Words of War

Laserbeak retracts his video recorder, having recorded everything he was interested in.

Thundercracker enters from the Corridor
Thundercracker quietly steps in and looks around.

Dead End points to Stratostorm.

Frenzy says, "Hi, Dead End!"

Soundwave strides in, searching out the extent of the damage almost immediately.

Frenzy says, "What's wrong with our bomber?"

Thundercracker nods to DE and Strat

Soundwave ejects all his tapes in sequence.

Laserbeak thinks this is a good way to carpool. 8)

Frenzy tries to eject.

Rumble says, "He got BOMBED!"

Frenzy says, "Hey, DAd, open up!"

Laserbeak leaves first

Frenzy has arrived.

Buzzsaw has arrived.

Laserbeak flies through the air sideways, and in midair transforms into the Decepticon Tape otherwise known as Laserbeak.

Rumble has arrived.

Ravage has arrived.

Rumble unfolds and flips up into his robot mode, looking around with a vaguely dangerous-looking grin.

Buzzsaw transforms from tape to condor. Wings, talons, and a head all extend from the tape as a pair of thrusters materialize on its back

Frenzy unfolds and expands 10 fold as he becomes an 8 foot tall red humanoid-type Decepticon!

Ravage unfolds and expands into his feline mode.

Laserbeak lands on a heavy metal clip.

Stratostorm is lying on a table, smoke billowing out of him in great clouds, and a KABOOOOM rocks him every few minutes as another of his many bombs and missiles goes off inside him

Soundwave goes quickly to Stratostorm.

Frenzy says, "We gotta get those bombs outta him!"

Frenzy runs over to Strat.

Ravage lands gracefully on his four paws.

Soundwave says, "The rest of you, get out."

Frenzy says, "But.."

Dead End glances over at Frenzy. "Frenzy.. it appears that Wildrider was captured lastnight.

Frenzy says, "WHAT??"

Soundwave reaches for a liquid nitrogen extinguisher and sprays the mixture liberally over the smoking form of Stratostorm.

Frenzy says, "Wildrider was captured??"

Dead End sighs. "Me and him got jumped by 3 Autobots outside of San Fran.

Soundwave says, "This will only stabilize him for a few minutes. Leave the room until I have diffused the explosives."

Dead End says, "they captured him and almost got me."

Thundercracker swears under his breath at the news

Buzzsaw leaves, but does so slowly as he is also weak, although not nearly as bad off as Stratostorm is

Stratostorm still smokes, tho it slows slightly...the fires rage inside his chassis...where his subspace controller has failed and his payload is subject to the flames

Frenzy says, "Ok..."

Frenzy says, "I hope he'll be ok, Dad."

Frenzy says, "Come on, DEad End."

Ravage arches his back towards the ground as he stretches out.

Frenzy pats Ravage.

Frenzy scritches RAvage.

Frenzy heads west toward Bisecting Corridor.
Frenzy has left.

Buzzsaw perches in the rafters and sleeps until it is time for him to be repaired

Thundercracker heads west toward Bisecting Corridor. Thundercracker has left.

Dead End's radio buzzes with activity.

INTERCEPT> To Dead End from Frenzy: Come on

Soundwave makes no reply, emptying the nitrogen cannister, and then reaching through the white haze that now rises from Strato's form, to seek out the unstable bombs.

Dead End heads west toward Bisecting Corridor.
Dead End has left.

Stratostorm's internals are a blasted messs....great heat is stored up within him and sears Soundwave's hand. As he reaches inside, he can feel the many many bombs that are exposded...they're sort of half in half out of subspace...since the controller has failed.

Soundwave's hands move rapidly as a small blade extracts itself from the tip of one finger ... he goes through cutting the connections on some of the more easily accessible bombs.

Rumble heads west toward Bisecting Corridor.
Rumble has left.

Laserbeak heads west toward Bisecting Corridor.
Laserbeak has left.

Ravage heads west toward Bisecting Corridor.
Ravage has left.

Soundwave flinches back from the heat for a second, then plunges back in, grabbing hold of the scorching bombs and lifting them out, cutting connections ... the paint on his hands liquifying and dripping off, sputtering as it strikes the hot metal below.

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: You sense Frenzy and the gang are gonna do something rather...dangerous.

Long distance to Frenzy: Soundwave is totally absorbed in his work, and wouldn't be paying attention.

Stratostorm is carrying over 50 bombs that haven't already exploded...and they're all BIG, repair of the subspace controller is the only way to effectively remove them from exposure to the flames

Soundwave realizes there are too many bombs to remove, some not really reachable without damaging Strato further ... he looks at the molten wiring of the subspace circuitry, and changes his approach.

Soundwave removes the scorched circuitry and implants new wires, hoping to make the connections before the currently exposed bombs heat beyond their tolerance.

Soundwave works in total silence, his optics bright in concentration, seemingly oblivious by now to the intense heat.

Soundwave successfully repairs Stratostorm.

Stratostorms bombs go fully back to subspace, eliminating possiblity of explosion

Soundwave makes the most basic connections, and tries to activate the subspace system to shut the bombs back out of this reality. He manually activates the connection...

Stratostorm GROANS in horrible pain as he comes back to conciousness

Buzzsaw wakes up and watches Soundwave work, curiously. He says nothing as he realizes how dangerous Soundwace's current work is.

Soundwave pauses for a moment in relief, then moves rapidly to disconnect what's left of Stratostorm's pain receptors.

Soundwave speaks reassuringly, "Just lie still, Stratostorm. You took quite some damage."

Stratostorm is still red hot, and his internals are all but swiss cheese

Stratostorm opens his mouth to speak to Soundwave....but no sound comes out, and his optics flicker in agony again...stratostorm teeters on the verge of conciousness

Soundwave reaches for another container of liquid nitrogen and douses the exposed metal, more slowly and carefully this time, trying to cool it down without creating more stress fractures.

Soundwave says, "You will be alright, Stratostorm. You will survive. Do not try to speak."

Soundwave waits for the haze of coolant to clear away before beginning the long, delicate task of putting the insides back together.

Stratostorm gasps, the sound like that of a human choking to death...but he remains still, trying to let Soundwave complete his work

Soundwave infuses a sedative into what's left of Stratostorm's fuel lines, hoping there's enough of the fuel system left in place to ease him into unconsciousness.

Soundwave successfully repairs Stratostorm.

Stratostorm has 41% ENDURANCE remaining.

Stratostorm slumps, the injection happening close enough to his head that his hideously mangled internals can carry the substance to his neural net

[Con-OOC] Laserbeak thinks what could go wrong, Frenzy's our leader on this....wait a sec...
[Con-OOC] Frenzy hehs.
[Con-OOC] Soundwave says, "What are you kids doing? Am I going to have to come drag you out of trouble again? ;)"
[Con-OOC] Frenzy says, "Um....you ignored that little voice in yer head that said we were up to no good :)"

Soundwave goes to get a bin of replacement parts, a great number of which will be needed, and notices Buzzsaw for the first time.

Megatron enters from the Corridor.

Buzzsaw just sits there and watches

Soundwave says, "You have been here all along, Buzzsaw?"

Buzzsaw nods

Stratostorm has stopped smoking, and is cooling down

Soundwave pauses with the tray of parts in his hands to regard Buzzsaw, then notices Megatron as well, and nods to him in greeting.

Stratostorm's radio squeaks with activity.
INTERCEPT> To Stratostorm from Chopshop: If you want Ramjet back alive, I suggest you come and get him. <transmission of coordinants....Fort Knox.>

Buzzsaw pages: (tel) "I didn't want to bother you by comunicating..... his condition was critical"

Stratostorm lies still as Soundwave replaces his blasted internals

Megatron steps through, pausing inside the door, "Evaluations, Soundwave?"

Soundwave says, "Stratostorm is in serious condition. I can give no more definite assessment than that at the moment."

Soundwave says, "I will attempt to get him stabilized as quickly as possible and resume the search for the rocket."

Soundwave sends, 'Stratostorm is unable to answer you, Chopshop. What is this about Ramjet?' to Chopshop.

Stratostorm fizzles and sparks, his internal computer short circuiting

Soundwave tilts his head. "Also, Chopshop reports something about Ramjet being shot down -- I am attempting to uncover further details."

Radio message from Chopshop, 'Air Raid has almost killed him, he is in critcical. Sludge wont leave either.'.

Megatron sets his jaw in obvious displeasure, "Inform me when he is conscious." turning back to the hallway, "...and your tapes merit watchful attention, Soundwave."

Soundwave turns back to Megatron questioningly. "My tapes?"

Megatron shifts his weight to his other foot uneasily, "I see..."

Soundwave sends, 'Can you bring him back to base?' to Chopshop.

Buzzsaw sighs

Megatron nods, "Yes. They appear...unsettled. In any event, they are yours...keep me apprised."

Buzzsaw flys over to Megatron and perches on his arm for a moment

Stratostorm leaks lubricant and energon all over the table from various holes in his chassis

Radio message from Chopshop, 'I have to stay here and monitor Sludges movements until he leaves the area.'

Megatron raises Buzzsaw eyelevel and glances at him, creasing his optics.

Soundwave catches sight of the sparking circuitry inside Stratostorm and turns back to him to resume work, but nods at Megatron's statement.

Megatron drops his arm to his side and stalks away.

Soundwave sends, 'Your first priority is to get your comrade to safety.' to Chopshop.

Buzzsaw looks at Megatron, showing total obedience and then flys off

Megatron heads west toward Bisecting Corridor.: Megatron has left.

Soundwave begins to seal leaks, replacing fuel lines and tubing.

Soundwave successfully repairs Stratostorm.

Stratostorm starts to look better (somewhat) as soundwave works on him....the energon and lubricant leaks stop and the short circuits cease

Buzzsaw pages: (tel) "shall I check on my brothers?"

Soundwave pages Buzzsaw with '<telepathic message>: If you are physically able, yes.'.

Soundwave pages Buzzsaw with '<telepathic message>: (You can sense that Soundwave's mind is whirling with many distractions at the moment)'.

Buzzsaw heads west toward Bisecting Corridor. Buzzsaw has left.

Soundwave clears away shattered parts, bits of joints and hinges and circuitry, and cleans away the spilled fuel.

Soundwave implants more new parts, pausing to check the readings, noting with relief that they seem to be stabilizing a bit.

Stratostorms reading stabilize as his internals are steadily replaced

Chopshop enters from the Corridor

Chopshop walks in carrying a barily functional Ramjet.

Stratostorm comes to conciousness as his situation improves

Chopshop looks at the other occupants of the room.

Stratostorm groans "Uggghh. I feel like I just played that human game..football, with Devastator."

Buzzsaw enters from the Corridor
Buzzsaw has arrived.

Buzzsaw stays quiet

Chopshop walks over to a free table and places What is left of Ramjet on the table.

Chopshop drops Ramjet.

Stratostorm tries to sit up a bit and examine his lousy condition

Chopshop walks over to get a towel.

Ramjet fritzes and leaks energon.

Chopshop grabs a towel, and proceeds to wipe of the energon that was leaked on him.

Ramjet is in extremely bad shape and both of his insignias are missing.

Buzzsaw looks at Ramjet and mentally oh boys

Soundwave looks over at Ramjet as Chopshop brings him in, and his optics flicker a bit darker.

Swindle enters from the Corridor
Swindle has arrived.

Chopshop looks up from wiping off the energon at Swindle.

Swindle wanders into the Med center, and looks around "Whoah. What happened?"

Soundwave glances at Stratostorm. "Do not strain yourself. You were badly damaged. I must see to Ramjet now, it seems.

Soundwave goes over to examine Ramjet.

Chopshop walks over to Swindle.

Buzzsaw sits there, watching, but looks beaten up

Chopshop mutters to Swindle.

Swindle takes a step back from Chopshop, eyeing him warily.

Soundwave glances up at Swindle and Chopshop for the barest of instants, then gets to work on Ramjet, who's in nearly as bad shape as Stratostorm was a while ago.

Stratostorm:

Buzzsaw looks around, concerned

Soundwave pages Buzzsaw with '<telepathic message>: If Chopshop and Swindle should leave, follow them unobtrusively. They are up to something.'.

Buzzsaw pages: (tel) "Frenzy is calling me for a diversion, but I will do as asked"

Swindle notes Chopshop's reaction and begins edging back towards the door.

Chopshop follows.

Soundwave removes the lacerated armor plates that are damaged by missile and laser blasts, and begins taking out the singed wiring underneath, still having replacements at hand from his work on Stratostorm.

Soundwave successfully repairs Ramjet.

Ramjet has 16% ENDURANCE remaining.

Ramjet regains consciousness.

Ramjet groans. "Damn..... him..... I'll have his... head....."

Swindle glances back towards the door, making sure there is no one between himself and it, then continues muttering to Chopshop.

Chopshop focuses on Swindle.

Buzzsaw listens to the pair intently, trying to make out what they are saying

Soundwave notes the life readings are still fluctuating. "Remain calm, Ramjet. You will have your chance at revenge soon enough."

Ramjet nods slightly. "You can.... have the rest... of him.... Make another.... cassette... out of....

Ramjet decides not to fight it and doesn't move.

Swindle fixes his most earnest expression on Chopshop.

Chopshop is in a really bad mood now.

Soundwave works methodically, glancing only once at the torn away spot on Ramjet's wings where the Decepticon symbols had been. His optics flash bright in a moment of anger, then return to their usual shade as he continues.

Soundwave says, "Who did this to you?"

Soundwave successfully repairs Ramjet.

Ramjet says, "Skydive... first... but I.... downed him.... it was .... that Air Raid freak... that did.... the rest...."

Ramjet says, "And even... he is.... in bad shape.... *snicker* *ow*"

Soundwave says, "I am not surprised to hear of such tactics. It is their usual way."

Soundwave fixes up the transormation system, re-wiring the circuits that can be repaired, and replacing the sections that can't be.

Ramjet says, "Never knew... when to quit...."

Chopshop backs off of Swindle.

Soundwave successfully repairs Ramjet.

[Con-OOC] Frenzy says, "Uh oh"
[Con-OOC] Megatron isn't sure he wants to know...
[Con-OOC] Soundwave knew it. I have to come after you and drag you out, don't I? :)

Swindle looks somewhat relieved as Chopshop steps back.

Chopshop walks to the place where he found the cloth, and replaces the cloth on the table.

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: Hi, Dad.

Soundwave pages Frenzy with '<telepathic message>: (you sense that Soundwave is still busy with repairs, but no longer fighting to keep someone alive) Greetings, Frenzy.'.

Soundwave looks up at Chopshop as he finishes a section of Ramjet's vital components. "Incidentally, Chopshop -- I believe you still have something that belongs to me."

Soundwave says, "Or rather, in this room."

Chopshop looks to Soundwave, "I don't know what you mean."

Buzzsaw looks at Chop Shop upon hearing this and looks rather upset

Buzzsaw soars over to Soundwave, still damaged

Soundwave works at Ramjet's less delicate systems and speaks calmly as he continues, "You know precisely what I mean. That narrow-beam laser scalpel that you happened to find on the floor the other day? I do appreciate you assisting in the clean-up..."

Ramjet says, "Better... but I think Buzzsaw and Strato need repairs more than me. I'm tough, I'll be alright for now."

Soundwave says, "...though you must have walked off with it without realizing it."

Buzzsaw shakes his head no

Buzzsaw pages: (tel) "work on him,... I shall survive"

Soundwave pages Buzzsaw with '<telepathic message>: Just rest. I will see to you momentarily.'.

Soundwave successfully repairs Ramjet.

Buzzsaw nods to soundwave and sits in a corner

Soundwave notes Ramjet's readings are back in the safe range, and leaves the rest for later, going to Buzzsaw.

Chopshop says, "I don't remember anything about any scalpel, and don't know what you mean by clean-up."

Swindle can't help but grin at Chopshop.

Buzzsaw looks up at Soundwave and waits patiently

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: Dad...

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: I have good news and bad news

Soundwave runs a scanner over Buzzsaw, noting the damage, and then shoots an innocuous look over at Chopshop. "Come now, Chopshop -- I know your memory chips are better than this."

Buzzsaw has an acid burn, a small dent, a large dent from being slammed, and a grenade blast.

Chopshop says, "My memory is fine."

Swindle sidles up to Chopshop "Psst.. hey, what'd you make off with this time?"

Soundwave pages Frenzy with '<telepathic message>: What is that, Frenzy? (thoughts sound wary, as though he's expecting the worst)'.

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: Good news: We found Wildrider

Chopshop looks to Swindle, "nothing."

Chopshop has a casual look on his face.

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: Bad news...he got caught

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: Worse news: We're with him

Swindle grins conspiratively at Chopshop "C'mon. You can tell me."

Ramjet chuckles slightly.

Soundwave freezes for a moment, his optics flashing bright as he receives some silent message -- his question to Chopshop seemingly forgotten.

Ramjet rubs his head. "Whoa... got a bit dizzy there... must've been all those rams I did...

Soundwave pages Frenzy with '<telepathic message>: You are telling me you are in Autobot captivity?'.

Chopshop says, "I trusted you once Swindle, it will be a while until I trust you again."

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message> That's...um...an optimistic view.

Swindle shakes his head "Sheesh, and it wasn't even my fault.."

Soundwave goes to work on Buzzsaw's damage, but his thoughts are obviously elsewhere, and they are not pleasant ones.

Soundwave successfully repairs Buzzsaw.

Soundwave pages Frenzy with '<telepathic message>: Tell me the situation exactly.'.

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: We tried to rescue Wildrider

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: It didn't work.

Buzzsaw pages: (tel) "what is wrong?"

Soundwave mutters to Buzzsaw, "Your siblings have gotten themselves into trouble again. Unbelievable. As though they have nothing better to do with their time!"

Laserbeak pages: <IC telepathic message from Laserbeak to Ravage>: I TOLD you.

Buzzsaw pages: (tel) "Figures... have they no respect for their creator?"

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: And the brig is destroyed

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: And Fastback suggested killing us

Soundwave pages Buzzsaw with '<telepathic message>: No, that is not quite it. They simply do not realize they are not invulnerable. (you sense the undercurrent of anger and concern, even though SW tries to hide it)'.

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: DAd...

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: To be honest

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: I'm scared shitless

Ramjet hrms at the new insignias on each wing. "Frag! That little twerp went prize hunting!"

Chopshop looks to Ramjet, "Who?"

Buzzsaw pages: <telepathic message>: Laserbeak and Ravage should know better. But you know how Rumble and Frenzy are*anger sensed*

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: I'm sorry I let you down

Ramjet says, "Air Raid.... when I get my nosecone on him... grrr...."

Soundwave pages Frenzy with '<telepathic message>: (Soundwave's thoughts are tinged in incredulous anger that they've walked into the enemy camp, and then almost immediately replaced by fear for your lives, which again is almost immediately replaced by a transmitted reassurance)'.

Chopshop says, "He couldn't even fly, Blades had to carry him and Skydive back to base."

Soundwave pages Frenzy with '<telepathic message>: Is there any possible way for you to escape? Are you injured?'.

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: NO way to escape

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: We're stuck here....

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: And I have Rumble, Laserbeak, and Ravage with me

Soundwave's optics loose all expression and become completely neutral as he works silently on Buzzsaw and listens to the silent messages coming to him.

Ramjet says, "I thought I whacked him hard... so if he didn't do this... who did?"

Soundwave successfully repairs Buzzsaw.

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: And now Obnoxious Prime just walked in.

Thrust enters from the Corridor
Thrust strides in purposefully.

Thrust comes back from a long patrol.

Chopshop says, "Sludge, He showed some signs of interest in you."

Ramjet says, "Well, there's Captain Courageous himself! And where were you while I was out battling the Autobot air force? Hmmm?"

Soundwave pages Frenzy with '<telepathic message>: You are within the Autobot headquarters?'.

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: I'm IN the brig room.

Ramjet looks at Chopshop. "Oh really. Well, I'll just have to recip..er...do the same to him then."

Soundwave successfully repairs Buzzsaw.

Buzzsaw has 100% ENDURANCE remaining.

Thrust looks irritated. "I was halfway around the globe! Searching for some mysterious energy source! Nothing!"

Soundwave finishes up the last of Buzzsaw's repairs, fitting a new barrel onto the weapon on his back as the final step.

Ramjet snickers. "Whatever you say... missed all the fun though. Hehehe."

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: I think I'm scared....I can't run...I've endangered the lives of me and my brothers.

Buzzsaw feels a little better and looks much better.. he examines himself.

Thrust says, "What'd I miss?"

Ramjet says, "Me trashing a pair of Aerialbots!"

Buzzsaw pages: (tel) "thank you, Father"

Soundwave pages Frenzy with '<telepathic message>: Just hang on. We will try to break you out.'.

Stratostorm looks on over to Soundwave achingly, and waits for him to finish up what he's currently doing

Soundwave pages Frenzy with '<telepathic message>: We will break you out. Just keep your courage up.'.

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: I will..

Thrust grrs. "Those aerialbots ganged up on me last night! I was the only seeker around!" He then looks askance at Ramjet.

Soundwave looks at Thrust. "I have a mission for you. Come"

Thrust turns to Soundwave. "Alright."

Soundwave says, "Buzzsaw, you as well. I realize you have just now been repaired, but there is little choice.""

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: Ravage wants me to drop him so he can try to escape.

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: Should we risk that?

Ramjet grumbles. "Great. Because of that freak Aerialbot, Thrust gets the important mission. I'll show Air Raid who the king of the skies is...."

Soundwave opens his tape compartment to let Buzzsaw enter.

Chopshop is glad that Soundwave isn't interested in him anymore and heads out.

Thrust hehs.

Stratostorm turns his head to face Ramjet "I'll help you out too. I have a score to settle with those punks"

Soundwave pages Frenzy with '<telepathic message>: Perhaps if you scatter, you can distract the Autobots.'.

Chopshop heads west toward Bisecting Corridor.
Chopshop has left.

Ramjet hmms. "Seems like we have a list forming then, Strato..."

Frenzy pages <telepathic message>: Ok..but Sludge has his sword pinned to my neck.

Buzzsaw nods to Soundwave and enters the hold

Stratostorm winces as his neck actuators whine in protest at his head turning...obviously he's only partially repaired

Soundwave says, "Stratostorm, Ramjet -- rest here. I will return as soon as possible."

Swindle tries to stay as much in the background as possible, to avoid 'volunteering' himself.

Stratostorm nods "But...before them...Jetfire. He's the one who did this to me."

Soundwave turns abruptly and heads out, motioning to Thrust to follow.

You head west toward Bisecting Corridor.

Bisecting Corridor

Thrust enters from Med Center.

You head up toward Elevator.

Base of Tower

Thrust comes in from the up, leaving Elevator behind.

You head up toward Pacific Ocean.

Mid Pacific Rim

Thrust comes out of the Tower.

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: DAd..they want to remove our personality components..Prime does

Soundwave says, "Open your cockpit and I will transform. You will convey me to Autobot headquarters, you are a faster flyer."

Soundwave pages Frenzy with '<telepathic message>: Try to shame him into holding off. We are on our way.'.

Soundwave folds down and shrinks into his Tape Recorder mode.

Thrust [Modified_F-15]:

Soundwave says, "To Autobot base. Quickly!"

Radio message from Thrust, 'Nearing the Ark...'

Mount St. Hillary

Thrust quickly folds up and rises into his ominous but awesome robot mode.

Soundwave unfolds and expands into his robot mode.

Thrust looks around. "Kind of quiet..."

Soundwave says, "Thrust, begin an immediate strafe attack on the entrance. Draw them out."

Thrust nods. "Yes sir."

Thrust shifts into an ultra-cool F-15 jet.

Soundwave says, "Do not engage anyone one-on-one, simply fire randomly at the entrance and at anyone who emerges."

Thrust rockets skyward, then wheels about and head straight at the Ark.

Soundwave pages Buzzsaw with '<telepathic message>: Prepare to slip inside when their forces are sufficiently distracted.'.

Thrust fires a missile at the entrance...it smashes into the rocky hillside, creating a rain of rubble.

Soundwave takes Buzzsaw out of his compartment and places him carefully behind a rocky outcrop.

Soundwave says, "Do not let anyone see you. I will create an additional diversion if needed."

Buzzsaw transforms from tape to condor. Wings, talons, and a head all extend from the tape as a pair of thrusters materialize on its back

Buzzsaw nods and sits where placed

Thrust pulls up and goes vertical.

Soundwave sends, 'Continue firing. Do not use up an inordinate amount of energy, but make an impressive display.' to Thrust.

Thrust dives toward the Ark again, concussion blasters spraying the Ark's entrance with a hail of fire.

Soundwave pages Frenzy with '<telepathic message>: We are outside. What is your situation?'.

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: RAvage is breaking free!

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: But Sludge is digging his sword into my chest

Thrust flies over Mt. St. Hillary, suddenly accelerating and creating a sonic boom. More rocks tumble around the Ark.

Thrust mumbles something into his radio.
Radio message from Thrust, 'Where _are_ they?'.

Soundwave sends, 'Unknown. Continue.' to Thrust.

Thrust rolls right and pulls into a tight loop.

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: We gotta get Wildrider outta here

Optimus Prime emerges from the entranceway to the ark.

Optimus Prime staggers out, his rifle bared.

Soundwave stands in full view of the entrance, his laser ready.

Thrust slows to a hover and turns to face the Ark's entrance.

Optimus Prime says, "LEAVE."

Soundwave pages Frenzy with '<telepathic message>: It seems we have their commander's attention.'.

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: Good

Buzzsaw is in hiding

Thrust fires another missile at the Ark, causing a shower of rubble to fall near Prime.

Buzzsaw's microcam appears to record everythnig

Soundwave regards Prime with an icy calm. "I do not obey orders from Autobots."

Optimus Prime leaps to one side, tumbling to the ground...

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: You sense a great deal of pain rush through Frenzy.

Soundwave's optics flash bright for just a second as though responding to something unseen, then he levels his weapon at Prime.

Thrust fires blasts in Prime's general direction, but does not come close to hitting.

Optimus Prime mumbles something into his radio.

INTERCEPT> To Skydive from Optimus Prime: You are needed outside the ark!

Soundwave says, "Perhaps I will finish what Megatron began yesterday."

Optimus Prime says, "And perhaps... you will... die trying."

Soundwave says, "I think not."

Soundwave pages Frenzy with '<telepathic message>: (you sense Soundwave's fear for your life while trying to send reassurance)'.

Thrust mumbles something into his radio.
Radio message from Thrust, 'Do you want me to attack him?'.

Soundwave sends, 'Only if he goes on the attack in earnest.' to Thrust.

Thrust continues hovering above Soundwave and Prime.

Soundwave says, "Perhaps you should call your lackeys to assist you. You Autobots never fight unless you outnumber your enemies, after all."

Soundwave pages Frenzy with '<telepathic message>: Soundwave tries to find out our condition.'.

Optimus Prime shouts into his communicator for assistance...

Skydive emerges from the entranceway to the ark.

Thrust fires a few more blasts into the mountainside, creating a roar of explosions.

Skydive stumbles in weakly, "Uh oh..."

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: YOu sense a Sludge sized sword has gone through FRenzy's stomach area

Air Raid emerges from the entranceway to the ark.

Air Raid stumbles out, clutching his rifle

Optimus Prime says, "I am not about to let you destroy my home."

Thrust grrs...the Aerialbots

Soundwave regards the Aerialbots silently, certainly poised to fight, but making no obvious hostile move.

Air Raid glares around, optics blazing in Thrust's direction

INTERCEPT> To Optimus Prime from Blaster: Ravage has escaped!

Soundwave speaks to Optimus. "Interesting."

Thrust hovers above the mountain.

Optimus Prime is kneeling, with his rifle leveled at Soundwave.

Soundwave pages Buzzsaw with '<telepathic message>: Now, get past them and get inside. Sludge has damaged Frenzy severely, you will have to distract him.'.

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: Frenzy is in a lot of pain as Sludge twists the sword.

Skydive summons his Nega-gun from subspace, but keeps it lowered at his side as he watches.

Soundwave is in full view, standing still in the middle of the clearing a short distance from the Ark entrance.

Optimus Prime says, "What is the reason for this?"

Air Raid stands, left knee shaking badly

Soundwave looks at Prime coldly. "You pretend to me that you do not know?"

Optimus Prime says, "Perhaps I do."

Air Raid shakes his head, as if to clear it, and finally gets the reason for this...visit.

Soundwave looks at all the Autobots with thinly veiled contempt.

Air Raid mumbles something into his radio.
INTERCEPT> To Ricochete from Air Raid: You guarding?

Thrust is for once silent, as he hovers above the others.

Air Raid's radio bleeps with activity.

INTERCEPT> To Air Raid from Ricochete: just shot tha black thing.

Air Raid mumbles something into his radio.

INTERCEPT> To Ricochete from Air Raid: It's out???

Air Raid's radio bleeps with activity.

INTERCEPT> To Air Raid from Ricochete: yea. it's OUT!! And it's getting away!!

Air Raid suddeinly whirls and covers the entrancere

Optimus Prime's radio buzzes with activity.

INTERCEPT> To Optimus Prime from Sludge: Me have little tape here. What you want me to do?

Air Raid stumbles on his knee, and falls.

Soundwave spins to aim at Air Raid, knowing suddenly what the situation is.

You hear Skydive mutter to Air Raid: "Easy on the radio...I told you the other day that I think Soundwave heard my transmission to Optimus...He informed Megatron not long after that we radioed Prime."

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: I wanna die..I wanna die..

Blaster emerges from the entranceway to the ark.

Blaster says, "Prime..."

Optimus Prime mumbles something into his radio.

INTERCEPT> To Sludge from Optimus Prime: break off all radio communication immediately!

Soundwave is ready to fire.

Air Raid trains his rifle on the shadows

Ravage pages: <telepathic> *panting* I got free of the brig with Rumble and Laserbeak, but Frenzy's still inside.

Soundwave pages Ravage with '<telepathic message>: Get out here if you are free....'.

Thrust is also ready to fire, his missiles pointed at the Ark's entrance.

Soundwave pages Ravage with '<telepathic message>: Just get out for now. We can go back in after Frenzy after we clear the obstacles.'.

Soundwave pages Frenzy with '<telepathic message>: Hang on,Frenzy. I will not let them kill you!'.

Ravage emerges from the entranceway to the ark.
Ravage silently pads into view, staying near the shadows.

Optimus Prime's radio bleeps with activity.

INTERCEPT> To Optimus Prime from Sludge: Umm...why Sludge no use radio? What broken?

Blaster says, "Prime, Ravage escaped... we still have that little snot Frenzy though"

Optimus Prime says, "Get out of here. What you want is no longer yours to claim."

Optimus Prime says, "Understood, Blaster."

Air Raid ignores everyting, and scans the shadows

Blaster mumbles something into his radio.

INTERCEPT> To Sludge from Blaster: Because Soundwave can hear everything you radio here!!!!!

You can hear scampering through some shadows near the exit, and then up along the rock face.

Soundwave turns optics bright with pure hatred on Optimus. "You will have to gun me down in cold fuel if you wish me to leave before I have what I came for. And how would that look on your precious public record?

Air Raid darts his gaze towarad the sound, training his rifle

Optimus Prime says, "Blaster... You of all should know that Radios are no longer secure here."

Blaster says, "I know that, just telling Sludge that fact"

Air Raid stares , trying to make out anything

Skydive nods knowingly.

Soundwave says, "There is nothing you can hide from me in your pathetic attempts. Do not strain yourselves."

Blaster glares at Soundwave. "Prime,I'll take him on."

Blaster says, "You won't have to tarnish your record"

Optimus Prime says, "You will do no such thing in your condition, Blaster."

Soundwave laughs, humorlessly. "How absurdly hypocritical all of you are."

Optimus Prime thinks...

Time passes

Optimus Prime says, "Nothing we can hide from you? We know what your plans are for the rocket."

The scampering sounds continue towards the mountain pass.

Skydive reaches down and rests a hand on Air Raid, stalling him as he eyes the Cons.

Air Raid glances at Skydive qeustioningly.

Air Raid stares at the shadows atain. "He's....""

Soundwave says, "And I know that you have ordered your minions to terrorize creatures much smaller than themselves. Again, blatantly against your so-called moral code."

Optimus Prime says, "Ravage is somewhere, and there is little we can do about him at the moment."

Air Raid shifts, getting to his feet again, left knee shaking violently now.

Soundwave takes a slow, measured step closer to the entrance, daring the Autobots with his gaze to shoot him down.

Optimus Prime says, "Autobots terrorizing? This is an unexpected turn of events. What, praytell, did my 'minions' do to terrorize?"

Thrust quickly folds up and rises into his ominous but awesome robot mode.

Air Raid stumbles again, thick smoke pouring from his vent, but he keeps his optics on the wall

Soundwave says, "Shall I describe in detail what is being done to Frenzy at this very moment? You, who claim to be so far above resorting to heinous torture?"

Thrust lands and stands a slight distance from Soundwave.

Optimus Prime's radio buzzes with activity.

INTERCEPT> To Optimus Prime from Sludge: Umm.. no use radio mean come out an talk? That what little tape tell me.

Soundwave's gaze is a mixture of mockery and loathing, and, to one who looks closely, fear for Frenzy's life.

Skydive pipes up at Soundwave, "What was Frenzy doing sneaking around in the Ark anyways, Soundwave?"

Optimus Prime mumbles something into his radio.

INTERCEPT> To Sludge from Optimus Prime: Negative, hold your position. And do not injure Frenzy save in self defence.

Air Raid suddenly notices how close Soundwave is, and is torn between watching the shadow, and watching the hulking con at his back

Soundwave says, "You were keeping another of our forces captive. Frenzy sought to free him. An ill considered action, perhaps, but driven by fear of your tactics."

Optimus Prime's radio buzzes with activity.'

INTERCEPT> To Optimus Prime from Sludge: Huh. Frenzy no hurt me. He bleed lots though. Get Sludge's hand all wet.

Air Raid coughs. "Another...of your forces. He was...TERRORIZING...San Fransisco."

Air Raid adds, "As...was Frenzy."

Soundwave looks at Optimus incredulously. "'Do not injure', you say? He has already cut out most of Frenzy's central circuitry.

Optimus Prime says, "Frenzy will live."

Soundwave says, "Not through any action of yours."

Ravage hops out of the shadows among the cliff face and lands near Thrust's feet.

Optimus Prime says, "Frenzy has no respect for life of any kind. And I assume you do not either." l

Air Raid grumbles to himself, and turns to fully face Soundwave

Soundwave says, "You live a lie, Optimus, a tremendous, elaborate lie."

Skydive has visions of a destroyed factory and dead humans at the Decepticons hands and gets angry as he lashes back at Soundwave, "Our tactics?! It is you and your Decepticons you have pushed this war from the beginning! Who have slaughtered innocents who had no part in it! And now, when we strike back, you accuse us of using the same tactics that you yourselves use and codone!"

Soundwave says, "I will not aruge your twisted version of history with you."

Optimus Prime says, "And you are faced with the truth every day, and TURN from it."

Soundwave says, "The facts are quite different from the way you portray them."

Air Raid gazes distastefully at Soundwave.

Optimus Prime says, "That is because we portray them objectively."

Soundwave says, "The truth is, that you claim to value life, you claim to abhor torture, and yet you engage in it yourselves."

Air Raid spits, "TOrture?"

Optimus Prime says, "We do value life, and abhor torture."

Skydive lashes some more, obviously upset, "Twisted! I just came from Russia where I witnessed with my own /optics/ what destruction you Decepticons wield! Do NOT mock me, Soundwave or you will regret the day...!"

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: I'm sorry, Dad!! I'm sorry!

Soundwave says, "There is no objectivity in anything you say. It is all skewed to present the "facts" in your favor."

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: I got everyone else out...save for Wildrider.,

Blaster reaches over to Skydive, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Optimus Prime says, "Frenzy's wounds were inflicted because he sought to injure the Autobots. Thus, it was self-defense."

Soundwave says, "You lie, Optimus. Your actions and those of your followers, speak otherwise."

Air Raid puts a hand on Skydive's shoulder, looking at him a bit worriedly

Optimus Prime's radio fizzes with activity.

INTERCEPT> To Optimus Prime from Sludge: So stay here mean let little tape an car go?

Air Raid gives Blaster an unreadable look

Blaster says, "I'll go Prime."

Soundwave says, "It is not self-defense when a Dinobot who outweighs him 50 times over, runs a sword through his mid-section and twists it ... yes, I know every detail of what happened."

Optimus Prime gives Skydive an odd glance...

Thrust gazes at the Autobots in hatred and silence.

Blaster proceeds into the Ark's opening.

Blaster has left.

Air Raid summons his rifle again, standing ready

Optimus Prime seems slightly taken aback. "These are facts I did not yet know of. Rest assured that Sludge will be reprimanded.

Soundwave stands calmly, only his intensely scarlet optics let on his state of aggitation, his utter hatred for the beings that surround him.

Soundwave says, "Reprimanded. How very 'noble' of you."

Air Raid sighs raggedly. "dont'...argue with him. He's ...WORSE."

Air Raid says, "He hasn't... a leg to stand on.""

Ravage hisses at the Bots from his spot next to Thrust.

Skydive all but screams at Soundwave, "And what of Motormaster, Dead End, Cutthroat, and Runamuck! What of their actions against the humans? Are they to be /reprimanded/ too?!?!"

Soundwave pages Ravage with '<telepathic message>: Stealth yourself and see if you can re-enter to free Frenzy. He may be under less guard now.'.

Sludge emerges from the entranceway to the ark.

Ravage motions Thrust to lower his hands.

Air Raid nods slowly, gazing at Soundwave, face flat.

Optimus Prime says, "Sludge,"

Soundwave looks at Skydive expressionlessly. "Unlike you, we have never claimed to value their lives. It is you who live your lies day in and day out.

Sludge lumbers out of the Ark slowly

Thrust looks at Ravage, and does so.

Ravage drops two small cassettes into the palm of Thrust's hand.

Optimus Prime says, "By taking the lives of humans, you take what we vow to protect."

Sludge cocks his head to the side and looks down at Optimus, "What you need Sludge for?"

Soundwave says, "But by torturing your prisoners, you become precisely the same as that which you claim to fight."

Air Raid shakes his head slightly. "Why don't you trash..just leave?"

Soundwave is completely unbothered by Air Raid's insults.

Thrust narrows his optics at the Aerialbot.

Air Raid says, "Who...needs to argue? Just...leave."

Ravage bounds away from Thrust, heading back to the the shadows..

Optimus Prime says, "Sludge, return to the Ark. I must speak with you later."

Soundwave says, "I have told you. I will leave on only two conditions. I return with Frenzy -- or you murder me where I stand. And prove yourseves to be the hypocrites I claim you are."

Air Raid watches Ravage, indicating him with his head

Sludge turns his head and looks at Soundwave steadily, "Me think you leave now. This our home, no yours."

Air Raid shrugs. "It's...war."

Thrust opens a small compartment on his chest and places two small objects into it.

Soundwave says, "Yes. The perfect excuse for you, is it not?"

Skydive aims his gun at Soundwave and says slowly, angrily, "I have no problem with that...."

Soundwave looks at Skydive steadily.

Optimus Prime says, "I will not kill in cold blood. Nor can I condone it of my warriors."

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: I.....I have never failed like this before

Sludge looks confusedly at Optimus, having been told to come out here by Blaster..

Air Raid steps forward, taking a ready stance

Optimus Prime says, "And yet, I cannot turn over a prisoner who has committed so many heinous crimes against Humanity."

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: I'm so sorry...I failed....I failed..

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: Frenzy repeats that over and over

Soundwave pages Frenzy with '<telepathic message>: (Soundwave attempts to keep all trace of what is becoming honest terror from his thoughts) You will be fine, Frenzy. Just a bit longer....'.

Air Raid mumbles something into his radio.

INTERCEPT> To Blaster from Air Raid: Ravage is re-entering the ark

Soundwave says, "What right have you to judge others when you act the same way?"

Soundwave pages Ravage with '<telepathic message>: They know you are re-entering, but they cannot see you. Be aware they will be looking.'.

Sludge's optics narrow as he looks at Soundwave

Air Raid simply sighs wearily, and mutters to himself

Optimus Prime says, "The same way? You claim that our actions against the Decepticons are identical to those of Decepticons against humanity."

Skydive growls back, "And what right do you have to lecture us when you represent a race who freely resort to tactics of mass-destruction and genocide on an innocent race and then claim foul when we try to do everything we can in our power to protect that race?"

Soundwave says, "Identical. Need I remind you of the genocide your forces committed against us on Cybertron in the many long battles that raged across the planet?"

Ravage has left.

Air Raid murmers, "Genocide..."

Soundwave says, "You no more care for our lives than we for yours -- yet you claim some imaginary moral high ground."

Optimus Prime says, "Need I remind you of your genocide against us."

Air Raid tries to clear his head. "Us? You? Wait..."

Soundwave offers Prime a cold smile. "But we have never claimed to abhor such acts. Unlike you."

Ravage pages: <telepathic> *growling* They've sealed the detainment center door.

Air Raid says, "How can...there be an US...and YOU?"

Sludge starts to growl deeply, a low rumbling sound that starts deep in his throat, sounding like an approaching storm.

Soundwave refocuses on Air Raid. "Indeed. You are too young to remember most of it. But I could tell you many stories.

Air Raid says, "This...a war of ideals. Not...genetics."

Soundwave says, "Your forces are not nearly as blameless as your historians make you out to be."

Air Raid snorts. "And your stories...slanted, I'm' sure."

Optimus Prime says, "We fought for liberty and a chance to live a free life. You fight to conquer and lord over others."

Air Raid says, "OUR?"

Soundwave says, "So you would believe, of course."

Skydive narrows his optics, "It's not our history I fight for...But our future...and that of the humans you would so callously destroy. Soundwave..."

Soundwave says, "I will not argue history here with you, Prime. You and your sycophants are too blinded, too brainwashed, too convinced that you have the right, somehow, to commit the atrocities that you claim to detest in others."

Soundwave says, "It is a waste of my time."

Thrust mumbles something into his radio.

Radio message from Thrust, 'Did we come here to rescue Frenzy, or debate with these idiots?'.

Sludge's optics narrow and he takes a step towards Soundwave, "Me think it time that you leave. This no your home."

Air Raid steadies himself, growing more and more weary with each drop of energon that leaks from his gashes

Soundwave sends, 'I will endure their blather for as long as is necessary,Thrust. But stand by to attack if needed.' to Thrust.

Soundwave says, "You see, Prime -- your hatred of us is greater even than your concern for your warriors. Or you would long since have sent Air Raid away."

Optimus Prime says, "Air Raid, you are injured. Return to the Ark."

Air Raid looks at Optimus, but stays where he is.

Air Raid shakes his head. "I stay..of my own...volition."

Sludge takes a few more steps towards Soundwave slowly, growling deeply in his throat, "YOu leave now. No come back. Me make you stay away.

Air Raid sighs. "Can we...stop this...stupid argueing?"

Air Raid looks at Op., as if to say, "Just let Sludge take him out, and be done with it."

Optimus Prime says, "NO YOU WON'T, Sludge. I can't condone anyone attacking him."

Soundwave looks at Sludge, but does not move. "And you will try the same tactics on me as you hav done to Frenzy?

Optimus Prime looks back at Air Raid with eyes that can only say... I can't.

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: Leave me here...

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: I deserve it.

Optimus Prime says, "I cannot condone that."

Soundwave pages Frenzy with '<telepathic message>: Negative.'.

Air Raid rolls his optics, not minding pain, but groaning at the idiocy.

Sludge looms large in front of Soundwave, "Me no know what you talk about, but you no leave, me gonna stomp you flat. Me keep little tape in base cause he no s'posed be there anyways."

Soundwave shows no signs of moving -- you will have to gun him down if you want him gone ... or hope that Ravage can release Frenzy.... ;)

Optimus Prime says, "But I ask you this... Do you deny that we, Autobots and Decepticons, are at war?"

Soundwave says, "Of course not."

Optimus Prime says, "Frenzy is a Prisoner of War, captured in the line of duty."

Soundwave says, "And subjected to the most intensive torture. He is badly damaged, perhaps dying."

Optimus Prime says, "He was... as you say... tortured by unscrupulous troops, which I shall see will not happen again."

Air Raid rolls his optics again at that.

Soundwave says, "Is that the Autobot way? According to your words, no. According to your actions, yes. I do not believe for a moment that you do not condone it, while claimig otherwise."

Sludge puts his large head directly in Soundwave's and smiles coldly, his teeth glinting menacingly in the light, "You gonna leave now."

Optimus Prime says, "Life is sacred, even for one as cold and cruel as yourself."

Air Raid sighs and thinks Soundwave is full of it.

Soundwave looks back at Sludge unflinchingly. "Negative."

Soundwave's optics flicker at Optimus' hypocrisy.

Optimus Prime says, "When I have taken a life, it has not been without pain for myself."

Sludge pushes Soundwave back with his head, "You leaving, Con. This no your home."

Soundwave is pushed back a bit, but stands his ground.

Soundwave says, "I will leave when I have what I came for."

Optimus Prime says, "I honor the death of all who fall at my hands. Despite the fact that they would do no such thing for myself."

Air Raid keeps rather silent, as he would feel the same as Soundwave, if it were an aerialbot captured.

Sludge keeps walking, pushing Soundwave with his head, each time pushing a little harder..

Soundwave looks back at Prime, his optics firey scarlet for just a moment before cooling to expressionlessness. "You honor-! That is the ultimate joke."

Soundwave is pushed back again, and ducks around the side to go back to his original place.

Optimus Prime says, "Sludge, Desist."

Sludge growls and swings around, planting himself in front of Soundwave again

Optimus Prime says, "Soundwave, I grow tired of this. Leave, or stand there."

Sludge says, "NO! HE LEAVE! THIS NO HIS HOME!!!"

You hear Air Raid mutter to Optimus Prime: "I don't...think he knows what...that word means."

Soundwave walks calmly around Sludge so he doesn't get his head in place to push again.

Sludge turns sideways to block Soundwave from advancing any further

Soundwave says, "Of course you are tired of it, Prime. I am pointing out your double standard. Before your troops, even."

Soundwave isn't going toward the entrance,just keeping his same distance.

Optimus Prime pulls out his communicator.

Air Raid finally gets frustrated and shouts, "Double nothin'! You're...full of it, Soundwave! We don't...agree with you and you don't atree...with us! Who cares? Stop the stupid...arguement...already."

Sludge pulls his tail back, aiming it for Soundwave, "You leave, or me make you leave. This last time me say this."

Optimus Prime looks at Soundwave, knowing he'll be completely overheard.

Soundwave looks at Sludge expressionlessly, and simply hovers upward, out of reach of the tail, remaining at the same distance.

Air Raid yeeshes and has had enough. He reaches down to steady his knee.

Optimus Prime mumbles something into his radio. INTERCEPT> To Blaster from Optimus Prime: Can you secure Frenzy properly?

Sludge growls rather deeply

Sludge slowly stands up amidst the shaking ground, and soon before you stands Sludge in his robot form.

Soundwave hovers in place a few feet above his original position on the ground.

Blaster emerges from the entranceway to the ark.

Ravage emerges from the entranceway to the ark. Ravage silently pads into view, staying near the shadows.

Optimus Prime mumbles something into his radio.

Blaster's radio cackles with activity.
INTERCEPT> To Blaster from Optimus Prime: If so, bring him here.

Blaster comes out, carrying Frenzy.

Soundwave hovers in place, looking at them all with a cold accusation.

Air Raid widens his optics, not beliveing this.

Sludge hovers up to look Soundwave in the face and he draws his sword slowly from subspace with a steely rasp, "You going NOW!"

Blaster says quietly. "Prime... he's dying..."

Air Raid mutters.

Optimus Prime says, "Can you assure that he will not Run, Blaster?"

Soundwave sees Frenzy in Blaster's grasp, but makes no move, except that his optics flash fury.

Optimus Prime says, "Ah.""

Soundwave says, "I can see that. There is your respect for life."

Sludge pushes Soundwave HARD with a hand, "YOU LEAVE!!"

Soundwave says, "You dare to make accusations against us---"

Optimus Prime looks away, partially in guilt for what he, through inaction, has allowed to happen.

Blaster shakes his head. "Prime, if he doesn't get medical attention soon he'll die... I can't bring myself to hang on to him... Prime I'm sorry...

Soundwave is pushed back in the air, and shoots a glare at Sludge.

Soundwave hovers back down to stand at his former spot.

Blaster walks over, a look of disgust at Soundwave.

Air Raid growls, "You fix him....he'll come back..later."

Sludge holds his sword threateningly, "Me make you hurt lots if you no leave now."

Optimus Prime silently says, "give him back"

Blaster sets Frenzy down gently.

Frenzy holds his side.

Optimus Prime walks over to Frenzy.

Blaster glares at SOundwave. "Take yer darn lackey and get outta here before I change my mind."

You see where Sludge's sword thrusted right through Frenzy.

Soundwave moves forward to pick up Frenzy, fully expecting to be blasted in the back at any moment.

Frenzy says, "Get back, Prime.."

Optimus Prime lifts the tiny robot off the ground...

Frenzy says, "You lying son of a bitch!"

Air Raid shrugs. "He'll...be back now..."

Frenzy says, "LET ME GO!"

Frenzy says, "Ow!".

Thrust shifts into an ultra-cool F-15 jet.

Soundwave levels a look of pure hatred at Prime. "There is your respect for life."

Optimus Prime says, "You will wait, Soundwave."

Sludge growls as Soundwave pushes past him and starts to raise his sword..

Thrust hovers slightly off the ground, ready to leave at a moment's notice.

Blaster looks at Prime in surprise and confusion.

Soundwave says, "If you intend to kill us both, then do so now, and show yourself for what you truly are."

Ravage hops down from the rock face near Soundwave, and bounds over to him.

Frenzy says, "Go to HELL, Prime. That's where you belong. You preach about right to life...end of pain....bulls<beep>it!"

Optimus Prime says, "Frenzy, you will no doubt ignore this all as the rantings of a lunatic."

Frenzy says, "Lunatic?"

Frenzy says, "I know what I see"

Frenzy says, "I FEEL the pain that you inflict."

Frenzy says, "You can't hide that."

Sludge raises his sword above his head, looking at Soundwave, his optics filled with a cold rage, "SLUDGE SAY YOU LEAVE!!!"

Air Raid shakes his head again

Frenzy says, "At least us Cons don't hide behind lies."

Soundwave is aware of the threat he's under, the danger from Sludge and the others, but does not move.

Frenzy looks Prime straight in the optics.

Optimus Prime says, "But despite your actions against the humans, I am releasing you. Because noone... not even one as cruel and heartless as yourself, deserves death."

Frenzy says, "You have no qualms about letting people suffer."

Soundwave says, "Thrust, take the others backto base. No need to endanger them as well."

Air Raid snorts loudly and distgustedly

Blaster walks over to Sludge. "Sludge, calm down. He'll be gone soon, I promise."

Frenzy says, "Heartless? Cruel?"

Frenzy says, "No, Prime."

Frenzy says, "Those are things that you hide behind."

Soundwave says, "Quiet, Frenzy. Do not give them the satisfaction."

Frenzy says, "They are lying.""

Frenzy says, "I've seen the truth"

Frenzy says, "The humans are blind to it"

Frenzy says, "I'm not."

Thrust opens his cockpit. "Uh, alright Soundwave. Get in Frenzy, Ravage."

Optimus Prime carries the little robot over to Soundwave. "Take him and begone."

Air Raid growls, "Can't' win a war...where you let the enemy live."

Soundwave says, "If they kill us, we die with dignity as a Decepticon warrior should. And their lies will live on for the universe to see."

Sludge glares down at Blaster, sword still up, "HE NO LEAVE!! ME TELL HIM LOTS REAL NICE! NOW ME MAKE HIM LEAVE!"

Frenzy nods.

Frenzy says, "Rot in the junk heap of your lies, Prime."

Optimus Prime says, "SLUDGE... this confrontation is over."

Blaster turns to Prime, voice with urgency. "Better hurry up."

Frenzy says, "That's where you belong."

Soundwave orders again, without looking in his direction, "Thrust, go back to base.

Frenzy can't transform..too painful.

Air Raid just looks heavenward, and stays quiet now, waiting for this rediculousness to be over with.

Ravage bounds over to Thrust and hops in his cockpit.

Ravage has left.

Frenzy says, "You ARE pathetic"

Sludge growls deeply, his hands quivering in rage and he says grimly, "Then why he no gone?!"

Thrust says, "Frenzy! Come on!"

Frenzy can't..

Frenzy says, "Prime has me"

Soundwave sends, 'And inform Megatron that, if nothing else, we died well, and for the cause, and that I wish him victory as I know he will achieve.' to Thrust.

Thrust says, "Just grab on to my fuselage and hold on tight!"

Thrust's engines begin to spool up.

Frenzy says, "At least I don't live a lie."

Frenzy says, "Let's go, Dad."

Blaster looks to Soundwave. "You ain't gonna die Soundwave. we're not killers. Get outta here."

Skydive sends his gun back to subspace and sighs, "The hypocracies and ironies are too much...I'm returning to the medical bay."

Skydive proceeds into the Ark's opening.

Sludge puts his sword back into subspace and steps in front of Soundwave

Air Raid nods and shadows Skydive, not leaving him for now...

Air Raid backs toward the ark, frowning at the crowd.

Frenzy waits to be picked up

Soundwave takes Frenzy as Prime offers him, expecting at any moment for him to be snatched back.

Sludge glares down at Soundwave, "You have little tape. Now you LEAVE!"

Soundwave backs away from the group, keeping his optics on them the whole time.

Thrust 's engines whine loudly.

Sludge follows Soundwave, staying directly in front of him at all times, glaring at him

Air Raid backs into the ark to find Sky.

Air Raid proceeds into the Ark's opening.

Soundwave says, "You will pay for this. All of you. That I promise. If not today, then in the near future. Such filth as you, does not deserve to rule Cybertron as you seek."

Sludge roars, "GO!!!!"

Soundwave walks toward Thrust.

Optimus Prime stares up at the Decepticons and their twisted truths.

Frenzy says, "It's all lies anyway."

Sludge pulls his fist back threateningly

Frenzy says, "I almost feel sorry for the humans."

Thrust aims a missile at Sludge. "No closer!"

Blaster bows his head.

Soundwave walks unhurriedly at first, then faster with the urgency to get Frenzy back to med bay ... if indeed the Autobots don't shoot him in the back before he can reach Thrust.

Sludge growls, "You leave then."

Soundwave hovers upward to join Thrust, without a backward glance at his enemies.

Thrust [Modified_F-15]:

Soundwave says, "Back to base,Thrust. And my thanks for your assistance."

Soundwave holds onto Frenzy as he folds himself into the cramped cockpit space, and only when he feels the vibrations of Thrust's engines, does his cold composure slip away. He hugs Frenzy carefully.

Frenzy tries not to cry.

Base of Tower

Laserbeak swoops into the area very quietly.

Ravage silently pads into view, staying near the shadows.

Rumble swaggers in like he owns the place.

Soundwave steps out of the cockpit as Thrust arrives at base.

Thrust quickly folds up and rises into his ominous but awesome robot mode.

Soundwave carries Frenzy.

Soundwave nods to Thrust. "Again, my thanks."

Soundwave heads for the elevator.

Bisecting Corridor

You head east toward Med Center.

Med Center

Ravage enters from the Corridor

Soundwave places Frenzy carefully on the nearest table. He's shaking suddenly.

Frenzy holds his tummy area.

Frenzy groans.

Thrust enters from the Corridor

Frenzy says, "Those Autobots are liars."

Frenzy says, "Filthy liars."

Thrust walks in as well, not having anything else to do.

Frenzy says, "In truth they..ACK!"

Ravage pads over to a table next to Frenzy then leaps up onto it.

Frenzy crinches in pain

Frenzy says, "In truth they torture and kill at their will"

Frenzy says, "At their pleasure"

Frenzy says, "When they feel like it."

Frenzy acks.

Soundwave reaches out to grip the edge of the table to steady himself, his optics dark for a long moment.

Frenzy giggles a bit.

Frenzy says, "You know what's funny?"

Soundwave composes himself with a forcible effort. "I find no humor in this situation at all."

Frenzy says, "The Autobots claim peace..but they let Wildrider suffer almost until death."

Frenzy says, "I learned so much today, Soundwave."

Frenzy says, "Oh yes."

Frenzy says, "Oh yes I have."

Frenzy says, "Peace? They don't hurt others? Right..."

Soundwave says, "Lie back. You need repairs."

Frenzy lies back.

Frenzy has 23% ENDURANCE remaining.

Frenzy says, "If you could of only seen Wildrider."

Frenzy says, "Their peace...Wildrider's mangled body."

Frenzy says, "Just lying in the brig unattended."

Soundwave says, "He is still among them."

Frenzy says, "I failed to get him out."

Soundwave shakes his head sadly.

Frenzy says, "I almost got my brothers killed."

"Frenzy says, "_I_ almost got killed."

Frenzy says, "I almost got YOU killed, Soundwave."

Soundwave says, "I prefer not to discuss it now, Frenzy."

Frenzy says, "Well, _I_ DO!"

Frenzy says, "DAMMIT!"

Frenzy says, "Those lying f<beep>cks!"

Frenzy says, "We don't live a lie."

Soundwave begins to work on the horrendous laceration in Frenzy's midsection, pausing only long enough to infuse a dose of painkiller into his fuel lines.

Soundwave says nothing, his expression becoming completely unreadable.

Soundwave works in silence.

Soundwave does not successfully repair Frenzy.

Frenzy says, "Peace...do you know what Prime...AAIE!"

Frenzy jerks a bit.

Frenzy gulps.."You know what Prime said?"

Frenzy says, "He said he wanted to fate us like the Combaticons."

Soundwave flinches, uncharacteristically, then steadies himself again to continue.

Thrust silently watches Soundwave operate.

Frenzy says, "Remove our personality components"

Frenzy says, "And probably trash them"

Frenzy says, "Destroy them."

Frenzy says, "And the other Autobots wanting to kill us."

Soundwave does not successfully repair Frenzy.

Frenzy's wounds are really bad

Soundwave notes his efforts are not working, as new fuel gushes from the damaged areas.

Frenzy says, "I could die now."

Frenzy says, "I know the truth."

Frenzy says, "If I live, the humans will know the lie that is 'protecting' them."

Frenzy says, "Hot damn. The only reason why Prime didn't kill us is because it would expose the truth about the him and his 'peace loving' Autobots."

Frenzy grins.

Soundwave's optics blaze bright as he looks at Frenzy. "You will not die. Not after all the effort it took to get you out, all the lives you endangered by your thoughtless--" Soundwave breaks off and falls silent again, continuing his work.

Frenzy frowns.

Soundwave successfully repairs Frenzy.

Frenzy says, "Yeah...it was thoughtless....it was.....I'm stupid."

Frenzy says, "But I learned..."

Frenzy says, "I learned so much..."

Frenzy says, "I won't be fooled."

Soundwave replaces the torn fuel lines under the wound and seals them in place.

Soundwave successfully repairs Frenzy.

Frenzy just lies back.

Frenzy tries to relax.

Frenzy says, "They won't admit to being killers."

Frenzy says, "They just let their prisoners rot."

Soundwave fits in some new struts, replacing the ones he had just replaced the day before.

Frenzy says, "Suffer"

Thrust looks confused. "What happened exactly? I was on the other side of this idiot planet at the time."

Frenzy says, "Rumble, Laserbeak, Thundercracker, Dead End, and I tried to rescue Wildrider."

Frenzy says, "But things went wrong."

Soundwave turns to the armor plating, allowing Frenzy to tell the story.

Frenzy says, "Prime wanted us killed"

Soundwave successfully repairs Frenzy.

Frenzy says, "He wanted us to be destroyed at first...and now he wants Wildrider to be 'charged' by the humans..."

Frenzy says, "Yet Wildrider's dying. Prime is letting Wildrider die."

Frenzy says, "Suffer"

Thrust nods grimly.

Frenzy says, "And he let me suffer. Bleeding almost to death"

Frenzy says, "And he talks about peace and how 'good' and honest he is."

Frenzy says, "He's lying."

Frenzy says, "He will kill to win."

Frenzy says, "He will allow suffering to win."

Frenzy says, "He's proved that."

Soundwave inserts some new transforming chips into Frenzy's central circuitry, implanting the tiny devices with a skill born of long practice.

Stratostorm lies on the table quietly, and listens to Frenzy

Soundwave does not successfully repair Frenzy.

Frenzy says, "Hiya, Strat."

Stratostorm smiles, about the only physical motion he's capable of

Stratostorm says, "Hi...Frenzy"

Soundwave's optics flicker as one chip does not want to fit in place.

Frenzy says, "They are liars, my fellow Decepticons."

Frenzy says, "They want us killed."

Soundwave removes it and notes an edge is bent ... he would not normally make such an oversight ... and takes a new one instead.

Frenzy says, "They want us to suffer..they don't care if the humans suffer because of their resistance."

Soundwave successfully repairs Frenzy.

Frenzy says, "Blaster even said that the humans have a right to be free...but won't hesistate to kill hundreds of them to stop a few of us from taking energy."

Soundwave runs a scan over Frenzy one more time to assure himself there is no overlooked damage, then fits a new cover for the access panel into place over his torso.

Frenzy says, "He won't admit that it's the Autobots that cause people to die."

Frenzy lies still..contemplating...a side of Frenzy you've RARELY seen...if ever.

Soundwave stands quietly by the table and listens to Frenzy without a word, keeping a hand lightly against his shoulder.

Frenzy says, "They fight for freedom for THEMSELVES...most hardly care how many humans die."

Thrust nods. "It's true. They do as much damage as we do to this planet and the fleshlings. What's worse is that they don't _mean_ to."

Frenzy says, "Prime doesn't punish his subordinates who kill humans."

Frenzy says, "Megatron doesn't kill for pleasure. If the humans and Bots would surrender, this war would end."

Frenzy says, "Prime won't take that."

Frenzy says, "No more destruction."

Frenzy laughs a bit.

Frenzy says, "Peace through destruction is Prime's REAL motto."

Soundwave regards Frenzy and then says quietly, "You are fully repaired now. I can only hope I do not have to do it again within the next 24 hours.

Frenzy looks really saddened.

Soundwave steps away, moving slowly now, his own injuries from the launch site and the experience just now, beginning to tell on him.

Frenzy says, "Soundwave, I am sorry. I wanted to rescue my friend. He's suffering."

Frenzy says, "I don't want him to suffer."

Soundwave looks back at Frenzy, and smiles a bit. "I know, Frenzy. I know you meant well."

Stratostorm speaks weakly, his voice almost a rasp "Which...freind?"

Frenzy says, "You need repairs, too, Dad."

Frenzy says, "WIldrider."

Frenzy says, "He's almost dead".

Frenzy says, "The Bots have left him rotting in the brig."

Frenzy says, "I have it recorded."

Stratostorm chuckle/coughs "A fate, many of us have endured...tonight"

Soundwave goes to Stratostorm to check on his progress.

Stratostorm is stable, but still in awful shape

Frenzy says, "I hate the Autobots. Their lies."

Frenzy says, "They live a lie"

Frenzy says, "They preach a lie."

Frenzy says, "And they don't care."

Frenzy says, "Is it any wonder it is OUR destiny to rule Cybertron?"

Soundwave methodically resumes repair on Stratostorm.

Frenzy regards the other Cons.

Soundwave says, "At least all of you will live."

Stratostorm has 61% ENDURANCE remaining.

Stratostorm smiles again at Frenzy, a smile which quickly turns to a wince as Soundwave starts digging in his blasted internals again

Frenzy says, "I hope Megatron realizes this. I've talked to him before...sometimes when he's in a talkative mood..he'll tell me things. Things he has suffered through..and endured..the lies..everything. I respect him almost like another father."

Soundwave disengages the superficially wired systems and begins to re-work them in their more stable connections.

Soundwave says softly, "Megatron realizes, Frenzy. Far more than even you may think."

Soundwave successfully repairs Stratostorm.

Frenzy smiles. "You don't know how good that makes me feel."

Soundwave keeps an optic on the readings as he fits in new tubing and hydraulics for the aircraft mode, and links up the subspace system more thoroughly.

Soundwave successfully repairs Stratostorm.

Stratostorm endures the extreme discomfort of the repairs, and grits his vocalizer shut

Frenzy says, "Thank you, Soundwave."

Soundwave links together all the vital machinery into a functional whole, then fits the outer armor into place.

Frenzy says, "For helping me."

Frenzy says, "For coming to my rescue."

Frenzy says, "I feel bad that I wasn't able to make it out on my own."

Frenzy says, "I should of thought about the plan more"

Soundwave looks over at Frenzy and nods briefly. "I could hardly leave you to their so-called mercies, could I?"

Soundwave smiles slightly.

Frenzy says, "I could of done it...but I didn't realize Wildrider was still unconscious"

Frenzy says, "Maybe you should of."

Soundwave says, "Unacceptable."

Frenzy says, "I failed."

Frenzy says, "Megatron doesn't tolerate failure."

Frenzy says, "He said so."

Stratostorm gives Soundwave a smile as he completes the repairs "Thank you Soundwave. If you hadn't fixed me so quickly...I likely would have blown myself to pieces."

Soundwave says, "And half the base as well." Soundwave's optics brighten a bit in amusement."

Soundwave addresses Stratostorm. "You will need some time for this extensive repair and replacement to fully integrate itself into your reaction time.

Stratostorm nods "You got that right. I wont be going anywhere for at least 2 days. Maybe I can kill time with that game of Frenzy's.

Frenzy says, "What, Soundwave?"

Soundwave says, "I am sure Frenzy would be glad to show you how it works."

Frenzy nods.

Frenzy says, "Yeah."

Soundwave pages Frenzy with '<telepathic message>: The only failure was in plunging recklessly into a situation where you were outmatched. And taking others along with you. Though I do understand what drove you to do it.'.

Soundwave pages Frenzy with '<telepathic message>: I am more relieved than you can realize, that you are here again, and safe. I regret that I was angry with you earlier. It was a reaction born from fear for you.'.

Soundwave regards Frenzy, sending a silent message.

Frenzy pages: <telepathic message>: I know..I didn't plan. But everyone was so excited about getting Wildrider out. I don't want to see him suffer..especially at the mercy of..humans. and no, you had every right to be mad. Megatron would be upset, too. I should of told you or him. But we were afraid you guys would say no. And we were fearful of Wildrider. And now I realize that he IS in danger. He needs to be rescued!

Frenzy looks up at Soundwave guiltily.

Soundwave replies aloud, "We will find some way to get Wildrider free." He entirely conceals his own doubts that they'll be able to do it before he dies under the Autobots' 'care'.

Frenzy picks it up..."Before he dies?"

Frenzy says, "Dad, he's going to die."

Frenzy says, "I'm scared."

Frenzy says, "I don't want him to die."

Stratostorm sits up sloooowly, his servos whining as they try to adjust to all the new systems.

Soundwave attempts to reassure him. "No, Frenzy. He is a Decepticon, he is a survivor. He will hold on until we can get to him.

Frenzy says, "That's why we went after him...we HAD to do something ... SOMETHING ... we were all scared.."

Frenzy says, "Dad, Decepticons die."

Thrust says, "He won't die. You think his brothers would let that happen?"

Frenzy says, "I've seen that, too."

Soundwave says, "But I understand your sentiments."

Frenzy says, "If it was Swindle in the brig, I wouldn't care."

Soundwave says, "I will be in the communications center if I am needed. I will see about regaining the path of that rocket. It seems almost insignificant by now."

Frenzy says, "Ok."

Frenzy says, "I didn't get to tell Prime all that I wanted"

Soundwave says, "But it has to be taken care of. Do not be overly concerned, Frenzy."

Stratostorm looks to Frenzy "I doubt prime would just let him die...he's all sentimental and mushy and all that"

Frenzy says, "That's what you think."

Soundwave says, "Only when others are watching, Stratostorm."

Frenzy says, "I've seen Prime...I've seen what he does."

Frenzy says, "What he says and what he does are two different things"

Frenzy nods

Stratostorm mmms "And what did he do then?"

Frenzy says, "He wanted to kill us cassettes"

Frenzy says, "Have our personalities detained or destroyed".

Frenzy says, "And didn't give a crap about Wildrider."

Frenzy says, "Even though the guy is bleeding to death."

Frenzy says, "And unconscious"

Frenzy says, "And Prime was in the room"

Stratostorm blinks, "Hmm, that is indeed not what I've expected from prime. Maybe he's become more bitter..what with the war dragging on for so long."

Frenzy says, "He didn't stop Sludge from hurting me or Ravage even though we posed no threat to any of them."

Soundwave says, "In which case he has shut down his active functions and will conserve more fuel. You see, do not worry so much."

Frenzy says, "And didn't care that Sludge gorged me with a sword"

Frenzy says, "At least Prime could SAY that he doesn't care about Cons and wants them dead."

Stratostorm shrugs, thinking to himself that frenzy was probably trying to beat the crud out of sludge when he was impaled

Frenzy says, "THEN he wouldn't be lying."

Stratostorm nods "The autobots do conceal their intentions behind their purported 'moral code'"

Soundwave says, "I think honesty is a concept that escapes the Autobots, Frenzy, and always has."

Frenzy says, "At least Fastback is honest."

Frenzy says, "He wants us dead."

Soundwave says, "I have other duties to attend to. Contact me if necessary."

Frenzy says, "Ok"

Frenzy says, "Will do"

Frenzy waves.

Soundwave heads out.