fragment.

Tempest has arrived.

Slag says, "ENEMIES!"

Slipstream looks to Soundwave for permission to launch a flash grenade.

Grimlock takes up a defensive stance.

Tempest transforms into her CF-18 Hornet Jet mode.

Slipstream transmits a message via radio.

A radio transmission is received by Megatron.

Reflector transmits a message via radio.

A radio transmission is received by Megatron.

Tempest and Starscream buzz overtop the Dinobots' heads.

Grimlock says, "Dinobots, TRANSFORM!"

CatsCradle flies in after Megatron, in stealth mode more out of a long-standing habit than anything else.

Without further prompting, Slag rushes forth.

Reflector transforms into his Robot mode.

<Earth> Megatron says, "Don't fight them, Decepticons!"

Soundwave reaches instinctively for his weapon, but stops as Megatron's orders come through.

Slipstream wonders what Megatron is up to, but knowing him, it's going to be very devious...

Tempest tries strafing the Dinobots, but her shots are horribly off the mark...Starscream is shooting only to keep them back, and then he yells at Tempest, "That's enough!"

Heading straight for Megatron, Slag begins spewing hot flames.

Snipe takes up position a fair distance away, watching, ready, just in case.

Grimlock and Sludge also charge forth.

Slipstream readies his flash grenades, since his explosive ones couldn't pierce the Dinos' thick hide, but he doesn't launch them.

Although Slag is way ahead of him, Grimlock commands, "Dinobots ATTACK!"

From inside Soundwave, Ruse waits ready to be ejected at a moment's notice. She asks Soundwave though the link, noting him taking no action. /What are we waiting for?/

CatsCradle darts in front of Megatron, energy tendrils dancing between her fingers as she creates her forcefield to block Slag's flames.

Sludge stomps a foot, shaking the very Earth!

Soundwave tenses as the behemoth charges toward Megatron, but surprisingly takes no action.

Megatron lands in short distance to the Dinobots, though attacked by them. "Why do you fight, Dinobots? Because you are ordered to by your master, Optimus Prime?"

Tempest and Starscream circle overhead, watching...

Soundwave senses Ruse's impatience, but keeps his tape compartment carefully closed.

The Dinobots slow to a halt, bewildered.

Shockwave stands near to Snipe watching, but ready to attack if it's called for.

From inside Soundwave, Chasm actually seems relieved to have a good chunk of Soundwave between him and the possible threat.

Slipstream stands down upon hearing Megatron's command, but he stands ready to attack if necessary.

Tilting their heads in confusion, the Dinobots quickly glance around at one another.

Megatron , though avoiding a certain amount of blasts, has lost his fusion cannon, but doesn't seem to care about it at the moment. "I do not wish to fight you. You are stronger than I, just as you are stronger than Optimus Prime..."

First, Grimlock resumes his robot mode, followed quickly by Sludge. A moment later, Slag reverts to robot mode as well.

CatsCradle lands lightly nearby, letting the energy dissipate from her fingers.

Snipe smiles, seeing Megatron's scheme.

Megatron walks closer. "You are stronger than ALL of the Autobots! And whoever is strongest should lead!"

From inside Soundwave, Ruse isn't as content as Chasm, she's ready to fight. However for now she's forced to wait, and watches through Soundwave's optics...

Megatron now waits how the Dinobots react.

Tempest mutters, "Strength is only one factor. Cunning, that's the true measure..." She's surprised to hear Starscream murmur, "I quite agree, little yellow one..."

Grimlock says, "Hmm."

Grimlock says, "Words make sense!"

Sludge says, "Maybe we SHOULD lead!"

Slag says, "YES! Optimus Prime is WEAK!"

Grimlock says, "Me, GRIMLOCK, strongest leader of ALL!"

Grimlock says, "You, Sludge, YOU follow Grimlock?!"

CatsCradle smiles slightly. It seems to be working.

Soundwave watches Grimlock with interest, keeping his thoughts to himself to the extent that even the cassettes within him aren't catching a whisper of what's going on in his mind just now.

Sludge says, "Me Sludge obey strongest leader. ALWAYS obey!"

Megatron says, "Speak, Dinobots, what have you decided?"

Grimlock says, "We do as told, FOR NOW!"

Slipstream grins. Megatron is a slagging Genius!!

Starscream radios Megatron...

Slag, excitedly, says, "We fight Optimus Prime!"

All three Reflectors grin, and then it is gone, their normal facade back in place.

Tempest transmits a message via radio.

A radio transmission is received by Megatron.

Snipe's face returns to its stoic pose, although, in his optics, amusement is quite clear.

Megatron slowly withdraws to the shadows where Soundwave is hiding, while the Dinobots are busy worshipping themselves.

Slipstream drifts back into the shadows, hand signaling, "Mission Success."

Soundwave's optic band brightens just a bit, in an expression that those who know him well might recognize as a cryptic smile. Something is going through his mind, which perhaps coincides nicely with Megatron's actions.

Megatron says, "Just as I predicted. The slow-witted Dinobots now serve the Decepticon cause."

Megatron laughs.

Slipstream thinks "Then Let's Get Ready To RUUUMMMBBBLLLEEE!!!"

Soundwave says quietly, "More appropriate than perhaps you imagine, Commander."

Starscream says, "I can't wait to get a closer look at that meteorite...the energy pattern is interesting, though possibly dangerous...I must get a closer look."

Tempest doesn't seem the least bit interested in Starscream's scientific curiosity. Her optic sensors are tuned all the time to the Dinobots.

Slipstream puts his grenades back in subspace.

Megatron radios to the seekers, transmitting coordinates: "Transport the meteorite to this place!"

CatsCradle has not relaxed. It was almost too easy to convince the Dinobots... which could mean that they could be convinced again to the opposite just as easily.

Tempest replies, "Right away." She and Starscream lower hooks from their transport bays, hooks which claw into the meteorite and hoist it aloft.

Snipe turns to Shockwave, "Sir, is there anything I can do? I feel like a fifth wheel."

Slipstream moves to assist, dropping an anchor out of his bay as well.

So he DOES talk...

Tempest falls back, letting Slipstream and Starscream take the lead while she is in the rear of the formation. It seems she doesn't like having anyone behind her...

From inside Soundwave, Ruse calms now, /That was a rather... skillful deception. Still don't see why Megatron had to grovel to the Dinobots, though, when he could have easily beat them./

Shockwave says, "Not at the moment Snipe. We are here merely to observe and assist if anything should arise that requires it."

Megatron walks over to the Dinobots once again, playing the humbling servant, while picking up his fusion cannon.

CatsCradle watches Tempest, Slipstream, and Starscream lift the meteorite. She debates helping, but it does not look like they need assistant and she decides to stay put, in case she is needed otherwise.

Decepticons should serve NO ONE.

Snipe nods, "Sir, yes sir," he says, turning back to the scene.

Soundwave opens his tape compartment now, encouraging Ruse and Chasm to eject.

From inside Soundwave, Ruse corrects, /Well I see why... but still... / She bristles along the link, then ejects.

Ruse leaps out of Soundwave's tape compartment.

Ruse has arrived.

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

Megatron says, "If it pleases you, oh superior ones, might one as unworthy as I suggest a course of action to assist in the destruction of our enemy... Optimus Prime?"

Slipstream mutters "Why do we have to grovel to THEM?!?"

Grimlock says, "What you have to say?!"

Soundwave tilts his head a bit, watching.

Megatron really seems to enjoy this little piece of acting.

Slipstream feels rather annoyed and perplexed to see Megatron groveling before these... beasts. But he isn't the leader, and Megatron obviously has a plan, so he'll go along and act like an inferior, if necessary.

Megatron says, "As you can see, my Decepticons will take the meteorite to a safe place to allow you to fight against the enemy without the valuable possession being destroyed, oh, mighty Grimlock."

Grimlock says, "Maybe that... um... You do what you want with dumb meteorite!"

Reflector frowns as he notices the small, rather useless mech that wastes resources appears to have a problem... Well, he'd better go along, or Reflector will make it CLEAR to him who the leader is, and who needs to be followed...

Soundwave recalls the trouble that Slipstream has had previously. He looks up then to follow the flight path of the jets who are making off with the glowing meteorite.

Megatron says, "I feel honoured.... It should not take long until Optimus Prime will return to this place. He will be all yours."

Ruse picks up a tiny rock and tosses it up and down to distract some of her anger, scowling as Megatron speaks. She hates the sight of him groveling to those dipswitchs even if it's just a act.

Sludge says, "Hail him Grimlock!"

Slipstream agrees. Why Megatron has to subordinate himself to these... things, despite being part of the plan, is beyond him...

Though Megatron plays the humbling one, the ironic tone in his voice is audible - to those who listen. In this play, he's Mephistopheles...

Soundwave rises up into the air to follow the jets, casting a last look down toward the Dinobots, almost as though wishing them well in their upcoming battle.

Megatron says, "You allow that I follow my fellow Decepticons?"

Grimlock says, "Me not care, FOR NOW!"

Slipstream growls underneath his breath at those words... How he just wants to go out and blast those... beastials. But he won't. He will listen to orders, and follow them, despite how much he has to dislike them.

Megatron nods, and takes off with a quiet chuckle.

CatsCradle leaps off the ground and follows Megatron and the others.

Snipe looks over at Shockwave, waiting to see if he starts to leave as well.

Reflector hears Slipstream's light sounds of verbal abuse directed at the Dinobots, and sends him a warning message, telling him to shape up, or be taught a lesson.

CatsCradle transforms into her Jet mode.

Grimlock says, "Dinobots! Assume ambush positions!"

Slag says, "Yes, Grimlock, Optimus Prime will be destroyed!"

Ruse reluctantly flies up after Soundwave, but comes a sudden figurative screeching halt, "Ambush Prime..." She looks back, very tempted to stay suddenly.

Slipstream mutters something inaudible to the optics as he hears Reflector's message. Maybe he will take up that triple whatever on his offer of a scuffle. But he won't act up, no matter what he feels.

Slipstream discontinues his vocals, and clams up upon receiving Reflector's next message, and he'll just wonder to what lengths Megatron will go for victory. He hopes that he never has to find out.

Soundwave notes Ruse's interest in the Dinobots, and says with quiet insistence, "Come, Ruse. We require an undisturbed place to study this meteorite."

Soundwave has left.

CatsCradle has left.

Tempest has left.

Slipstream's mood brightens at the thought of this.

Slipstream has left.

Ruse turns and follows orders, "Shoot, would have liked to have seen them jumping Prime."

Ruse has left.

Reflector has left.

MEANWHILE, WITH THE DECEPTICONS GONE, THE DINOBOTS WAIT IN AMBUSH...

Time passes... Eventually, the Dinobots can make out a cloud of dust on the horizon, which resolves into the shape of Optimus Prime! He quickly transforms. "Dinobots! Quickly, help me destroy the..." He stares at the empty crater. "What happened to the Dinobots? This doesn't look good." He steps forward to examine the crater...

A shot is fired from the shadows, and the Dinobots emerge!

Optimus Prime looks shocked and holds up his hands. "Grimlock! What is the meaning of this?"

Aiming at Optimus Prime, Slag says, "Me Slag NO LIKE questions from ENEMY!"

Grimlock says, "You Optimus Prime! You OLD leader!"

Sludge says, "Leader no MORE!", and fires at Optimus Prime.

Slag transforms to triceratops mode and fires white-hot flames at Prime.

Optimus Prime says sternly, "I don't know what's gotten into you - we're Autobots, on the same team! Did the Decepticons..." His queries are broken off as he ducks the shot and narrowly avoids the white-hot tongue of Slag's flame.

Optimus Prime rolls to the side, "This is foolishness! I don't want to hurt you..."

Slag charges forward and strikes Prime to the ground.

Grimlock picks Prime up with his teeth and hurls him aside.

Optimus Prime thumps to the ground. "Stop! Think about what you're doing!"

Prime gropes for his rifle, but finds it out of reach.

Sludge stomps a foot...splitting the very Earth apart.

Optimus Prime stumbles as the huge shockwave cracks towards him. At first it looks like as though he'll maintain his balance, but then the ground ripples again and he falls heavily into a huge chasm carved into the ground my Sludge's seismic shockwave...

There is a crash and a sound like breaking glass. The earth is still, now marred by a huge cleft in the ground. Prime's body can be seen slumped at the base of the chasm, his chest windows shattered by the impact. His optics have gone dark...

Sludge, looking down, says, "Optimus Prime... terminated?"

Prime raises a hand... it thumps back on the ground.

A thin glimmer of light can be seen his optics...

Grimlock, detecting a faint movement, declares, "No! Must be more STRONGER than ME, Grimlock think."

Slag says, "Than we melt him down now?!", and raises his weapon to fire.

Grimlock stops him.

Slag says, "WHY YOU, GRIMLOCK, STOP ME!?"

Grimlock says, "Why? Hmm... Not KNOW!"

Sludge says, "Me Sludge not know too, but will obey leader, Grimlock."

Optimus Prime struggles upwards weakly. "It's... because... traces of... Autobot ... programming... remain within you. Deep down... you'll still ... remember... you'll ... always remember..."

Grimlock says, "No TALK!"

Optimus Prime tries to climb up the sides of the trench.

Grimlock says, "Or we terminate you now!"

MEANWHILE, IN A NEARBY DESERT CANYON, THE DECEPTICONS HARVEST ENERGON FROM THE METEORITE...

You enter Desert Canyon.

Desert Canyon

          This imposing canyon cuts its way through the broken stone desert. Steep, chiseled walls of sedimentary rock rise high on both sides, their layers forming the pressed pages of the geologic book of history: a stretch of aeons for the brief organic creatures that scurry across the planet's surface, but an unremarkable passage of time to an alien machine. Deep blue-black shadows slice across the rock structure and fill in the eroded crevices, contrasting with the alternate layers of orange. A keening wind howls through this chasm, sweeping the dust of past ages into the future.

Obvious exits:
<D> Down leads to Desert Caves.
<E> East leads to Desert Road.

Slipstream hovers down with the jets, lowering the meteorite to the ground as they do.

Tempest and Starscream drop the meteorite and reel in their claws. The meteorite lies in the center of the dry wash...

Tempest transforms into her Robot mode.

Reflector initiates a complete visual scan of the meteorite with every sensor that he has.

CatsCradle transforms in mid-air, landing lightly on her feet.

Tempest has no further interest in the space rock, and keeps watch from a position on one of the cliffs. Starscream is circling the meteorite, not wanting to get too close....running readings on a data computer he holds in his hand.

Starscream walks up to Megatron. "The meteorite does indeed contain energy, but this energy is dangerously unstable. I suggest we destroy it."

Slipstream tries to find a place where he can be hidden, not really wanting to talk at the moment, and he looks for a place where he can play lookout and ambush ops.

Snipe watches, again, from Shockwave's side.

Soundwave lands near Megatron and waits unobtrusively, observing everything around him.

Tempest glances down at Slipstream from her perch, where she crouches like a gargoyle on an outcropping of rock.

Reflector continues scanning the meteorite, confirming Starscream's warnings.

Megatron grins. "Awww, does that frighten you , Starscream?"

Slipstream finds a place where he can be hidden and still maintain a good lookout.

CatsCradle stands nearby, quiet, but intently watching.

Slipstream sets himself up in a sniper position.

Starscream scowls. "It's too dangerous! It's not worth the risk to oursel...ah, our troops!"

Shockwave watches the meteorite with interest, but keeps half an optic on Starscream.

Starscream leaves Reflector to the further tests and takes up position beside Megatron. Now that the lackeys are here, /he/ shouldn't have to work any more.

Reflector transmits his findings to Soundwave for closer analysis.

Snipe wonders why Megatron puts up with Starcream's constant criticisms...but remains silent.

Megatron looks at the meteorite, then turns to his communications officer. "Soundwave, start making energon cubes!"

Ruse seems rather... distracted as she lands with the others. She's lost in thought, looking back towards where they came from. oO(Ambush. Maybe they aren't what they seem at first glance after all.)

Soundwave leaves Megatron to handle Starscream, and steps over to join Shockwave. "Interesting," he observes, though he doesn't seem to be referring to the meteorite.

Slipstream sets his optic scanners to maximum gain, intending to spot any Autobots far off in the distance. He's been caught unprepared too many times to not take warning of an advance.

Slipstream transmits a message via radio.

A radio transmission is received by Megatron.

You intercept a message from Slipstream: " Sir, if enemy spotted, will signal with flash grenade."

Reflector continues scanning, attempting to best discern how to get maximum energon at minimal risk.

Shockwave nods to Soundwave. "Potentially volatile I estimate."

Megatron isn't concerned at all. (Yes, yes, he should be....) "If you are so frightened, Starscream, you'd better not use any of the energies to recharge your powercore. I'll gladly take your share for my personal use."

Soundwave transmits to Reflector: "Continue taking readings, Reflector. Though we may not be able to pass up this chance at an energy source, we may be able to make use of it in a safe manner."

A radio transmission is received by Reflector.

Megatron transmits a message via radio.

A radio transmission is received by Slipstream.

You intercept a message from Megatron: "Do that."

Starscream, looking customarily irked, grumbles in an injured tone, "I was only trying to be of service." He doesn't try to stop those with the cubes, though.../they/ can take the risk if they will, but /he/ certainly isn't going to join them.

Reflector transmits a message via radio.
Reflector transmits to Soundwave: " Acknowledged, sir."

Soundwave generates empty energon cubes, and nods to Shockwave. "That could be taken several ways. The meteorite's energy ... and those who were left to guard it."

Megatron watches the work in the canyon. He is still amused, thinking of his little piece of acting back at the other site. Those Dinobots are mentally so limited!

Ruse rather calmly walks over to Soundwave as she finally snaps back to reality. She sighs mock irritatedly and mutters, grabbing a cube to fill, "Oh where IS Rumble when forklift duty comes around?"

Snipe turns to look at Shockwave and Soundwave, "Sirs! I'd like to prove my loyalty by staying behind to help guard!"

Reflector continues his analysis, and not liking it one bit.

CatsCradle tilts her head in amusement at Snipe, but doesn't say anything.

Soundwave looks at Snipe, not recognizing him, but says, "You may assist Ruse in ... forklift duty." He generates more empty shells of energon cubes which are to be filled from the energies of the meteorite.

Reflector chuckles under his breath. A Space Cadet. Primus bless em. Where would they be without em?

Tempest jumps down beside CatsCradle and mutters, "Sirs! I'd like to prove my loyalty by tossing myself on that grenade!" and smirks...

CatsCradle chuckles, shaking her head with amusement. "Aw, it'll rub off him eventually."

Slipstream spends his time looking for signs of Autobots, and running targeting sims to adjust to the brightness of the sun and the distance.

Snipe nods, "Sir, yes sir!" as he picks up the most empty shells he can and makes his way to the meteor as quickly as possible, ignoring Tempest.

Shockwave is about to answer Snipe, but Soundwave beats him to it. He seems content with the answer though, so only nods.

CatsCradle grins at Snipe's enthusiasm. "Besides, rookies can be so convenient to have around. For..." she shrugs. "Oh, for things like forklift duty."

Ruse chuckles, looking back to Soundwave as she fills the cube with energy and sets it over with a growing stack as she works, walking back and forth from the pile of empty cubes to the energy and finally the full pile...

Shockwave glances over at CatsCradle and Tempest's gentle hazing, but doesn't say anything.

Reflector continues his analysis, only finding more and more to confirm Starscream's analysis...

Tempest grins and nods to Cats, whom she's actually starting to enjoy the company of. "Yes...and if he survives his lesson well..." She pauses. "Still, it is nice to have them loyal..."

A radio transmission is received by Megatron.

You intercept a message from Grimlock: "Battle OVER, Megatron. Now we come to you."

Ruse shoots a glare at Catscradle, but then returns to the task at hand.

Soundwave tilts his head a little as though hearing something of interest.

Slipstream runs sim after sim, trying to perfect his aim in these conditions so that he could hit anything from a distance.

Megatron transmits a message via radio.

You intercept a message from Megatron: "Spendid, oh mighty Dinobots! Splendid."

The Dinobots appear in the distance. Grimlock carries Prime over one shoulder.

Tempest glances sharply upwards, shielding her optics against the glare.

Slipstream transmits a message via radio.

A radio transmission is received by Megatron.

You intercept a message from Slipstream: " Sir, Dinobots approaching."

CatsCradle nods. "I've seen a lot of them, fresh from Straxus' boot camp, you know. They all come out like that. They adjust. He'll probably be fine, with some time." She shoots a side-long glance at Tempest. "Besides, weren't you just teasing me earlier today about my own...what did you call it... timidness?"

CatsCradle follows Tempest's gaze, all amusement vanishing as her body tenses, her weight shifting slightly, ready to move.

Reflector radios to all /Dinobots approaching. They're carrying Prime./

Megatron looks up to the sky. "It's those dim-witted Dinobots."

Soundwave hears the sound of flight engines and looks up, just as he catches another series of radio messages.

Tempest remarks, "Boot camp eh? Never been." She pauses. "Trying to teach you to be tough...well nothing teaches you like..." She pauses. "Nah, wouldn't work. Boot camp is at least survived by most of those who take it..."

Starscream gasps, "They've got Optimus Prime with them!"

The Dinobots soon fly in and land in front of the assembled Decepticons. Optimus Prime looks rather battered, his chest windows shattered.

The Dinobots land, and Grimlock drops Optimus to the ground.

Ruse glances up as she works and.. smiles. oO(I don't believe my optics. Their ambush worked! They must actually have some sort of mind inside those thick skulls.) She looks back down, shaking her head, and carries a newly filled cube towards the growing pile of energon.

CatsCradle says softly, in a distracted manner, "I didn't do boot camp either." Her gaze is locked onto the Dinobots and their prize.

Megatron frowns, looking rather annoyed. "Why does Optimus Prime still function?"

Slipstream stays in his position, just in case that they've been followed.

Grimlock says, "Me, GRIMLOCK, destroy Optimus Prime when me, GRIMLOCK, say time is right!"

Optimus Prime sprawls on the ground, trying to get up.

Reflector goes up to Prime and begins scanning for life signs.

And damage reports.

Starscream mutters, "Oh yes, another /masterful plan/..." Still, he follows Megatron. At least they've /got/ Prime weakened...they can finish him off /themselves/...

Tempest starts moving closer, just in case Prime or the Dinobots try anything.

Optimus Prime says softly, "Megatron, you have to destroy the asteroid. The energy is unstable. Any energon you render from it will be flawed. You could do irrevocable damage to this planet."

Soundwave's optic band flickers faintly darker at the sight of Prime, still alive. He looks over the three Dinobots carefully as though evaluating their every movement.

CatsCradle pops her wrist lasers out of her armor cuffs, not aiming them precisely, but... ready.

Starscream looks shocked to have Optimus say so, then looks at Megatron with a "I told you so" expression.

Megatron sneers at Prime. "How big a fool do you take me for? My work will go on despite of your pathetic lie!"

Starscream starts to protest, "But Megatron, the energy is..."

Reflector says, "May I suggest that we terminate Prime immediately, sir?"

CatsCradle's optics flicker slightly at Prime's mention of damage to the planet, but she doesn't move or say anything.

Optimus Prime says bluntly, "Your own greed for energy blinds you to the truth as always, Megatron."

Ruse sets down the cube in the pile, picks up another empty one after walking to Soundwave, and begins to fill it. oO(A lie? Still, even Starscream said this stuff was unstable...)

Tempest doesn't look like she knows what to make of that. She eyes the rock uncomfortably, and edges away from it, to stand closer to cover. Still, she holds her position behind Megatron.

Megatron says, "Still trying to save yourself with words, Prime?"

Slipstream continues scanning, just in case the Dinos have been followed. He doesn't want an Autobot assault force to catch them by surprise.

In the distance, a cloud of dust smears the horizon. And flying in are two shapes... getting closer now. Suddenly, two more strange mechs drop from the sky... their forms look vaguely familiar... More Dinobots? And an Autobot convoy can be seen rumbling over the flat desert landscape. Wheeljack zips into place, "Swoop! Snarl!" he yells. "Get Prime out of there!"

Slipstream radios to all: /AUTOBOT ASSAULT FORCE APPROACHING/

Snarl grunts, "Me FIGHT!" and transforms into a stegosaurus, his tail thumping at the ground.

However, Megatron finally cares to take a look at the energon. "There is an odd instability in the energon."

Slipstream hurls a flash grenade which lights up the area!

"I'm trying to save us all, Megatron," Prime says matter-of-factly, the rest of this conversation terminated by the sudden arrival of the cavalry.

Slipstream opens fire on the approaching Autobots from his sniper hole.

Swoop transforms and drops towards Grimlock, "Get OUT of Swoop's way!"

CatsCradle snarls, "Oh, slag, there's more of them!"

Megatron looks confused. "More Dinobots?"

Tempest growls back, "Make my day!" as she unhooks her longblades.

Snarl roars and sends out a solar beam from his tail, ricocheting off Sludge's hide.

Soundwave draws his plasma cannon and turns toward the approaching enemies. At the head of the column are two members of the Autobot forces that he does not recognize, but clearly they've come to attack.

Megatron mentally adds: "Not again... This joke is getting old..."

Slipstream opens fire on the approaching Autobots from his sniper position.

Tempest says, "Wait a minute....the two groups of Dinobots are attacking each other!"

Tempest grins, "Leaving the Autobots for us..."

Reflector transforms into his Camera mode.

Grimlock, Slag and Sludge convert to their dinosaur modes.

Reflector fires a flash pulse towards Swoop and Snarl.

Windcharger barrels forward! "Cover fire!" he yells.

"Ah'm right behind you," Ironhide grunts, firing a blast from his van back...

Tempest says to Reflector, "Let the Dinos kill each other...we'll take the bots!"

Tempest aims her lasers at Windcharger.

Reflector says, "Use us to blind them!"

Megatron says, "Decepticons, take care of the Autobots!"

Grimlock blasts Swoop with a fireball from his mouth.

Slipstream snipes at the approaching Autobots, and lays down a hail of grenades in their path.

CatsCradle hears Tempest's words and aims her wrist lasers at Ironhide.

Not surprisingly, Tempest hits nothing...her aim is still abysmal. She resorts to strafing cover fire for her fellow Cons until the bots get close enough to blade....

Ruse sighs at the Autobots and begins to ready the cubes for transport. She draws her gun while guarding them, radioing Tempest.

Megatron fires at the incoming enemy.

Ruse transmits a message via radio.

A radio transmission is received by Tempest.

You intercept a message from Ruse: "Tempest, forget them. The energon comes first. Should we be unable to hold the line... we need a transport. Starscream can handle the Bots."

Cliffjumper leaps forward, "Yeehaaaa! Out of my way, Decepticreeps!"

Slag charges and strikes Snarl, knocking him over!

Soundwave fires off a few bright bursts of plasma toward the Autobots, moving to place himself between the attackers and the small stack of assembled energon cubes so Ruse can get them to safety.

Slipstream transmits a message via radio.

A radio transmission is received by Megatron.

You intercept a message from Slipstream: " Finish Prime off while we still can!"

Snarl grunts and tries to get back up again. Swoop dives down and hits Sludge, Grimlock and Slag with a bombing raid.

Tempest transmits a message via radio.

A radio transmission is received by Ruse.

You intercept a message from Tempest: "I'm supposed to carry that unstable stuff?"

Ironhide is staggered off course by Cats' blast. "Dang it!" he roars as he skids and crashes into Windcharger.

Hound drops back, Megatron's blast blowing out the front of his tires.

Slag fires a barrage of energy blasts at Swoop.

The front wave of Autobots, used to this kind of attack, weave and dodge out of the way.

Ruse transmits a message via radio.

A radio transmission is received by Tempest.

You intercept a message from Ruse: "I did! Now hurry, one stray shot might set these things off..."

Slipstream carefully aims at Prime, intending to finish him off before rescuers arrive.

Megatron tries to keep Grimlock's, Slag's and Swoop's back clear. They are busy enough with those new Dinobots.

Swoop's wing is hit! He falls off to one side and spins in the air, crashing and ploughing into Grimlock!

Reflector fires a blinding pulse towards the approaching Autos.

Tempest grumbles and...

Tempest transforms into her CF-18 Hornet Jet mode.

CatsCradle shoots again, aiming at Cliffjumper.

Tempest says to Ruse, "If these things get the LEAST BIT unstable, I'm dumping them!"

Snipe takes aim with his heavy laser rifle at Grimlock, and fires.

Snarl growls and *thwacks* his tail against Sludge's side, knocking the big Dino over...

Slipstream fires repeatedly at Prime. If he can get the Autobots to protect him, then that's the fewer of them to intercept the cubes.

Grimlock stands beside the unstable meteorite to get a better vantage of the battle.

Snipe takes aim at Snarl with his heavy laser rifle.

Optimus Prime struggles to his feet, "Get out of here!" He waves at the Autobot, "That meteorite is going to go any second!"

Ironhide tries to make his way through the barrage of laser fire to reach Prime and protect him.

Starscream fires nullray blasts at Prime, and at any Autobot who gets too close to him!

Slipstream hurls a grenade right towards Prime's chest.

A stray shot hits the meteorite... and the stacks of unstable energon that glow to one side. The entire lump of rock starts glow very brightly for a few seconds...

Tempest curses and takes off with her canopy hanging open...SLAG those cubes, she's OUTTA HERE!

Slipstream starts hurling a pattern of grenades towards the leader of the Autobots, hoping to get lucky and off him.

Ruse fires randomly with Soundwave at any Autobots that get too close, but indeed seems distracted getting transport... as Tempest finally comes over she nods, "Agreed." She moves to load the jet with the unstable energon, but stops as she takes off and backs away from the cubes. oO(Uh oh.)

Starscream cries, "Megatron, the energon 's going to explode!"

Snipe waits for his weapon to cool before preparing another shot, unaware of the danger.

Optimus Prime staggers back towards Ironhide, "Autobots! We have to get out of here!"

Megatron warned, takes off.

Starscream is right behind him, yelling, "The whole meteor's going to blow!"

Slipstream flings grenades towards the Autobots, covering his comrades withdrawal.

Snarl and Swoop are busy tangling with the other Dinobots and pay the panic and the meteor no attention as they try and wrestle Sludge, Slag and Grimlock to the ground...

Snipe takes aim at Optimus Prime,"I've got you now...."

Slipstream takes careful aim at Prime as well.

CatsCradle catches sight of the glowing out of the corner of her eye and she whirls to look, throwing her aim off. Her optics widen and she leaps into the air.

Shockwave's optic brightens at the glow, and quickly puts a hand on Snipe's shoulder to alert him to the danger. "We must retreat!"

Soundwave rises into the air in response to Starscream's warning, firing downward at the Autobots but paying more attention to the location of the other Decepticons now.

The Autobots pull back, Prime calmly ducking the blasts all around him. "It's too dangerous now." He turns to Wheeljack, "Call off the Dinobots..."

Slipstream transmits a message via radio.

A radio transmission is received by Grimlock.

You intercept a message from Slipstream: " Retreat! The meteorite is about to explode!"

Grimlock remains by the meteorite, bracing himself.

Grimlock says, "Where everybody going?"

Grimlock says, "Me Grimlock not afraid of stupid rock!"

Reflector flies off before the meteorite explodes.

Snipe turns his attention to Shockwave, "I'll distract them, sir! I'm expendable!"

CatsCradle hears Snipe's words and shouts at him, "The meteorite will be enough of a distraction. Get out of here!" She transforms and rockets away.

Wheeljack looks around for the Dinobots, "Come on, guys!"

Shockwave will have none of it, and hauls Snipe out of there right before the explosion.

Slipstream sighs, and wondering why he's doing this, flies down and starts trying to get the Dinobots to leave.

Slipstream says, "Sir (to Grimlock) it go boom! Explode, and take you with it!"

Grimlock says, "Me not know why everyone leaving!, must afraid of me, Grimlock!"

Slipstream says, "SIR, it's going to explode! How can you finish off Prime and lead us if you're dead?"

Slipstream says, "It go big boom, you go bye-bye! Autobots go yay! Dinobots die! Boo!"

Megatron looks over the battle field to realize, Grimlock is too close to the meteor. Before knowing himself what he does, he dives, dragging the Dinobot out of the explosion center.

The meteorite explodes with a huge crack! The ground shivers and quakes! A brilliant explosion illuminates everything, brighter than the brightest flash grenade!

Tempest smirks at Snipe's words...and then she's shaken by the turbulence of the explosion. Her unhinged canopy rips upward, but the hinge holds, though bent...and crashes down, splintering the glass. Tempest manages to regain flight control, though she growls at the pain of the damage...

CatsCradle transforms into her Jet mode.

Optimus Prime staggers upwards, "Must... save... Dinobots..." He struggles forward, a hand connecting around Snarl's tail. "That's one," he says. "But what about the other four?"

Wheeljack calls over to Prime, "I found Swoop!"

Soundwave rises higher into the air, checking on the location of Megatron, Shockwave, Ruse, Tempest, Slipstream -- but is hit by the turbulence wave and a wall of heat as the meteorite shatters.

CatsCradle throws up her forcefield just as the meteorite explodes, and fragments and the concussion wave parts around her.

Slipstream is caught full force from the explosion, being rather close to it, and is nearly blown apart. He slowly tries to prevent his internals from leaking out, but there's more of them outside than there is in.

Ruse leaps into the sky, seconds before the explosion! She's sent tumbling into the sky and is knocked out of control by the shockwave, crashing to earth!

Starscream, being one of the first bots out of there, has managed to escape any damage, though he is flung nose over tail by the blast. Tempest is flying nearby, her unhinged canopy--from her hasty takeoff from the cube pile--bent and splintered, but she's still flying fine.

Shockwave caught part of the blast while hauling Snipe to safety, but can still fly.

Reflector managed to get mostly out of range from the explosion, but his antigravs are temporarily knocked offline and he plummets towards the ground.

Soundwave crashes to the ground, having been in the air at the time and so spared the worst of the blast, but it was still enough to throw him back to the ground.

Slipstream lies on the ground, more of his internals on his exterior than on his interior. He tries to take aim at the retreating Autobots, but his optics are dimming.

Slipstream can't see much of anything. If anyone takes a look his optics are cracked, and a lot of his head is outside his body on the ground. Not to mention most of his body as well.

Grimlock says, "Megatron!"

Grimlock says, "You risk OWN LIFE to save me!"

Grimlock says, "You good leader!"

Grimlock kneels before Megatron.

Megatron shakes his head to get his mind clear and stop this terrible ringing in his acoustic sensors.

Slipstream's internals are quickly going offline. So many of his systems have been completely destroyed, that his body can't stabilize itself.

Snipe stands quickly and heads over to Slipstream, then turns back to the others, "Someone, he needs repairs!" he says, ignoring some of his own damaged systems.

The other Dinobots, Slag and Sludge, also kneel.

Soundwave lies stunned for a few moments, and then struggles back up, remembering the proximity of the Autobots. If the Decepticons were knocked to the ground by the blast, the Autobots won't be that far away. He reaches for his plasma gun.

Tempest and Starscream circle back and land.

Slipstream readies a grenade in hand if his comrades can't get to him in time. If he goes, he takes an Autobot with him.

Tempest transforms into her Robot mode.

CatsCradle is buffeted by the turbulence and it takes her a moment to stabilize herself. She quickly circles back and transforms, landing and running for those who are down and hurt.

CatsCradle transforms into her Robot mode.

Optimus Prime struggles up, having saved Snarl and Swoop from the explosion... But too late to rescue Grimlock.... "Oh no," he whispers, his worst fear realized...

Starscream's jaw drops when he sees the Dinobots kneeling before Megatron. He's absolutely flabbergasted and just splutters...

Reflector moves to Snipe's side. "He won't survive. Better to put him out of his misery."

Reflector aims his three guns at what's left of Slipstream, intending to put him out of his pain. It's doubtful that he can be repaired in time.

CatsCradle hears Reflector's words and shoves him out of the way.

Wheeljack staggers forwards, "Grimlock! It's me, Wheeljack! You've gotta come back home! You belong with us!"

Grimlock says, "NOOO!!!"

Wheeljack is utterly flabbergasted. "You're an Autobot! Like us!"

Megatron stares at Grimlock, kneeling. That he did not expect.

Grimlock stands.

Snipe looks over at Reflector, "No! I won't allow a comrade to die!" he then turns his attention to Slipstream and tries his best to keep the disabled Con active, "Come on, don't give up! It's not your time yet!"

CatsCradle snarls, "I don't know what problem you have with him, Reflector, but you are going to let the medics treat him and you are going to keep out of their way."

Grimlock says, "Megatron risk life to save me. Wheeljack WRONG!"

Wheeljack says desperately, "I'm your creator... I built you... I mean, you just can't up and leave...."

Grimlock says, "BAAADD WHHEEEELLLJAACK!!!!"

Wheeljack says, "But I was trying!"

Tempest rather tends to agree with Reflector, but no...this isn't the Spaceways and things are done differently. She diverts her killing urges by paying attention to the Dinobot drama.

Reflector says, "Whatever you say." His voice is cold. So many resources to keep him active, so many precious resources that could've been spent elsewhere...

Ruse slowly, sits up to a kneeling position, clutching her rifle and checking herself over as she ughs, her optics dimmed, "What an explosion... Starscream would have to be right for once."

Snarl grunts, "What THIS mean?"

Soundwave shifts his grip on his weapon - he's aware of the Dinobots' words, but much as he'd like to witness the events closely, he has more important matters to attend to. Stepping forward quickly to join Reflector and Snipe, he knees beside Slipstream and hurriedly starts to patch up the damage as best he can under these conditions.

Megatron says, "You lost, Wheeljack. Your creation has seen the truth."

Tempest smirks at Grimlock's judgement of Wheeljack.

Grimlock, Slag and Sludge transform to dinosaur modes and growl at Wheeljack.

Slipstream tries to put his body into stasis, but his stasis components are currently offline themselves. Ironic, huh? So he just tries his best to bear the pain, and he tries weakly to throw his grenade at Wheeljack.

Megatron admits, he's starting to like these slow-witted overgrown lizards.

Shockwave is keeping his optic firmly trained on the Autobots, and is ready to blast them as soon as any Decepticons aren't in the line of fire.

Slipstream can't manage to get his arm up off the ground.

Starscream hears Ruse's words and looks smugly gratified for a moment...then he glances at Megatron and the Dinobots and his optics narrow. Megatron isn't even going to /remember/ the meteorite thanks to this coup...

Optimus Prime says quietly, "Wheeljack, Grimlock has made a choice of his own free will. Autobots don't force others to join our cause - it's something that has to be decided from within. And Grimlock has now made that choice..."

Wheeljack turns and stares stupidly at Prime, "But he's wrong!"

Optimus Prime says, "I wasn't there to save Grimlock. You weren't close. But Megatron was. And that means more to Grimlock than all of the Autobot values that we tried to instill within them."

CatsCradle moves out of Soundwave's way. She lets out a long sigh, shaking her head at the damage. But... Slipstream has pulled himself out of worse... barely, it is to be admitted, but he has. She rests a hand on Snipe's shoulder. "Thank you," she says softly.

Snipe looks at Soundwave, "Sir, do you need my help? If not, I'll watch your back."

Slipstream slowly props up his cannon arm, taking aim at Prime, putting as much of his energy into his shot as he can spare. He looks to Soundwave for permission to fire.

Tempest listens to the Autobots speaking, having never really had much contact with Autobots before. She holds her blades angled downward, not in attack posture, but ready....

Megatron says, "Prime..."

Soundwave would shake his head at the disasters that Slipstream seems to so often blunder into, but that would just take time he doesn't have. He works on welding the damage to seal the first of the leaks. Without looking up at Snipe, he asks, "Assist me in sealing the torn fuel lines. Slipstream, save your strength."

Grimlock is concerned for Slag and Sludge. He wonders if they trust his decision. He also secretly longs to meet the new Dinobots.

Prime stares at Grimlock, "Be careful of your choice, Grimlock. Megatron's ways are a lot different from ours. It will be brutal and tough. Never forget, that we'll always have a place for you among us... Among your friends and brothers..." he points to Swoop and Snarl standing to one side. "Autobots, let's roll out."

Prime transforms and starts to rumble away in the distance. The remaining Autobots watch and start to follow Prime. Snarl and Swoop leave up in the air. Only Wheeljack remains.

Wheeljack says, "Grimlock, please...."

Slipstream says, "Ye--sss ssssiiiiirrrrr. I'll get them next time."

Ruse shakes her head to clear out the static and stands, looking to Tempest rather apologetically. She then turns and levels her rifle at the group of Autobots and tries to catch up on what she missed. oO(Seems the Dinos are going to bite the hand that created them.)

Snipe nods and begins work, hearing CatsCradle's thank you, but not replying in favour of completing his task.

Grimlock opens his mouth and fires an energy blast at Wheeljack.

Slipstream transmits a message via radio.

Slipstream transmits to Soundwave, CatsCradle: " Th----annnnnkkkkkk yoooouuu---uuuu."

Wheeljack shakes his head, "I don't understand why you did this, Grimlock. But I'm going to get you back. One way or another." He hesitates, realizes that he is entirely surrounded by Decepticons and then is shocked when Grimlock's blast nearly hits him. He looks at his lost creations longingly and then turns transforms, driving away into the sunset.

Slipstream transmits a brief radio message to Snipes, as his vocals are no longer working, "Thaaannnn---kkkk yyyoooouuuuu---uuu."

The Autobots are gone...

Snipe smiles as he continues work, the only indication he heard the message.

Megatron walks over to Grimlock. "Save your energy, you will have your chance for revenge soon enough."

CatsCradle hears Grimlock's blast and her head jerks up. Her wrist lasers have lost power because of the energy needed for her forcefield, but she brings up her laser pistol to protect Soundwave and Snipe as they work to save Slipstream.

Tempest glances after Wheeljack, somewhat...wistfully? Trying desperately to understand...

Soundwave seems not to take much notice of the other happenings, as he and Snipe patch Slipstream. Now he does allow himself a moment to shake his head. What to do with this one?

Grimlock says, "Megatron!"

Tempest looks back at Soundwave and Snipe, trying to save the fallen warrior, and has that same somewhat sad expression on her face...

Soundwave ejects Chasm.

Grimlock says, "I was... jealous!"

Chasm flaps up on Soundwave's shoulder. "Well, this was unexpected."

Grimlock says, "Can you... FORGIVE!?"

Ruse lowers her rifle, and looks around to notice Soundwave finally.. with Slipstream. She lets out an exhausted sigh and walks over and kneels just to watch and be there for her friend while not distracting the medics.

CatsCradle slowly lowers her pistol, clipping it back to her hip. She rests a comforting hand on Ruse's shoulder, then moves a few steps away.

Tempest still holds her blades angled down, seeming lost in thought...then she steps forward towards the other Decepticons, bracketing her swords, with a small smile.

Soundwave infuses the contents of a small energon cube into Slipstream's fuel lines. "Not entirely," he replies to Chasm. "Someone will have to keep watch on this one."

Megatron says, "I admit, I'm glad to see that you and your companions are fully functional."

Slipstream quietly bites back a groan of pain. Not that it really matters, since his vocals are scattered across the desert. Oh well. They can be replaced. He'll get the Autobots next time...

Chasm eyes the Dinobots suspiciously, "So what do we do with them?"

Snipe looks over at Soundwave, "Further orders, sir?"

Starscream mutters, "Wonderful. Now we have overgrown lizards running around our base."

Chasm peers at Snipe from his lofty position on Soundwave's shoulder. He catches Starscream's comment. "Lizards have their place too," he says piously. He looks down at his body again and sighs.

Starscream grins a little. "You're at least a manageable size, Chasm."

Slipstream transmits a message via radio.

A radio transmission is received by Grimlock.

You intercept a message from Slipstream: " Nice to have you on the team, sir."

Soundwave finishes up with what he can, and says to Snipe, "We will have to move him carefully to repair bay. As for the Dinobots-" he rises to his feet and looks them over for the first time since the Autobots left - "this may be an interesting opportunity. It seems we are acquiring all sorts of unusual compatriots lately."

Megatron says, "Grimlock, you decided well to join the Decepticons."

Grimlock says, "Dinobots will... make Megatron proud!"

Chasm flicks his tail back and forth.

Soundwave flickers a glance at Chasm as though to include him in the description, but there's a hint of fond amusement in the expression.

Snipe nods, and looks around, wondering if there's anything present that would make a suitable 'stretcher'.

Megatron says, "You sure will. Welcome to our ranks!"

Tempest eyes the Dinobots. It doesn't look like she is particularly comfortable about having them around...but she keeps her words to herself.

The three Dinobots growl in excitement.

Grimlock, Slag and Sludge tear off the Autobot symbols on their chests.

Each of them throws their Autobot symbols to the ground, so that Slag can give them a proper scorching.

Megatron looks from one Dinobot to the other. "I think our desert base will make an excellent base for our new friends, and I can think of no one better to guard it."

CatsCradle moves to stand near Tempest. "Things never get boring here, huh?"

Megatron says, "Provide Grimlock, Slag and Sludge with the proper insignia."

Tempest offers CatsCradle a tentative smile. "That they do not..."

Reflector prints out an insignia for the Dinobots to wear, making it as top quality as he can.

One of each Reflector hands an insignia to each Dinobot.

Tempest winces a little at that command and runs her hands up over her wings...yes, the bright blue glittery Con logos that Ruse painted are a great improvement, but they still aren't proper brands...no. It was easier for the Dinobots to find a home here, than it is for her...