<Autobot> Colonel Marissa says, "I have need of a recon squadron, and due to Earth

 

<Autobot> Smokescreen says, "Roger that, Marissa."

 

<Autobot> Smokescreen says, "...Where IS Almeda?"

 

Landing Fields <EDC>(#1358 RLntN)

 

     Walking out from the hangar bay, you are struck by the sheer size of the landing fields. Many craft, of all types, arrive and depart constantly. The image of the chaotic control tower comes to mind, and you are glad not to be there. Several craft are being towed into and out of the massive hangar bays, and through the hangar doors you can see fighters and other ships in various stages of maintenance. Looking around, you are amazed that none of the uproar here can be heard in the park.

 

Contents:

Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>

Sioux Attack Chopper <Shadow Transport>

Interstellar Shuttle <Banzai>

UN Space Shuttle <Ambassador>

Terran Shuttle <Explorer>

Shuttle Terminal (EDC)

Obvious exits:

Fly <Up> leads to Sky Above San Francisco.

East <E> leads to Hangar Bay <EDC>.

 

<Autobot> Colonel Marissa mutters something about 'this is what it's come to?'. "You... *sigh*, you take fifth street west (that's /west/) until you hit nineteenth avenue, then follow the signs to the ferry, which takes you to Alameda. The guards there can direct you to the Landing Fields.

 

<Autobot> Smokescreen says, "Oh. OH. Roger that. Just slipped my CPU."

 

Ranger enters from the Hangar Bay <EDC> to the east.

Ranger has arrived.

 

Smokescreen enters from the Hangar Bay <EDC> to the east.

Smokescreen has arrived.

 

Foxfire enters from the Hangar Bay <EDC> to the east.

Foxfire has arrived.

 

Marissa and a squadron of about six EDC troopers are standing about. Three are clad within ARES class Exo-suits, and three are within the heavily armoured Warthog class Exo-Armour. Marissa's own ARES is docked with the Terran shuttle Intrepid. The Colonel is pacing back and forth, weighed down by the burden of being one of the sole high ranked officers active at the moment during a time of crisis. The Copernicus Station incident has severely hampered their spaceflight. StarKnights and AF-27s would be very nice on a mission like this... but no, Marissa puts 'what could have been' out of her mind. She has a job to do, and Marissa plans on doing it regardless of any setbacks.

 

Smokescreen steps on into the landing field, headed towards the shuttle in particular, looking grim. It's a rare thing, for him...but then again, these are rare times that he's in. "Evening, Colonel." he says as he heads closer, hopefully with a contingent of Autobots at his back.

 

Foxfire trails in after Smokescreen, silently, glancing around like a nervous animal in a cage. He doesn't speak, but simply stays close to his larger comrade.

Ranger follows Smokescreen onto the landing field, nevermind the fact that he's been here longer. He's heard the request for assistance and, rather than stand around feeling helpless, he's drifted in to see if he can help.

 

Marissa nods and stops her manic pacing, recomposing herself and once more assuming an image of infallable control. "Hello, Smokescreen. I hope that you didn't have trouble getting here." She nods to the other two as well, though she doesn't recognise the Cassettibot. "With the fires, floods, and general climate changes, I appreciate you taking time off for this assignment. Essentially, Earth Defence Command is performing a recon run on Mars, but our own forces are spread too thin after... well, after recent events." The six EDCers are already assembling in the Intrepid. Their demeanor is one of obvious anger over what's happened.

 

Smokescreen nods. "Sounds like a plan..." he hrrms, thinking. "Actually, a patrol ran into the Decepticons up on mars..." he snaps his fingers. "Of COURSE! Why didn't I think of it earlier?" Smokey looks down towards the human commander-type, "We'd best get going."

 

Foxfire decides it's best to let Smokey to the talking...

 

Ranger shakes his head. "We can't spend all our time fighting the effects, if the cause is left to continue then it's a futile struggle." He glances across at Smokescreen, as the obvious seems to occur to him.

 

Marissa stares at Smokescreen for a brief moment. "Y-you didn't... you didn't already suspect that the Decepticons... might... be behind this?" she sounds doubtful. Marissa thinks it would be best if someone other than Smokescreen did the talking. Marissa nods at Ranger. "I agree. The situation is only going to get worse until Mars passes by Earth, by which point all we'll be able to do is start the rebuilding. That's something I'd rather not do." Marissa offers the three Autobots three datapads containing information on the flight path the shuttle is going to be taking. Marissa hesitates giving one to Foxfire, unsure if he has hands to hold it with. "I suggest we get going, then. Our timeline is approximately T-minus 600 seconds."

 

Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>

 

     The sleek interstellar shuttle in front of you, clearly built by human technology, is adorned with the EDC symbol. Designed for cargo as well as transportation purposes, it is well equipped with shielding and weaponry for the protection of its freight and passengers. A smooth door in the side allows for access, controlled by a small panel in the door.

 

Smokescreen blinks down at Marissa. "Oh, of course I did. However, now I have more REASON to do so. One can't go leaping to foolish assumptions right off the bat, really." he takes the datapad and nods, stepping into the human shuttle as nessescary. "We'd better get started- Mars is a big planet."

 

Unfortunately, Foxfire doesn't have hands, just paws. Although, he *can* carry things in his mouth, but Marissa might not like that. He simply gives the human a curious look. He shakes his head and starts after Smokey again.

 

Ranger takes the datapad and looks at it carefully, committing it's contents to memory before handing it back to Marissa, or giving it to some background human, whichever is more convenient. "It has generally been assumed, with one or two elements to support the theory, that the Decepticons are responsible, yes." As he follows Smokescreen he mutters to himself. "It may be a big planet, but it's sparsely populated, shouldn't be /too/ hard to locate activity."

 

Retracting her datapad from Foxfire as the Cassettibot makes no move to take it (Marissa doesn't care how Foxfire takes it - she's been around Transformers long enough to be comfortable with them in most circumstances). "I hope you're right, Ranger." Marissa says, leading her team of robots onto the shuttle.

 

Smokescreen has left.

Smokescreen boards the Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>.

 

Ranger has left.

Ranger boards the Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>.

 

You board the Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>.

 

Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>

 

     You stand within the Intrepid, an interstellar shuttle designed to withstand the rigors of space and faster-than-light travel. A massive viewscreen dominates the front of the ship, controlled by the large console which also holds the complex controls of the ship's navigational and weaponry systems.

 

----------------------------< Vessel Commands >----------------------------

     Objooc <say or :pose>......... Does an OOC say or pose by you personally

     Speak <message>............... Broadcasts <message> outside the vessel

     View.......................... Shows what's outside of the vessel

     Viewobj <object>.............. Shows the desc of an object outside

     Audible <on/off>.............. Sets broadcasting to the outside on or off

     +password <name>.............. Shows the vessel's pword to officers

 

----------------------------< Pilot Commands >-----------------------------

     Command <vessel>=<passwd>.....Takes command of the vessel

     Pilot.........................Show more pilot commands

 

                < Current Location: Landing Fields <EDC> >

Contents:

Ranger

Smokescreen

Extended Radio Equipment 199

 

Foxfire boards the Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>.

 

Outside, Jazz enters from the Hangar Bay <EDC> to the east.

Jazz boards the Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>.

 

Outside, Marissa takes command of the Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>.

You take command of the Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>.

Outside, You blast off and launch yourself towards the Earth Orbit.

 

*** TRAVEL SPAM ***

 

Outside, Promontory Point, Mars

Outside,

     The vast red planetscape of Mars extends for thousands of kilometers, uninterrupted by little more than dust, rocks, and the occasional geological feature, at least until this particular area. Formerly the site of the Terran compound, it was the resting place of the massive city-Transformer Trypticon for a time, and of the compound itself, there are few traces; Trypticon parked himself right on top of it. To the southeast is the largest canyon system on the planet, Valles Marineris, dwarfing even Trypticon himself.

 

Outside, Contents:

Outside, Orbital Cannon

Outside, Cyclonus

Outside, Decepticon Shuttle <Relentless>

Outside, "Death Star 2" Self Destruction System

Outside, "Death Star 2"

Outside, Decepticon Shuttle <Triumph>

Outside, Mars Sensor 1

Outside, Memorial Plaque

Outside, Obvious exits:

Outside,  Northwest <NW> leads to Ares Rail Station.

Outside,  Southeast <SE> leads to Valles Marineris.

Outside,  North <N> leads to Martian Lake.

 

Outside, Within the Decepticon Shuttle <Relentless>, Chimera vanishes out of reality.

 

Outside, Orbital Cannon arrives from Mars' orbit and makes his way towards Cyclonus as quickly as possible so as to raise as little alarm by any watchful Autobot optics as possible. Transforming, his legs recoil against the ground as he scans the perimeter of the area. "I spend very little time on this planet, generally on purpose," he comments flatly.

 

Outside, The Orbital Cannon breaks apart at the handle and barrel; a moment later, Shockwave appears in its place.

 

Smokescreen simply stands at the back of the shuttle- blasted Terran technology, no regard for Cybertonian proportions. He stands with one hand wrapped around a handy bit of bulkhead, like some sort of giant metal subway passenger on an equally giant subway train. His optics are locked on a sensor readout, reading all sorts of information as best he can.

 

Outside, The promontory point at the sedimentary shelf of Cydonia is, strangely, and certainly contrary to the ancient and silly myths about little green men, abuzz with activity. Large, hulking, Decepticon-sized activity. Inclusive of a massive, phallic cannon gleaming in the perpetual twilight like some ... well ... we better not go there. None less than the fearsome spaceshuttle form of Cyclonus flies in defensive sorties only feet above the ground. Shockwave's entrance, and comments, brings a chuckle as engines die and the vessel hovers in the air. "Indeed, it is a dismal place, isn't it? A mostly useless world, save for the purposes for which we have harnessed it now."

 

Ranger tries to ignore the confines of the Human vessel. Like Smokescreen, he is also examining the sensor displays, perhaps he is more familiar with this sort of information, perhaps not. Regardless, he is keeping his optics open for anything that might offer a suggestion of where the 'bad guys' are.

 

Marissa is in the co-pilot's chair, mulling over what has transpired here thus far... the Earth Defence Command, very short on space capable troops thanks to the Copernicus Station battle, and the attempts to keep Earth from breaking apart, has pulled four Autobots off of their rescue duties and six EDC troopers to join on in a recon mission. They made it through the floods, fires, looting and mahem to Alameda, thanks to Metroplex being damaged by the "Death Star 2". And now the Terran shuttle Intrepid is running a patrol pattern over Mars, and has been doing so for several hours. Several long, dull, and uninteresting hours. The human troopers have all started a discussion amongst themselves about the plight back home and what they're going to do to whoever is responsible. Marissa has been mostly silent. "Any luck, Smokescreen?" she asks, finally speaking.

 

Outside, Shockwave regards Cyclonus with the solid form of his optic, indicating a cursory scan of the First Officer. "Our level of agreement is unusually high over the past two cycles, Cyclonus. I find this world detestable, more often than not. However, the current scenario seems to suggest otherwise, for the moment." Wordlessly, he turns his attention to the various Decepticons running about, evaluatin their efficiency and making mental notes for future improvement.

 

Foxfire is busy looking out one of the shuttle's windows, peering at any 'Cons who happen to be in view. Baring his teeth, the fox tape obviously wants to start fighting; he's hoping he can at least scratch Cyclonus up a bit, since he didn't do very much when he was attempting to aid Rodimus in battle against the bunny-earred Decepticon.

 

Smokescreen hrrms, surveying the readouts with his whirringly brilliant CPU. "Well, let's see. Nothing TOO out of the ordinary. Yet. At least-" he pauses, then takes a few steps forward, as if to get a better look at the sensor station- tiny to his TF type size. "...Tracks." he muses, dialing a few buttons to enlarge one particular picture-

 

Smokescreen's not talking of the vain corvette of questionable sexuality, but rather, to a crisscrossed network of track ruts made by...something. "Constructicons, I'd bet." he hrrms, thinking. "I'd suggest we touch down...but keep ourselves...low key, if possible. Even if it's just the Constructicons down there, we won't be able to deal with Devastator by ourselves..."

 

Outside, Fat luck, you red robotic rodent. Cyclonus, perhaps intent on replying to his compatriot, is distracted, suddenly, by a blip on his sensors. "Shockwave," he flatly states, tone full of dark intent, "I believe we have guests on the approach. Uploading their coordinates and calculated trajectory to you now. Please be so kind as to ... hasten their impact with the ground, if you would."

 

Outside, Sweepcraft [Scourge] enters Mars orbit and joins Shockwave and Cyclonus. "What you two fail to realize about Mars is its unending serenity," he grates as he transforms. "Everything on Earth is so disgustingly alive. There's only so much of the organic pulse that I can stand. I, for one, consider these ghost planets a gift. But I digress," with a wave of the hand, turning his attention to the logical one. "Shockwave, what exactly IS our situation?"

 

Outside, Scourge transforms into robot mode.

 

Jazz is busily... er. Doing what he usually does when a passenger on a human shuttle. It's not like he's gonna be able to fly the danged thing for them or anything. Having to do with watching the sensor screens, and nodding sagely as Smokescreen comes up with a theory. Actually, he's probably listening to something on an internal radio, because he's pretty darned sure that Smokescreen is coming up with the right conclusions. No worries there. Figuring out the rest... Hey. Music helps you think. Really.

 

Outside, Shockwave glances at Cyclonus, caught off-guard that Galvatron's trusted right arm picked up on the approach of uninvited guests before he did. Sure enough, a quick sensor sweep reveals the approach of an interstellar shuttle of non-Decepticon design. Scourge addresses him directly as he prepares to track it down. "I believe the correct cultural connotation is, 'Business is about to pick up', Scourge." He nods ever so slightly in the direction of the shuttle and transforms to Orbital Cannon mode to go get him some.

 

Outside, Shockwave brings his arms and legs together to BRING THE PAIN!

 

Ranger turns his attention away from the displays as Smokescreen appears to have spotted a hint as to the location of the Decepticons. Instead he peers casually out of one of the viewports and soon finds himself fixed on the view. He gazes dreamily out at the stars, already half-way to wanderlust.

 

Marissa frowns. Last thing they need is that huge lime green bastard running around stopping this recon mission. But thankfully the power of having two Constructicon alts on the side of angels will prevent that potentially devastating situation from occuring. The Colonel accepts Smokescreen's advice and orders the pilot to take the shuttle down. The Intrepid's landing thrusters fire, and with no small amount of red dust being kicked up, the ship lands on the ground. Marissa turns to face her Autobot soldiers for this mission. "Jazz, Smokescreen, Ranger, Foxfire... I'm not sure what we're going to find down there. We're the advance force on this one, but it is crucial that we get whatever we find back to EDC HQ. That is our top priority. Scattershot reported once on Constructicons being here before, so it would be no surprise to find Decepticons on this planet. We're not here to attack, we're here to gather information." Marissa glances at Foxfire, "I'm sorry we haven't had time to properly introduce ourselves, but as they say, the quickest way to get to know someone is to fight alongside them." The EDC soliders murmer in agreement. "Then lets have at it. Your patrol routes have been downloaded to your datapads." Foxfire can get his some other way. "Lets suit up." she tells the other EDCers. Where seven EDC troopers once were, there is soon 3 Warthog Exo-Armours and 4 ARES class Exo-Suits.

 

Outside, Cyclonus's afterburners flare in anticipation of the firefight to come, but the sleek starships is held in neutral hovering for now. "It was but a matter of time before the Autobots decided to investigate. Their unnatural and unhealthy attachment to the Human weaklings was bound to draw them here, sooner or later. Perhaps it is more fortuitous to have been the former rather than the latter. These may yet be prevented from ever returning from their mission, and every dead Autobot is another brick in the foundation of the Decepticon Empire."

 

>Exo-Suit 1774 <ARES> starts up smoothly, generator softly humming.

 

>Ranger disembarks from the Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>.

 

>Foxfire disembarks from the Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>.

 

>You disembark from the Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>.

 

>Promontory Point, Mars

>

     The vast red planetscape of Mars extends for thousands of kilometers, uninterrupted by little more than dust, rocks, and the occasional geological feature, at least until this particular area. Formerly the site of the Terran compound, it was the resting place of the massive city-Transformer Trypticon for a time, and of the compound itself, there are few traces; Trypticon parked himself right on top of it. To the southeast is the largest canyon system on the planet, Valles Marineris, dwarfing even Trypticon himself.

 

>Contents:

>Foxfire

>Ranger

>CPT

>Fulcrum

>Scourge

>Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>

>Orbital Cannon

>Cyclonus

>Decepticon Shuttle <Relentless>

>"Death Star 2" Self Destruction System

>"Death Star 2"

>Decepticon Shuttle <Triumph>

>Mars Sensor 1

>Memorial Plaque

>Obvious exits:

>  Northwest <NW> leads to Ares Rail Station.

>  Southeast <SE> leads to Valles Marineris.

>  North <N> leads to Martian Lake.

 

>Foxfire simply glances to Marissa as he bounds out of the shuttle, but still says nothing. Cat's got his tongue, perhaps? The cassette glances around casually. So this is what Mars is like...

 

>Within the Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>, Y'all got the right guy for gathering information. It's one of Jazz's hobbies. And as for Humans... yeah. He's very attatched, and doesn't really think it's unhealthy. The Meister is ready to go anyhow. Adaptable. And really not listening to Outkast's 'Hey Ya!' for the hundredth time, as he does the casual, yet stylish, slinking out of the shuttle.

 

>Ranger pauses at the hatch to the shuttle, his head turns from side to side as he examines the surrounding terrain. He must admit that he hasn't had much opportunity to explore Mars, so his expression is more enthusiastic than would be expected for someone on a potentially dangerous mission.

 

>Jazz disembarks from the Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>.

>Jazz has arrived.

 

>Ranger has reconnected.

 

>Smokescreen disembarks from the Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>.

>Smokescreen has arrived.

 

>Smokescreen hops out of the shuttle himself, kicking up twin clouds of red dust as he does so. Funny, in this sort of evironment, his usually garish color scheme actually serves as a bit of camoflauge. He's already got his rifle in his hand and his shoulder cannons primed...he's got a bad feeling about this one.

 

>Listening to 'Hey Ya', eh? Well a certain Autobot had better Shake it sh-shake it-sh-sh-shake-sh-sh-shake it. Shake it. Shake it. Shake it like a polaroid picture. Taking off in a burst of screaming speed, rocketing high into the atmosphere, the fearsome bird of prey that is Cyclonus' makes a sudden loop ... and dives straight for Jazz, only lifting into a slow arc after loosing a missile coursing straight for him. "Welcome to your doom, Autobots," he intones solemnly at the fools who have dared come to Mars. "You have elected to make the Red Planet your grave and tomb."

 

>Cyclonus strikes Jazz with Single Missile.

 

>Orbital Cannon's orders were to bring down the shuttle. Whoever the pilot is did a nice job of completing his work for him, however Shockwave is not without a certain measure of ambition. Having tracked the shuttle to its landing point, the Orbital Cannon slows its approach as the Autobots and exo-suits disembark. Their proximity to a number of sloppy Constructicon tracks that were left uncovered indicates they have a certain level of knowledge regarding the Decepticon operation on Mars; clearly, they cannot be allowed to leave with this information. Changing his function from persuit to offense, Shockwave powers his barrel and unleashes a spread of torpedoes at the first bodies that exit the shuttle. Unfortunately for her, his first target is Marissa's exo suit.

 

>You evade Orbital Cannon's Torpedoes attack.

 

>Scourge reverts back to his Sweepcraft mode, roaring up into the sky and seamlessly activating his radar systems, detecting the invaders before he even has a visual confirmation of them. To Scourge, the sensation is that of a blind man given sight. First, he detects the foreign shuttle and from it spew more blips, which, as he grows nearer, become more distinct in terms of size and features. And as Shockwave and Cyclonus begin to rage their wrath down upon the Autobots and their human allies, Scourge selects one blip in particular that he deems a worthy kill based on...well, based on nothing really. Out of the mental drawing-of-straws, Smokescreen lost. Thus, he tips his nose down and lets lose a focused laser beam at the Autobot.

 

>Scourge transforms into a Sweepcraft.

 

>Sweepcraft [Scourge] strikes Smokescreen with Sweepcraft Lasers! (Double Shot).

 

>BOTS!

 

Marissa expertly controls the ARES like someone with over two decades of practice in Exo-Suits like this. Her troopers, including her two perpetually present bodyguards, Joe and NotJoe, are in ARES of their own. The lightly armoured and armed Terran warmachines step out onto the red planet, sending out little plumes of dust. "Colonel," comes a report from the pilot inside, "We have incoming on us, approaching fas-" Marissa's radio squawks as she immediately takes action. The Colonel dives to the side. "We're under attack!" her bodyguard shouts, arming up his weaponry. "Yo, Joe! Tell me something I don't know," Marissa snarls as her legendary temper begins to flair up. These are the monsters that attacked Earth and are the cause of death for -many-. There's no doubt in Marissa's mind. "Autobots, defend yourselves!" "Jesus, it's their entire command structure..." NotJoe mutters as he fires an uncoded laser blast back at Scourge, who is not old. The Warthogs Exo-Armours begin setting up a defensive, firing back at the cannon that attacked their Commander. Picking herself off of the rocky ground, Marissa arms her arm-mounted laser cannon. "How are you Decepticons planning to explain THIS one, Cyclonus?" she demands over short-ranged braodband. Taking swift aim, Marissa fires back at Shockwave, trying to just ward him off. Meanwhile, on the Intrepid, its laser weapons begin warming up for the defence.

 

>Orbital Cannon evades your Arm-Mounted Laser attack.

 

>*ZORP!*

 

So much for that Red Camoflauge. Scourge's twin lasers strike their mark, sending Smokescreen staggering backwards. "Dammit!" Caught off guard...then again, he wasn't expecting there to be such a...rapid, response.

 

Smokescreen appraises the situation with a tacticians eye, and groans inside- he knows what kind of Decepticons he can deal with in a fight: and Cyclonus, Scourge, and Shockwave are definitely NOT on that list.

 

Smokescreen begins to run to the side, whipping up his left hand, whereupon his fingertips open up and start blazing away with the machineguns inside. Even as he fights, he mutters orders into his radio

 

>"Aww dang." the guy with delusions of being a white porsche sings out as suddenly he's been spotted. "I dunno about you, Colonel, but I think they don't want us here." Jazz makes a valient attempt to dodge that missile, but that double barrel sommersault is just a tad off on the execution, and the bird of prey's projectile hits him dead on.

 

Jazz is sent spinning, and smacks against the ground. Solid rock. Mmmm.. Rock. He's not shakin' it like a Polaroid picture right now. Jazz is rolling to his feet in order to see if he can target the bunny eared one. "I think we got ourselves a nice chunk of information here." he observes. --Click click... boom.-- A missile launches itself off of Jazz's shoulder launcher, heading for the avatar of Easter.

 

>Smokescreen strikes Sweepcraft [Scourge] with Fifty Caliber Fingertips!.

 

<Autobot> Smokescreen says, "Foxfire! Try sneaking over and seeing what the Decepticons are up to! Fast!"

 

>Ranger dives for cover as a number of previously unnoticed Decepticons open up with a hail of weaponry at the Autobots, and the Terran of course. Cover in this cas means 'behind the shuttle,' after all, /he/ doesn't need it. He ha;f-emerges from behind the shuttle as he realises that none of the attacking Decepticons are attacking /him./ "Wonderful," he grumbles. "Should I go and find somewhere to sit and watch again?" This last is muttered beneath his, for want of a better word, breath. Still, he considers, better try to help his fellow Autobots, oh, and the Human, of course. He draws out his laser and looks around for a target, there's Cyclonus, by himself bad enough, and there's...Scourge. This gets better and better. Oh, and who's that over there? Shockwave. That's today down the pan, then. He raises his laser and, aiming carefully, fires off a few rounds.

 

<Autobot> Foxfire says, "Right!"

 

>Ranger misses Orbital Cannon with his this, really won't hurt, unfortunately attack.

 

>Foxfire can only stand and stare in awe. He blinks a few times, his mind registering what has just occurred. "Jazz!" he calls out. "Smokescreen!" As concerned as he is, he can't worry about that now. The fox grits his sharp teeth, and makes a run for it; he darts behind various-sized rocks, trying to stay out of sight, as he attempts to make his way to...whatever it is the 'Cons are up to.

 

>CONS! (all three of us)

 

>Missile for missile. Tit for tat. "Explain it?" he retorts incredulously to Marissa, "why my dear, we will simply tell the truth ... that you vile Autobots attempted to disrupt our valiant effort to save Earth from the fast-approaching planet." Even Cyclonus' advanced evasive manoeuver systems cannot successfully dissuade the projectile screaming up his tail, and it finds contact there, exploding in a nice display of fireworks. For a moment, the spacecraft shudders ... before beginning an abrupt descent? Shot down? The mighty Cyclonus? Of course not. No, his nosecone is trained square on Jazz, and it is for that Autobot's ugly mug that he dives, in a perilous attempt to ram right into the Autobot Outkast.

 

>Cyclonus strikes Jazz with Ram.

 

>Orbital Cannon's objective was not to actually hit Marissa's exo-suit but to try inducing a physiological reaction via heart-attack from staring down the barrel of a rather ominous Orbital Cannon. The heart-attack method seems to have failed, he decides, as while Marissa dodged and consequently missed on her return shot, her henchmen strafe a pair of lasers across what would be his ridiculous chest in robot mode. Such assaults are of little concern at the moment; in manuevering into the lasers of the henchmen, he took himself out of range of Ranger's fire. In other news, Shockwave studied on the art of politics to handle Marissa's question and responds in tandem with Cyclonus. "What gall you show, Terran. We come here in search of the instabilities on Earth and find Autobot installations in place to ruin the same populace it claims to protect; you might take a look at those who you stand with, but as long as you fire on members of the Decepticon Empire, you remain an enemy of the state. If you would consider the situation logically, that can be changed right now." As a show of good faith, Shockwave moves his sights off of Marissa and onto Smokescreen; a red beam bulges at the end of the floating cannon's barrel and fires on the red, white and blue Autobot.

 

>Orbital Cannon strikes Smokescreen with Phaser.

 

>Marissa's uncoded attack manages to catch Scourge unawares, pinning his aft engine, sending him directly into the brunt of Smokescreen's counter attack. It's not until after his frame is riddled with steaming bullet-holes that Scourge finally regains his bearings and levels himself out. This isn't starting well. Despite the ungraceful slip-up, the Sweep remains optimistic: "Pathetic," he hisses at Smokescreen. "If that's all you have to offer, it's a wonder you hadn't been exterminated eons ago. I'll give you one more chance to prove your merit as a lifeform," he loops around and locks on for another attack. He'll leave the diplomacy to Cyclonus and Shockwave...that's their forte, not Scourge's. "If you fail a second time, then I will relieve you, and myself, of your worthless existence. Do keep that in mind." And with that, he fires another shot, toying with Smokescreen for the moment.

 

>Sweepcraft [Scourge] strikes Smokescreen with Disruptor.

 

>BOTS!

 

>Hardstrike has arrived.

 

>Shellshock has arrived.

 

>Hardstrike's body seems to fall into itself as it compacts and folds together into his vehicle mode.

 

>Countdown has arrived.

 

>Smokescreen continues to run laterally- to little avail, it would seem, as he gets pegged not once, but TWICE over the course of the battle. The blasts hit Smokescreen- and rather hard, too, causing him to bowl over into the red Martian dirt, kicking up a plume of red dust. "Ouch." he grumbles.

 

He pushes himself back up to his feet, now with a variety of scorch marks over his frame. Oh dear- there ain't NO way he's gonna win this. Even still..."You're a crappy negotiator, Shockwave!" Smokescreen taunts back. "After all, 'Logic' states that we, the Autobots, with the most built up on earth, would have the most to LOSE by its destruction!" he smirks through the pain. "Besides, you're not convincing anybody with that monotone!" as if to punctuate his point, the shoulder cannons on either side of Smokescreen's head whirr to life and fire, sending a pair of electro-scrambler rockets at the big purple cannon guy.

 

>Smokescreen strikes Orbital Cannon with his Electro Scrambler Rockets! attack.

 

Marissa smirks, "C'mon, Cyclonus, surely Galvatron hasn't gone off his medication again ALREADY. Didn't you punks try this good-guy routine just a few months ago? And didn't we lead you idiots into believing we fell for it and smoked you for it?" Marissa keeps her eyes on Shockwave, but continues to banter with the Decepticon second in command. "Go ahead, give it another shot, but they aren't going to believe it with EDC Troopers and sensor logs to show the whole story." Marissa immediately clues into Smokescreen's strategy and orders, "Archangel squadron, cover the Cassettibot," she radios over tight-beam to the three Exo-Armours and one ARES to cover them. "Joe, NotJoe, you're with me." Marissa watches as the three Exo-Armours undergo the stunning transformation to turn into three powerful and heavily armoured hovertanks. Ballistic cannons raised upwards, they fire on the Decepticons, one blast for each of their Chain of Command.

        Marissa's two bodyguards, seeing that Scourge just might be vulnerable as he joins in with smiting Smokescreen, arm their ballistic cannons and keep up the pressure on them. Marissa, meanwhile, prepares a full barrage from her customized massive arm mounted ballistic cannon. What did DepthCharge call it when he installed the weapon? Ah yes, the Delta Beta Mark 1 Death Bringer. Marissa, not having a wang, did not choose it to compensate for anything. She chose it so she could blast three Decepticons at once.

 

>Exo-Suit 1774 <ARES> unleashes its Ballistic Cannon Spread attack on Cyclonus, Shockwave and Scourge, striking Shockwave.

 

>Hey! Jazz doesn't have an ugly mug! He's the cool-daddy of the Autobots, the Meister. The MAN. And.... he's getting plastered across Cyclonus's nosecone. And along the underbelly of the spacecraft form. "Urgh." He grunts, "If you's the innocent ones," He says "Why you feel like firin' on us the minute you see us."

Before the craft is entirely over him, however, Jazz does try one thing-- to try and grab ON to Cyclonus's ... underbelly. Primus only knows what he's doing with that.... grappling hook. One thing you can be sure of. Jazz won't Duck and Run. There's only one way to find out.

 

>Hardstrike comes rolling in over the red hills, heading straight for the ambush. He'd been on shadow guard duty, in order to strike down any incoming Decepticon scouts. However....this mass of Decepticon heavyweights cannot be dealt with from such a range, especially so close to his comrades.

 

A trail of dust following the artillery unit, he emits, " Hey guys. Miss me? "

 

>Somehow, the Autobot known as Countdown has been here and been off in the distance, waiting for his time to strike as it should be coming soon. He eyes Shockwave and readies his rifles. "This might be the one whom I should bother with... For now." He tries to remain hidden.

 

>Ranger,seeing that his last attempt missed, moves further out of cover in order to get a better line of sight. Attempting to anticipate Shockwave's movements, he again tries to draw a bead on the purple Decepticon. Prior to any attempts to shoot, he cannot let this attempt to shift the blame stand without comment. "If you had any concern for the Humans, you'd be helping us find a solution to the problem, instead of attacking us on sight and trying a few transparent lies" <No attack this round, not that it makes a difference.>

 

>Foxfire continues sneaking, ducking behind the big Martian stones every time he thinks a Decepticon might look his way. Keeping low to the ground, the fox cassette is not yet aware that Marissa has ordered someone to cover him. If he was a flesh creature, his heart would be pounding wildly inside his chest. Silently, Foxfire continues making his way past the 'Cons--or at least hoping to.

 

<Autobot> Smokescreen says, "See anything yet, Foxfire?"

 

>"Whelp!" Cyclonus exclaims, not in consternation, for frustration is a flaw beneath the Decepticon master tactician. No, far more annoyance for the minor irritation that grappling hook inflicts upon hisunderbelly, quickly rectified by the pivoting of his main armament, its barrel glinting dangerously in reflection the light of a thousand stars shining above. "Fall, and have the good grace to accept defeat." And then, the blast, a thunderous expulsion of white-hot energy certain to melt armor, cauterize circruitry, and rend even the strongest of substances in its wake, should it connect.

 

>Cyclonus misses Jazz with his Main Battle Cannon attack.

 

<Autobot> Foxfire says, "Not yet..."

 

>Shellshock smiles behind his faceplate as he watches and waits. As the cassette reaches the right place, he turns and takes a 1/2 step and kicks, if this connects, it could mean a slagging long flying lesson.

 

>Orbital Cannon is about to make an emotional and rousing retort to all the Autobots and humans who dare to question why the Decepticons are here, when Smokescreen lays the smackdown on all his systems. He begins to fall from his lofty perch in the non-clouds, avoiding one of the henchmen's shots while taking some from Marissa on the way down. The orbital cannon smacks awkwardly against the ground, the top of the beast taking the brunt of the impact against the rocky Martian terrain. Either dust or smoke kicks up around him from the impact, leaving him rather vulnerable for the moment.

 

>Shellshock strikes Foxfire with kick.

 

>Sweepcraft [Scourge] feels absolutely no delight as his shot connects with Smokescreen. He feels nothing but disgust for the Autobot in his sights and is waiting for him to respond, both with the typical Autobot banter and an equally typical weak attack. Then, the fun begins. Scourge's boredom quickly evaporates, leaving a quick flash of confusion which soon mutates into rage as Smokescreen not only turns his fire on Shockwave, but ignores Scourge's threats altogether! Rapidly accellerating his way out of Marissa's attack, he rockets to the Red Planet's surface, transforming and coming down on Smokescreen with a dark, malicious look smeared across his face. "I'll give you one thing, Autobot: You've got guts. Or maybe a lack of mental functionality would be more appropriate. Ignoring me is a fatal mistake!" Once his feet are on the ground, he lashes a clawed-appendage out at the Autobot, trying to wrap his fingers around his neck to make sure Smokescreen pays attention to him this time, because he's Scourge and, darn it, he just wants a little attention. THIS IS WHY THERE ARE BAD GUYS, BECAUSE THE POPULAR KIDS IGNORED THEM, RAARGH. Anyway. Grabby-grabby.

 

>Scourge transforms into robot mode.

 

>Scourge succeeds in grasping Smokescreen, throwing him off-balance.

 

>Police Car <Streetwise> has arrived.

 

>"I got a bad feeling about this. I got a bad feeling about this. I got a bad feeling about this. I got a bad feeling about this. I got a bad feeling about this. I got a bad feeling about... THIS," bellows the Autobot known as Countdown as his rifle begins to fire rapidly at Shellshock. "Get away from the Autobot, Decepticriminal!" Countdown's targetting visor is fully activated, but of course, the gravity here might cause problems. So he readies his favorite weapon with his free left hand, just incase. The white racerbot snarls and runs at full speed to protect the Foxbot. "Autobot, stand aside..."

 

<Autobot> Inferno says, "Jazz, Smokey, status report.  Y'all findin' what ah think yer findin'?"

 

>Countdown misses Shellshock with his Man, I wish I could aim this thing attack.

 

 

<Autobot> Smokescreen says, "If you're thinking about half of the Decepticon high command, then yes."

 

>The Autobot Guerilla swerves to a halt, the rear of the vehicle skidding along the ground from the momentum leftover. Locking down the breaks momentarily, Hardstrike begins adjusting his launchers, target reticles locking in upon the Decepticon signatures. The hydraulics whine as the leveling is brought to the needed firing arc for inclusion of all possible foes. " Time for some nice, explosive retaliation...."

 

A high pitched beep is heard, before a swarm of rockets are unleashed, splitting into smaller groups as they speed towards each and every Decepticon.

>Hardstrike unleashes his Rocket Swarm attack on Shockwave, Shellshock and Cyclonus,

striking Cyclonus, Shellshock and Shockwave.

 

Marissa watches Shockwave go down with great satisfaction. The Colonel marches towards Shockwave, but then can't help but notice the massive amounts of firepower being sent out by Cyclonus. The Colonel pauses in her tracks. "I'm right behind you, Jazz." Marissa's ballistic cannon swivels up and targets the Sweep. "You're a fine one to talk about ignoring enemies, Scourge." she mutters.

        Meanwhile, the FOUR, count 'em, FOUR, Terran Exo-Suits polited by veteran troopers who's home planet has just been nuked by the Decepticons and now have a chance for some payback, AND that were covering our boy Foxfire when Shellshock... teleported in... somehow, all unleash their firepower on the Decepticon. It's uncoded, of course.

        As this occurs, the Intrepid weaponry has powered up, and seeing a lame Shockwave laying on the ground is just too good to pass up, and heavy laser blasts are fired in his direction. Shooting a downed enemy is ok when it's Shockwave.

 

<Autobot> Inferno says, "Primus be damned...  Hold th' line, boys.  That big <BLEEP> keeps comin' this way, we might as well blow Earth up 'erselves."

 

>Scourge evades your Arm-Mounted Ballistic Cannon attack.

 

<Autobot> Hardstrike speaks, over the sound of launching artillery, "Working on it."

 

>Police Car <Streetwise> rushes into the battle just in time to see Shellshock attack the much smaller Foxfire. He quickly locks the Photon pistol ion Shellshock and yells "He Shellsuck try picking on someone your own size!" He then takes aim on the run and squeezes of a couple of rounds toward the con.

 

>Police Car <Streetwise> strikes Shellshock with Photon Blast.

 

>Ranger's optics track around as more Autobots, and another decepticon stride out of the background, where they've been doing...whatever they've been doing. He also notes, during his extremely silly getting-distracted-during-combat action, that Foxfire is under attack, he also notes someone moving in to aid the Foxbot. Returning his attention to the main battlefield, he draws a bead on a random Decepticon.

 

>Streetwise flips up as his legs, arms, and head appear he lands on his feet with laser in hand as he scans the area for trouble.

 

>Ranger strikes Scourge with this won't hurt, even if it /does/ hit.

 

<Autobot> Colonel Marissa says, "A reminder here that this is a SCOUTING operation. Our chances of holding is nil. We get the job done, we see what we see, and we come back with the heavy assault boys."

 

>Whelp? Yeah yeah yeah. Jazz has heard all that before, even if he is falling. No. That wasn't a very good idea, now was it Jazz? If you'd had about five seconds more, you could've gotten close enough to use a stun or smack the crap out of him. But now you get to see -- what the .... Seeing Shellshock come out of some subspace pocket somewhere, and kick HIS friend-- who was making a point to remain undetected, and hidden from Decepticons... kinda gives him that little twitchy thing. You know. "Where the HELL did he come from?" he asks the air-- and a split second from impact with the surface of the planet, a missile leaves his launcher, and heads towards the obnoxious target.

 

>Foxfire yelps as the kick hits, sending him flying a few yards away, scraping past another rock and then rolling on the ground once. The cassette groans and shakes his head, getting to his paws, and gazing at Shellshock. His attention then turns to Countdown, then Streetwise. "Keep me covered," he mumbles. "I've got a job to do." With that, he takes off again...right toward the "Death Star 2".

 

>Jazz strikes Shellshock with missile.

 

>"Urk!"

 

And so, Smokescreen is scooped up far, far too easily by Scourge, his feet dangling from the ground. Missiles and other such mayhem detonate all around Smokescreen and his captor, but yet the two dangle there like some sort of macabre statue. "Would you believe..." he gasps out, while his throat is getting neatly crunched. "...That I planned this?" This said, Smokescreen snaps his rifle up, aiming the barrel neatly at the Sweep's face. Of course, what comes next is a pull of the trigger, and what happens after THAT is a barrage of magnetically acellerated acid pellets.

 

<Autobot> Inferno says, "Sugar britches, YOU worry 'bout playin' wit' yer dolls n' makin' sure yer on time fer yer tea party.  Let MINE do what they's been doin' since you was still wipin' snot."

 

>Smokescreen strikes Scourge with Face full of ACID!.

 

>CONS!

 

<Autobot> Smokescreen says, "*GURK!* ...Actually, Inferno, she's right. *CRUNCH* We haven't got the firepower to deal with this...Find anything, Foxfire?"

 

<Autobot> Colonel Marissa's legendary temper gets the better of her in about a milisecond. "Of all th- *I'M* in command here, Inferno. This is an Earth Defence Operation and you Autobots are alone for the ride as volunteers. If you so much as f***ing TWITCH over my authority in this matter I'll make sure you're polishing desks for the rest of your Earthbound firefightiner career."

 

>Ah, but Cyclonus is not about to let his quarry get away. No, he transforms mid-air to his robotic mode, and swoops down, a glowing hyper-kinetic sword brandished in one hand. "You'll not flee from me so easily. Turn, fight, and die, if you have any courage, Autobot."

 

>The massive aerospace fighter twists, pivots, and turns at impossible angles, reconfiguring into the robotic figure of ... Cyclonus!

 

<Autobot> Foxfire says, "Just somethin' that looks like a giant laser, Smokescreen..."

 

<Autobot> Hardstrike says, "Uhh...guys...we have a pair of Unicronians and a big ^$*(ing space cannon shooting at us. Can we setlle this /later/?"

 

>Cyclonus strikes Jazz with Hyper-Kinetic Sword: Activated.

 

<Autobot> Countdown says, "Suggestion... I am fast. I might be able to protect Foxfire as  best as I can. Tactical idea. I take  as much of a fight as I can to the Sweeps while I cover and assist Foxfire."

 

<Autobot> Colonel Marissa says, "Do it, Countdown."

 

>Shellshock growls as the first shot misses and the sateration fire does not, figgured. His optics flicker as he takes the withering ammounts of firepower, his thick armor shielding him from most of it. He's noted that he's drawn quite a bit of the heavy stuff, as it should be. "Is that the best you fools can come up with? Is it! No wonder you've lost ever major engagment sence the fall of prime. Optimus was a warrior worthy of respecting, the rest are a rag, tag bunch of 1/2 powered weaklings. You 'leader' is a coward, your best are the feeble minded dinobots. Now it is time a send some of you back to the scrapyard!" as he transforms, the twin berrals glowing as he chuckles, picking a target......

 

>Shellshock jumps up, starting to transform as his legs and arms fold and twist wildly. His torso shifts some as his head vanishes into the armored confines of his torso. His treads settle into place as the armored tank form slams into the ground.

 

>Orbital Cannon has had quite enough of lying down on the job by the time Hardstrike's rocket strikes him in his prone position. The Cannon rolls over and takes off, however his aerial abilities are noticeably compromised. The Intrepid's targetting on his body sounds one of those cool Red-Alert alarms and pulls him out of the way just in time to avoid being plastered. Shutting the energy systems down in the barrel for a moment, Shockwave opts for the dreaded Quantum Torpedo and draws a bead on Marissa's exo suit. He chooses not to utter any words of encouragement to his fellow Decepticons for two reasons; 1, 2/3 of them outrank him and 2, what kind of suck-loser has to be motivated by meer words in the heat of battle?

 

>Orbital Cannon strikes you with Quantum Torpedo for 32 points of damage.

 

>Mauler Tank <shellshock> strikes Streetwise with laser.

 

>A cannon shots blasts past Scourge, impacting harmlessly on the Martian ground. His hateful look has no time to connect with the sender as a laser shot pegs him square in the torso, nearly pushing him over. Scourge locks his knees and keeps his balance as well as his prey locked in his hand and shoots a look at Ranger, glaring at him and his smoking laser gun, as if to say, 'You're next.' For now, he returns his attention to Smokescreen as the Autobots begins to choke out his dying words, or so thinks Scourge, and soon finds a gun in his face and, before he can react, gets a facefull of acid. The Decepticon bellows and hurls Smokescreen aside like a rag doll, clasping both hands to his face. The scream subsides into a low, continous growl as Scourge slides to his knees, keeping his hands over his still-bubbling melted face.

 

>BOTS!

 

>The launchers are lowered back down to a flat horizantal position, opposed to the angle they had rested at for the rocket barrage. A panel opens up on the front of the artillery unit, revealing a large chain machine gun, which turns and tilts to face Shockwave. First, a slight 'ker-click' as it readies, before unleashing a loud and steady barrage of projectiles, a flashing fire of the gunpowder ingiting before the barrel as it attacks.

 

<Autobot> Inferno says, "Well, Primus dammit...  If'n ya ain't gonna lay down a whoopin' like ya oughta, don't let mah boys jes' up n' get SLAUGHTERED.  Take yer damn pictures n' bug th' hell out!  We's spread thin enough without fillin' a hosebed full a' coffins fer a flamin' scoutin' mission."

 

>Hardstrike misses Orbital Cannon with his Going BaLlIsTiC! attack.

 

>Streetwise just keeps running at the con and watches it turn into a tank as he closes into point blank range. This makes him the most accessible target, Streets is just able to turn a shoulder and make a direct attack a glancing blow. He then jumps in the air and looks to kick the laser turret. He yells "Hey Shellshock you DEFINATELY will have to do better than that to stop me!"

 

>Streetwise strikes Mauler Tank <shellshock> with Boot to the Head.

 

<Autobot> Colonel Marissa says, "Sounds to me like you're wimping out, Inferno. We know the risks are high, but if we manage to find out the cause of all this then we c-<bzzzt>"

 

>It's probably the best thing that Countdown can do right now as he draws his sword out and charges foward at the tank. "Shellshock... Remember this pain for it might just be the last thing you ever feel as I destroy you." He looks at Foxfire for a milisecond in the corner of his optics, "Foxfire, make the best speed that you can and do whatever you do... I will be behind you after I finishi destroying Shellshock. He runs faster than he should be able to, thanks to the gravity and feels the vibrations of the sword's rod in his hands as he tries to cut off Shellshock's turrret. "Snipped!"

 

>Countdown misses Mauler Tank <shellshock> with his energy_sword attack.

 

<Autobot> Smokescreen says, "We're TRYING, Inferno. *Insert something that sounds remarkably like Scourge bellowing in pain, which is soon followed by the 'THUNK' of Smokescreen getting thrown to the ground* ...Ow. trying."

 

>Landing heavily, Jazz barely manages to stand up before Cyclonus is on top of him, and swinging the sword. "Ngh-- Hey man." he grins, backing up. "Courage has nothin' to do with dying, Cyclonus." He ignores that little trickle coming from the nice slice that Cyclonus just gave him, "It has more to do with how ya act when you're faced with dyin'." Man. If he had a sword right now, this would be kickin'. As it is, he's just one lone 'bot with a laser. "Anyone can be stupid an' face insurmountable odds, an' die well. Don't mean it's courage." Laserfire. Cyc'll prolly just shrug it off anyhow.

 

>Jazz misses Cyclonus with his laser attack.

 

>Foxfire glances at Countdown for a moment, nods once, and takes off. He draws closer, and closer, until he is merely feet from the laser-looking object. Hiding behind yet another rock, the tape looks around intently, before making a run for it. He arrives at the "Death Star 2", looking at it dubiously. "Oh, slag," he mutters, then stands up on his hind legs and puts his forepaws on the platform. It may not seem obvious, but the foxbot is busy taking holographic photos with a hidden camera...

 

>Smokescreen is thrown to the side, tossed aside like a used plaything. He lands with the obligatory *THUD*- which doesn't seem to be quite as bad, due to Mars's lessened gravity. The Diversionary tactician rolls with it, so to speak, staggering back to his feet- not too far from the main shuttlecraft. He's battered- but he's been worse. He glances over at Scourge for just a moment to admire his handiwork, then he turns his attention over towards the rest of the battle...Surprisingly enough, it's NOT an out and out massacre. That's something in and of itself.

 

<Autobot> Jazz says, "We're tryin'. This ain't no picnic-- but we do have to by some time for them that's gettin' the pictures."

 

>Ranger glances down at his laser as Scourge glares at him in an not-encouraging manner. Considering his options he shrugs mentally and returns his laser to it's storage point. Figuring that his outlook is bleak anyway he glances about, noting that Scourge seems to be distracted for the moment he notices Jazz seemingly having a little trouble with a certain Unicron-born Decepticon. Wishing once more that he wasn't here, he charges towards Cyclonus, his axe hinging into his hand as he does so.

 

<Autobot> Foxfire says, "By Primus!  It IS a laser!"

 

>Ranger misses Cyclonus with his probably blunt, axe attack.

 

<Autobot> Countdown says, "Autobots, idea change... I jump into the laser and use what I can to disable it?"

 

<Autobot> Hardstrike says, "That's a bigggggg laser...."

 

<Autobot> Hardstrike says, "Screw disabling it. We need to blow that thing to hell."

 

Marissa's accuracy is starting to take its toll on her. Maybe if more Decepticons were to stop firing and hold still for her like Shockwave did when stunned, Marissa would have a fighting chance here. The Colonel misses Scourge and seeks to press her advantage when suddenly the Colonel is blown off her feet by the force of Shockwave's massively powered blast. The weak armour on the Exo-Suit does not stand up to it well at all, and Marissa skids along the ground, face first. "Nnngh..." she mutters. But it's a tribute to her courage that she manages to rise. She can almost hear her bones protesting the move, begging her to stop with this maniac pace of hers and finally take a desk job like a good little 40 year old. Marissa's conversation with Inferno gets cut off rather rudely. Damage Assessment: Critical. "Tell me something I don't know," she mutters to her computer. Upright again, Marissa watches as Joe and NotJoe quickly respond to her by engaging Shockwave with ballistic and laser fire, trying to ward him off of their Commander. The Intrepid keeps up the firepower on Shockwave as well. Marissa joins up with the other troopers and Countdown in battling Shellshock. The Colonel activates her flight systems and speeds into melee range for a favorite move of hers. The first part of which consists of an uppercut across the chin.

 

>Mauler Tank <shellshock> evades your Power Swipe attack.

 

>CONS!

 

<Autobot> Inferno says, "Hot dammit, I KNEW it.  Th' same sum<BLEEP> that they smoked Metroplex wit', ah'd bet."

 

>Cyclonus's optics flare to punctuate a dry, cold peal of laughter at Jazz's retort. "Courage has everything to do with dying when you haven't the skill to continue living. And your time is about up," he insists, lifting the arm not busied with a sword ... to unleash a blinding blast of oxidating laser. You know. The nasty sort what fries and fuses internal circuitry. The kind of laser by which Cyclonus has dug many an Autobot grave. The inefficacious attempt of Ranger's valiant rush to the aid of his comrade does not distract the Decepticon's attentions. No, he has a target he's been working on too long to ignore it for a lesser one.

 

<Autobot> Countdown says, "I would imagine rockets, swords, and gauss would be enough to do both."

 

>Cyclonus misses Jazz with his Oxidating Laser: Level 3 attack.

 

>Mauler Tank <shellshock> 's treads grip deep as he backs up, the laser taking the hit as the plasma chambers charge fully. The sword passing where he was as he locks on target. "You'll have to do a lot better then that if you want to destroy me." his barrels line up with countdown as a little red dot appears on his chest, "Now go to autobot hell and rot!" as the plasma clicks, the chambers emptying in a rush, the twin lances of doom racing down the twin barrels of destiny, Will it be a hit, or will the fates smile on the poor fool in front of the firing squad?

 

<Autobot> Smokescreen says, "Yeah- but not today! We haven't got the firepower we need to be sure!"

 

>Mauler Tank <shellshock> misses Countdown with his plasma attack.

 

Marissa begins issuing orders over the radio as well.

 

Marissa mutters to herself, "... the moment... the hell... of..."

 

>OK, CONS! For real this time.

 

<Autobot> Colonel Marissa says, "Foxfire, report the moment you have proof of the situation and we'll get the hell out of here."

 

<Autobot> Countdown says, "Why retreat when we can destroy this laser? We are soldiers. This sacrifice will save Earth."

 

<Autobot> Colonel Marissa says, "If you have the chance, do it."

 

<Autobot> Inferno says, "About damn time.  Gimme evac coordinates, Gen'ral Fairborne, n' ah'll place crash teams n' EMS on stand-by."

 

<Autobot> Countdown says, "If you can give me the fire power or the time bomb, I will gladly hold my own  as the the demolition takes places. One life for billions is worth it."

 

<Autobot> Smokescreen says, "Noble sentiments, Countdown- but I don't think we HAVE the firepower to give!"

 

<Autobot> Ranger says, "The main threat at the moment, is from the shift in Mar's' orbit.  Are we sure that one device is responsible for both the Laser beam /and/ the shift?"

 

>Orbital Cannon manuevers himself out of Hardstrike's range, but those damnable humans and that stupid shuttle are pressing their attack on him. He dodges the henchmen, but the shuttle connects with a laser cannon. Having had quite enough of this, Shockwave issues orders for the two Decepticon shuttles to engage the lone Autobot vehicle. However, he has had quite enough of Hardstrike for the time being. Swivelling mid-air, he flips up that cool-ass target on the back of the cannon and locks in on Hardstrike. "You will first cease this nonsense," he begins as the cannon switches back to its energy systems, "... and then you will die." An EMP blast erupts from the barrel, homing in on Hardstrike's weapons.

 

>Orbital Cannon strikes Hardstrike with his EMP Disruptor attack.

 

<Autobot> Countdown says, "Some gauss and  rockets will be enough. I fear not the end. Concentrate all available weapons... Hardstrike, get the frag out of there now!"

 

<Autobot> Hardstrike says, "Sur-*KZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ-click*"

 

<Autobot> Colonel Marissa says, "Foxfire's evidence should be able to tell us that. Inferno, we'll be touching down at the Houston Spaceport. Alameda is too dangerous now with the flooding. Have the entire area cleared of civilian transports if you have to in order to make it safe."

 

>The pain finally subsides and Scourge stands, removing his hands from his face, gaping at the fragments of it in his palms. Save for certain spaces, the gray plating has been completely melted away, revealing a grotesque Scourge composed of wires and circuits. He turned to where he impulsively tossed the Autobot that did this to him and begins to stare him down. One optic sparks and dims, going dead, prompting a growl from Scourge as he bears down on Smokescreen. "I'll relish ripping the limbs from your torso, one agonizing appendage at a time." Slowed from the shock, he outstretches his arms and begins to advance with menacing intentions towards the Autobot, giving either Smokescreen or a would-be hero ample time to prevent the incoming evisceration.

 

>BOTS!

 

<Autobot> Countdown says, "Tactic... We take the Decepticon shuttles."

 

<Autobot> Countdown says, "Crash one into the laser."

 

<Autobot> Inferno says, "Copy that, Mars comman'.  Autahbot Main ta Houston Spaceport, incomin' fast movers, sound alert 2.  Inferno in-route, assumin' Houston Spaceport comman' on arrival.  Units five-oh, five-one, five-two, stand-by fer suppression, activate EMS transport 5 times.  Mama's waitin' fer her chicks, Mars Comman'.  Bring 'em home.  Dammit, this backseat drivin' is KILLIN' me."

 

<Autobot> Colonel Marissa says, "Tactic: Do something that won't take ages and would be thwarted by a PASSWORD. Do what you can, Countdown. And if you can't, speak up real fast."

 

>Hardstrike reloading the chain machine gun, when suddenly the EMP pulse strikes him. Circuits short out and display screens flicker, as his systems struggle to reboot...

>Foxfire drops back to all fours and quickly darts around the laser, making sure he captures it from all sides, then darts back into hiding before any of the 'Cons decide to use him for target practice. It's a good thing he's so small, otherwise he would have had a much more difficult time getting to the laser.

 

<Autobot> Foxfire says, "I've got the data!"

 

<Autobot> Smokescreen says, "Good! Now somebody make it go- SWEET PRIMUS!"

 

>Streetwise watches as his bott to the head turns into boot to the barrel. He recalls his pistol from sub space and switches it to blinding flash mode and looses a round at the tank saying "Hell Shellsuck take a look at the present I have for you!!" This should brighten his outlook.

 

>Streetwise misses Mauler Tank <shellshock> with his Photon Pistol (blinding) attack.

 

>Ranger slows to a stop as his axe swing misses Cyclonus, standing motionless for a moment, he slowly turns around to face the Decepticon again. Taking into consideration the fact the the big purplr guy seems to be ignoring him, he casually saunters up to him and, drawing back his foot, tries to kick him in the ankle, just to see if he'll pay attention.

 

>Smokescreen fires off a few shots at random, in efforts to make sure that the Decepticons keep their heads down...and failing, miserably, while he's at it. And then, here comes Scourge. Even Smokescreen's usually unflappable demanor falters at the sight of the horrid Sweep- "Sweet Primus!" he exclaims...into his radio. A minor slipup.

 

Even still, it's rather impressive, what Smokescreen's done to Scourge. The tactician backs steadily away from his scarred opponent, heading away from the shuttle. "You know..." he gets back to his typical glib self. "I think I just made an improvement, right there..."

 

<Autobot> Colonel Marissa says, "That's what I wanted to hear, Foxfire: Autobots, Archangel Squad, pull back!"

 

>Jazz flips over the beam. He might be looking a bit battered, but he's not broken. Or dead. And that was just a too-cool opportunity to miss. "Or maybe you misunderstand what courage really is. Sometimes ya gotta use your brain 'stead of someone else's idea of what constitutes 'courage'." Jazz grins at Cyclonus. Yeah. He's grinning at the guy who is intent on killing his aft dead. "Sometimes livin' takes more courage than dyin'. Or letting live." And if he guesses right, maybe this next shot will disarm Cyclonus. Maybe overload that fancy li'l sword of his. He flips out his handy photon gun, and fires. Gun to a knife fight? And is that 'Five Iron Frenzy' playing from some hidden speaker of Jazz's? Maybe.

 

>Countdown signals over at Scourge with a laser, "Catch me if you can!" He then touches the trigger of his rifle gently as he takes aim at the Sweep Commander. He hopes that shot connects. But just to be safe, he takes off by foot and starts try to take as much cover as he can near the laser He figures if he can get the Decepticons to fire at him, they might just take out there laser. "Autobots, get as much fire in this direction as possible. He hears Jazz's ska and smirks, "Punk." As he holds up his energy sweord, he tries to parry off shots.

 

>Countdown strikes Scourge with Texican Fun.

 

Marissa misses Shellshock, but it's alright since it's only the first part of her little plan. The Colonel, thus far, is batting 0 for 5 on attacks (not including when Shockwave was stunned), and she's almost beginning to wonder if, just perhaps, she's getting too old for this gig. Yes... retirement wouldn't be so bad. Get a nice shiny desk, maybe help out the EDC from time to time with advice... be a /real/ advisor instead of taking her troopers and Autobots into battle all the time. She could relax, play shuffleboard, actually go out vote sometimes, and do other old-people things. But then Marissa remembers that BRIAR would be in total control of the humans, and so she has to keep her job. Marissa activates her electron projection system, trying to fry Shellshock.

 

>You strike Mauler Tank <shellshock> with Electron Projection System.

 

>Ranger has reconnected.

 

>Orbital Cannon reverts to robot mode in time to catch some flack from the henchmen, but not the shuttle (just assuming here...). If they could only concentrate when they hit him, it might be more effective. Luckily, Shockwave PWNS in all things. Hardstrike is about to become an example of this concept for all to behold. The test of a prophet is, afterall, whether his prophecies come to pass. Having declared that Hardstrike would 'cease his nonsense', phase one has been completed. Phase two: death. The Military Operations Commander powers his cannon up, taking careful aim at vital systems across the hull of the armored vehicle, and unleashes a salvo of photon torpedos. However, he does it from robot mode.

 

>The Orbital Cannon breaks apart at the handle and barrel; a moment later, Shockwave appears in its place.

 

>Shockwave strikes Hardstrike with Photon Torpedo.

 

<Autobot> Colonel Marissa says, "Countdown, speak up real fast: Can you destroy the laser? If not, we're bugging out."

 

>Deeming this charade to have continued for long enough, Cyclonus, in spite of the battering behind him, continues to focus his attentions on Jazz, deadly intent gleaming in his optics. "It's high time we ended this little game," he proclaims, that sentiment punctuated by another blast of his oxidation cannon. Apparently, the Decepticon commander is fully intent on frying this Autobot, one way or another.

 

>Cyclonus strikes Jazz with Oxidating Laser: Level 3.

 

<Autobot> Countdown says, "Thizzzz is Coundown comen at ya at full speed.... I am trying to... get all... fire... at the laser... I trigged Scourge's anger at me and I am at the laserrrrrr. This should be interesting..." He continues to speak without spaces, "I need more bang bang and boom boom this way.""

 

>Mauler Tank <shellshock> transforms as he drives forward, his fist glowing as he swings, "you've used that trick to often, i've compensated my optic filters for it." His fist slamming forward as he aims for Streetwise's face. Was that the sound of a piston cocking in his arm? The electricity from the human's attack arcs over him, adding to the punch....if it connects.

 

>Shellshock transforms, the massave tank tilting upwards as things shift and swing. The transformation quickly forming his legs and arms and finaly, the head slides up from the armored core of this massave Con.

 

>Shellshock misses Streetwise with his punch attack.

 

>Scourge continues to loom over Smokescreen, the mass of wires and servos twist in a revolting way, the way that they would move normally to turn the Sweep's scowl to a look of pure rage. With the Autobot's little joke, Scourge loses his temper and lunges at Smokescreen with a sudden burst of energy. It's at that moment that Countdown decides to be the hero and shoots Scourge in the back, sending him hurtling face first into the ground at Smokescreen's feet. How humiliating. As soon as he can muster the strength, he pushes himself to his feet and turns. Through his single optic he spies Countdown scurrying away. He's about to lift off the ground and chase the Autobot down and behead him, but stops short. Realizing that the Autobot is trying to lure him away from Smokescreen, he forces himself to think rationally. To think above these peons. He must win. Not lose to this rabble. "I'll deal with you when I'm done with this one," his voice a low rasp, talking to himself more than anyone. To drive that low-spoken point home, he activates the blasters on his gauntlet and opens fire on Countdown. Hopefully Scourge will be able to conquer adversity and manage to hit Countdown despite his one-optic hindrance.

 

>Scourge strikes Countdown with Gauntlet Blast.

 

>BOTS!

 

<Autobot> Colonel Marissa says, "Wonderful. Anyone available to assist? Archangel squad, get over there and help out."

 

>Hardstrike is ravaged by the spread of torpedos, each lashing into his form savagely, causing it to shudder from the explosive charge. Finally, system functions return, and the Autobot assesses the damage. " That's it, one eye...yer' going down..." Engaging the throttle, he charges for Shockwave....

 

>Hardstrike strikes Shockwave with Autobot Lovin'.

 

>Streetwise curses audibly as his distraction to stun fails once more. Fortunately he is able to see Shellshock coming right for him with a punch and he is able to use a "swim" move to avoid it. He then spins on a heel and holds out his off arm and out pops his newest weapon, concealed taser pistol, he locks on to Shellshock and fires the taser at him.

 

>Streetwise misses Shellshock with his taser attack.

 

>Smokescreen blinks as Countdown so easily draws Scourge's ire- a welcome respite from the typical terror. Smokey hops back as Scourge falls to the ground- and again, as the 'con gets back to his ooogly feet.

 

However, Smokescreen looks past the swirling melee of combat, optics settling upon the spire of the "Laser"- He takes a few more steps back- and then his shoulders cannons emit their telltale whirr- and he fires off a brace of rockets. And another. And another. And another! Pelting the "Death Star 2" with his own special brand of rocket- not too much in the way of 'firepower'- but it'll wreak absolute havoc on the various electronic systems needed to run such a complex device!

 

>Countdown is pleased as his body begins to spark and drip with mech fluid. He climbs onto the laser and begins damaging it with the rifle and energy sword he has equipped. He figures anything aimed at him will strike him, but also the laser. "Autobots, retreate for safety!" He tries to take command as he isn't obviously one leading. He hopes this is not a wasted effort. "Retreat!" He tries to ram his energy sword into the metal plating.

 

>Foxfire darts through the battlefield, swerving and dashing to avoid stray shots. His destination is clear: he needs to get back to the shuttle, before the Decepticons figure out that he has valuable data on the laser. At this point, he's running as fast as he can, taking care not to trip over anything, focusing on his objectives: not to get hit, and to reach safety.

 

>Too intent on getting rid of the sword, Jazz missed the second appearance of the oxidation cannon-- unfortunately. Circuits sizzle in the thin atmosphere, and the Autobot nearly falls. Nearly. The visor flashes, and mutters something over the radio, head bowed for a moment. Slowly he looks up towards Cyclonus, "Y'still don't get it." he smiles. "You really don't get it." <no attack>

 

>Ranger stands motionless behind Cyclonus, surprised at the other's continuing efforts to ignore him. Rubbing his chin, he ponders his best course of action. Basically, how should he take advantage of this? Grinning, he backs up a short distance in preperation. Running forwards he swings his foot back again, and brings it sweeping forwards again. His target this time isn't the mech's ankle, though.

 

>Foxfire begins retreating, leaving himself vulnerable to parting shots from Another cool martian rock, Streetwise, Smokescreen, Jazz, Exo-Suit 1774 <ARES>, Ranger, Scourge, Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>, Shockwave, Cyclonus, Decepticon Shuttle <Relentless>, Decepticon Shuttle <Triumph>.

 

<Autobot> Jazz says, "Autobots. Retreat now. Protect Foxfire, and get him into th'shuttle. NOW."

 

>Ranger misses Cyclonus with his kick up the can attack.

 

Marissa has finally hit, and boy oh boy it's thankfully a doozy. The Colonel backs up, "Not so tough now, are you, Decepticon," she whispers, her voice barely audible over the external speakers of the Exo-Suit. "Tell me something, Shellshock," she snarls. Whenever Marissa needs to summon up the courage to keep fighting even though she's past her prime, she begins thinking of the Dinobots and their insults at her and the rest of humanity, and at Inferno and his lack of respect towards her authority in these matters. The Decepticons are evil, no doubt about it. But the Autobots can be just as arrogant as any Decepticon can be. They think they're superior and that humans are barely worth caring about. Well Marissa is quite prepared to begin changing that theory right here and now. The Colonel backs ups the Decepticon fails to hit the Protectobot - one of the few Autobot groups that actually *respect* humanity, and plans to put her best foot forward and serve as a representative for humans. She knows... she knows, deep in her heart that when all is said and done, it's not going to be the Cybertronians, wallowing in their own stagnation for the past eight million years, that are going to be the deciders of this war. It's going to be the humans, advancing fast and catching up to these Machines so quickly it won't be long before they surpass them in all qualities. But then that will only happen if Earth Defence Command is able to keep the race from being exterminated until then.

        This is what Marissa thinks about when she takes her step back, and raises her ballistic cannon. "Back, Protectobot!" she shouts, and tries to fire a full spread of ammunition into Shellshock's face.

 

>Exo-Suit 1774 <ARES> unleashes its Ballistic Cannon Spread attack on Shellshock, striking Shellshock.

 

>CONS! (I think)

 

>Shifting to better leer at Jazz, Cyclonus unwittingly (or is it?) just misses Ranger's foot sweep, a glance over his shoulder briefly with the grim assurance, "Your time will come soon enough," and then it's back to the meddlesome Autobot at hand, energy sword rising to prepare for another stab. "And I believe that you are the one about to 'get it', Autobot."

 

>Shellshock hits his knees at the last assult, "Pretty brave for 4 on one. Systems failing, finish the job if you think you have it in you." He starts to stand, holes through him like swiss cheese. "this is far from over human, try taking me on without the brute squad sometime. Or are you humans so far past your prime that you can't do anything on your own?" (no attack, retreating) As he takes to the sky and falls back...VARY slowly.

 

>Shellshock begins retreating, leaving himself vulnerable to parting shots from Another cool martian rock, Streetwise, Countdown, Hardstrike, Smokescreen, Jazz, Exo-Suit 1774 <ARES>, Foxfire, Ranger, Scourge, Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>, Shockwave, Cyclonus, Decepticon Shuttle <Relentless>, Decepticon Shuttle <Triumph>.

 

<Autobot> Colonel Marissa says, "You heard the man. Pull back."

 

>Shockwave, on the ground since his player did not make that clear in the previous pose due to... aw, take your pick, is quite pleased with the result of the photon torpedoes on Hardstrike's hull. However, the Autobot dares to come back for more. Shockwave manages to slide out of the way to keep his torso safe, but Hardstrike catches his foot and runs it over. Dispassionately, the Vulcan looks down to assess the damage. "That was foolish," he concludes and raises his cannon to fire a short burst at the back of the vehicle.

 

>Shockwave strikes Hardstrike with Disruptor.

 

>Scourge's wires twist into the formation that would inspire a smile on his face, if he still had one as his shot connects with Countdown. At last, something going right. Now, for revenge. He turns and finds that Smokescreen is once again concentrated on something else, instead of in his proper place -- on his knees and in fear of Scourge. "Rrrrggh what did I tell you about ignoring me, insect!?" Scourge roars, leaping at Smokescreen jabbing his hand out in an attempt to rake his claws over the Autobot.

 

>Scourge misses Smokescreen with his Claw swipe attack.

 

>Streetwise hears the EDC Colonel yell and he ducks just in time to avoid the attack she levels at the nasty con just behind him. He watches as Shellshock takes off under the combined EDC/Autobot firepower reigned down on him. He then follows the general retreat order issued and begins heading for the shuttle Intrepid dodging laser fire on the way.

 

>Streetwise begins retreating, leaving himself vulnerable to parting shots from Smokescreen, Jazz, Exo-Suit 1774 <ARES>, Foxfire, Ranger, Scourge, Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>, Shockwave, Cyclonus, Decepticon Shuttle <Relentless>, Decepticon Shuttle <Triumph>.

 

>A small hole is torn through what's left of Hardstrike's armor as Shockwave gets up, " We'll finish this some other time...." he murmers, before hitting the throttle, and heading for the shuttle.

 

>Hardstrike begins retreating, leaving himself vulnerable to parting shots from Streetwise, Countdown, Smokescreen, Jazz, Exo-Suit 1774 <ARES>, Foxfire, Ranger, Scourge, Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>, Shockwave, Cyclonus, Decepticon Shuttle <Relentless>, Decepticon Shuttle <Triumph>.

 

>Smokescreen backpedals as Scourge sweeps (Ha! A pun!) in his direction, swinging those horrid claws at him- yet Smokescreen whips up his own arm in defense- from the wrist, a large, solid blade snaps out with a *SNKT!* To parry the hard, hard claws- albiet a tad bit frantically.

 

"And remember what happened LAST time you said something like that?" This said, Smokescreen laughs- openly laughs -in Scourge's face. "But, as much as I'd love to stick around, I frankly have better things to do." Smokescreen takes another backwards lunge, then transforms down into his sleek racer mode- he then tears-ass across the martian landscape, back towards the shuttle...giving Scourge a hearty mouthful of his namesake as he does so, of course.

 

>Smokescreen's form twists and shudders, and mere moments later, the Diversionary Tactician is no longer there, replaced by a red and blue stock car, engine revving.

 

>Smokescreen begins retreating, leaving himself vulnerable to parting shots from Exo-Suit 1774 <ARES>, Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>, Shockwave, Cyclonus, Decepticon Shuttle <Relentless>, Decepticon Shuttle <Triumph>.

 

>Ranger hears the order to retreat announced over the radio and, as he still seems to be generally being ignored, wanders back in the direction of the shuttle. Okay, he'll be practically a sitting duck for anyone who cares to take a parting shot, but that would require someone actually noticing him for long enough to do more than give him dirty looks, wouldn't it.

 

>Ranger begins retreating, leaving himself vulnerable to parting shots from Streetwise, Hardstrike, Stock Car, Jazz, Exo-Suit 1774 <ARES>, Foxfire, Scourge, Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>, Shockwave, Cyclonus, Decepticon Shuttle <Relentless>, Decepticon Shuttle <Triumph>.

 

>Countdown curses and drops off of the laser and begins running for the shuttle, "Fools! Sacrifices are needed! Optimus Prime did not die so we can run away from the Decepticons! Destroy the laser!" He fires at the laser as he runs towards the shuttle, "There probably is even a easier way to destroy!"

 

>Countdown begins retreating, leaving himself vulnerable to parting shots from Streetwise, Hardstrike, Stock Car, Jazz, Exo-Suit 1774 <ARES>, Foxfire, Ranger, Scourge, Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>, Shockwave, Cyclonus, Decepticon Shuttle <Relentless>, Decepticon Shuttle <Triumph>.

 

>Running...running...MADE IT! If it's possible for a robot to be out of breath, then that's exactly what Foxfire is right now. Ducking to a position beside the shuttle, the cassette peaks out at his comrades, before heading inside. He completed his assignment, at least. Though next time he may not be so fortunate; it was extremely lucky for him that he had his friends and allies backing him up.

 

>Hardstrike has left.

>Hardstrike boards the Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>.

 

Marissa's gatling cannon stops rotating as the entire clip is emptied onto her foe. "Payback for last time, you hateful bastard." she tells Shellshock, letting him flee with his tail tucked firmly between his legs. The Colonel surveys the battlefield. No Autobots dead yet. Bonus. Marissa activates her battered flight systems and shouts, "EDC Personnel, head back to the shuttle! Get those engines primed and ready! We're not going to wait around for them to take pot-shots at us. We've been in the shooting gallery plenty long enough for one night, gentlemen." Marissa hovers upwards to cover Foxfire, and along with the rest of her squadron, hastily enters the Intrepid's cargo doors.

 

>Within the Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>, Hardstrike has disconnected.

>Exo-Suit 1774 <ARES> begins retreating, leaving itself vulnerable to parting shots from Stock Car, Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>, Decepticon Shuttle <Relentless>, Decepticon Shuttle <Triumph>.

 

>Slow. Too slow. Ranger being behind Cyclonus is a bad thing-- especially after he ordered a retreat. "Ranger get outta hergh" Jazz is cut off by the sudden appearance of a sword through his chest. He'd be doing something, but ... things seem to be a little disconnected. Severed, if you will. Jazz grins as he sees the Autobots starting to do something sensible. "Yeah...." he says, "Maybe someday you'll get it." Now if he can just... get out of here himself. Time to do the command limping retreat thing.

 

>Jazz begins retreating, leaving himself vulnerable to parting shots from Streetwise, Stock Car, Exo-Suit 1774 <ARES>, Foxfire, Ranger, Scourge, Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>, Shockwave, Cyclonus, Decepticon Shuttle <Relentless>, Decepticon Shuttle <Triumph>.

 

>Foxfire has left.

>Foxfire boards the Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>.

 

>CONS!

 

>Streetwise has left.

>Streetwise boards the Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>.

 

>Within the Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>, Streetwise has disconnected.

 

>Deciding that little miscreant Ranger has gotten off enough in the course of this battle relatively free of reprisals, Cyclonus turns to train his one of the lasers mounted beneath his gauntleted fists at the retreating Autobot, and lets fly a blistering salvo of fire. "Yes, run, Autobots. 'Retreat' is the only direction you know, apparently."

 

>Cyclonus strikes Ranger with Oxidating Laser: Level 3.

 

>Scourge hisses as Smokescreen transforms to retreat and kicks up a spray of Martian dust in the process. By the time the dust is settled, Scourge has a pistol out and is ready to open fire on the Autobot...alas, he's too far out of range. And, what's this? The Autobots are retreating en masse. The Decepticons have stood their ground this time, but that doesn't stem Scourge's rage. He feels unsatisfied with tonight's results and informs that to everyone by unloading a clip into the backs of the retreating Autobots that his blaster can reach. More specifically, Ranger.

 

>Scourge strikes Ranger with Laser Pistol.

 

>As the Autobots and humans flee, Shockwave is finally left the hell alone by the henchmen and shuttle's weapons array. Hooray! Unfortunately, no one on the Decepticon side seems to be heeding his advice to strike the shuttle, and instead focus on one tactically insignifcant Autobot. Defiant in all things, Shockwave reverts to his orbital cannon mode and goes for the money shot against the shuttle.

 

>Shockwave brings his arms and legs together to BRING THE PAIN!

 

>You board the Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>.

 

>Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>

>

     You stand within the Intrepid, an interstellar shuttle designed to withstand the rigors of space and faster-than-light travel. A massive viewscreen dominates the front of the ship, controlled by the large console which also holds the complex controls of the ship's navigational and weaponry systems.

 

----------------------------< Vessel Commands >----------------------------

     Objooc <say or :pose>......... Does an OOC say or pose by you personally

     Speak <message>............... Broadcasts <message> outside the vessel

     View.......................... Shows what's outside of the vessel

     Viewobj <object>.............. Shows the desc of an object outside

     Audible <on/off>.............. Sets broadcasting to the outside on or off

     +password <name>.............. Shows the vessel's pword to officers

 

----------------------------< Pilot Commands >-----------------------------

     Command <vessel>=<passwd>.....Takes command of the vessel

     Pilot.........................Show more pilot commands

 

               < Current Location: Promontory Point, Mars >

>Contents:

>Foxfire

>Extended Radio Equipment 199

 

>The vessel shakes under a direct Ultimate Shockwave hit from Shockwave as warning klaxons sound. A damage report indicator flashes, "38 points of damage taken!"

 

Jazz boards the Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>.

 

Outside, Stock Car continues to flee across the martian soil, the gunning of his motor thrumming along like a mocking laugh- which Smokescreen happens to be doing himself, actually. He continues his escape, finally tear-assing up the ramp- just at the very moment that Shockwave's super-blast tears into the thing. His tires squeal as he puts on the brakes, even transforming into his robot mode to stop fully. "Everybody here?"

 

Outside, With a changing of parts and that telltale sound, an otherwise Mundane Stock car converts to the Autobot Smokescreen.

 

Smokescreen boards the Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>.

 

Outside, Countdown heads to the shuttle and curses, "Freaking running away! Prowl would not approve!" He then sprints and tries to get into the shuttle so the Autobots would just leave. He wants to be back for round two. Yes. That sound right.

 

Foxfire yells as the blast hits the shuttle, instinctively digging his claws into the floor to keep his balance. He ducks out of sight, figuring the Decepticons might be able to see him through the windows. Best to keep low until the shuttle takes off.

 

Countdown boards the Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>.

 

<Autobot> Jazz says, "Autobots, get yer afts onto the shuttle, an' lets get a move on. I'd sure hate t'have to come back out there for you. And so would you."

 

Ranger boards the Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>.

 

Marissa runs towards the co-pilot's chair. "I'm already on it!" the pilot shouts to her as yet unyelled order about taking off. "The second the last Autobot is aboard, get us out of-" The entire shuttle suddenly shakes violently. And like classic Star Trek, all the occupants are thrown about like rag-dolls. Marissa, actually still in her exo-suit but unable to pilot it from there, holds on tight and grips the controls. "This one has your name on it, Shockwave!" The automatic electron cannon swivels and fires upon Shockwave with three mighty uncoded bolts of energy. The shuttle, as it continues to receive passengers, ignites its engines. "Foxfire, this is where I need you to tell me that you got a whole s***load of information on that thing."

 

Outside, Shellshock has disconnected.

 

Outside, Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid> begins retreating, leaving itself vulnerable to parting shots from Decepticon Shuttle <Relentless>, Decepticon Shuttle <Triumph>.

 

Jazz, unfortunately, does the inappropriate thing, and not so stylishly trips into wherever in the cabin the Autobots were hanging out.. and goes offline. Oh well.

 

Outside, Cyclonus makes no attempt to follow the shuttle, instead turning to signal to both Shockwave and Scourge that they, too, should stay their hands further. "We have neither the energon nor the strength to bring that shuttle down," he insists. "What information the Autobots may have gleaned will not profit them in the slightest. They have functioned precisely as I anticipated. And it will be their undoing."

 

Outside, Orbital Cannon, specifically because his player is retarded, take three mighty uncoded bolts of energy to what would be his chest region in robot mode. "Nnnnnnng," he muffles and transforms into robot to make further targeting a bitch for whoever pilots that drunken ship.

 

Outside, The Orbital Cannon breaks apart at the handle and barrel; a moment later, Shockwave appears in its place.

 

Ranger slumps against the side of the vessel and slides down to the floor. He winces as his damaged back sparks and a trickle of energon forges a path down his damaged torso.

 

Foxfire slinks over to Marissa, away from the windows, and nods vigorously. "I did, thankfully. The blasted thing's a gigantic laser, but I managed to get some pictures of it."

 

Countdown just remains silent as he is pissed that they retreated. This was not his ideal scenerio at all.

 

Smokescreen, despite having gone toe to toe with none other than Scourge, seems to be alright, save for a few scorch marks here and there. Upon seeing Ranger's condition, he blinks, crouching by the battered 'bot. "Whoa, hold on there, buddy. You did good out there..." whatever he did. "Alright?

 

Jazz has a nice slagging hole in his chest, thank you very much. And he did know all those people that Coundown was saying would be disappointed. And, were he conscious, he'd probably tell Countdown where to shove it.

 

Marissa nods to Foxfire as she helps coax the ship up. Seeing Shockwave get blasted is well worth it. "Then go see to the wounded, Foxfire. Medics!" she shouts, still barking orders at this point, "Get them stabilized. This doom they've brought us into isn't over yet... not by a long shot." The Intrepid, leaking some fiery substance from its hull, streaks up into the night Mars sky, heading towards the ever approaching planet Earth.

 

Outside, Smokescreen pulls out a medical scanner and runs a check on Ranger.

 

Smokescreen pulls out a medical scanner and runs a check on Ranger.

 

Outside, Shockwave approaches Cyclonus, his optic blinking furiously. "I disagree, Lieutenant. Had we triangulated the shuttle's engines while the Autobots were still departing, our firepower would have forced them to land. With no other means of escape, it would simply be a matter of hunting them down and slaughtering them all. Recall that they are as drained in energon as we are, and we have two shuttles here to their one. I would classify this as a tactical error, in letting them escape."

Ranger turns a weary optic up towards Smokescreen and, remaining silent, merely shrugs, wincing again as the movement triggers another surge of pain through his back.

 

Countdown is just silent. He feels that this was a waste. And why weren't the Dinobots brought along for this?

 

Outside, Scourge watches the shuttle lift off with an immense amount of contempt boiling over within him. "WE would have been their undoing had we more numbers. Where were our reinforcements!?" Scourge barks at the duo, unable to contain his anger.

 

Smokescreen simply smiles down at Ranger, then pulls a repair kit out from...somewhere. "Hold still, now, I'm going to get you stabilized as soon as I can." This said, Smokescreen brings out a small laser welder, which he then uses to poke at the exposed circuitry- not exactly the most enjoyable of experiences, but it re-routes vital systems to make sure Ranger stays stabilized. At least, it SHOULD.

Foxfire glances over to his comrades, Jazz in particular, whom he wanders over to. He places both forepaws on the larger 'Bot, gazing at him worriedly. "Jazz?" he says softly. He's only half-expecting an answer, though.

 

Outside, Cyclonus's optics flare in the first sign of opposition to Shockwave evinced since the latter's return from his latest mission. "Were the few of us here any less capable, the Autobots would have outgunned us, Shockwave," he insists, before Scourge's comment draws a dour nod. "I suggested, asked Lord Galvatron to reinforce our position here, warning that the Autobots would be swift to investigate. That warning was not heeded soon enough. But, this will prove only a minor setback, and may yet play into Lord Galvatron's hand."

 

Smokescreen takes a few moments and patches up Ranger.

 

Outside, Smokescreen pulls out a medical scanner and runs a check on Ranger.

 

Smokescreen pulls out a medical scanner and runs a check on Ranger.

 

Outside, Shockwave dismisses Cyclonus' reasoning with a rare shake of the head. The optic's blinking picks up in intensity. "Considering possible outcomes in different situations is illogical. The facts were that, essentially, the three of us forced a double-digit contingent of opposition to retreat, heavilly damaged. Meanwhile, the three of us are having this pleasant conversation. We should have pressed our attack and demolished them all. As you made the case to me last cycle, every dead Autobot is another step towards galactic conquest for the Decepticons. This was a wasted opportunity."

 

Outside,

      You take off for the upper atmosphere and enter orbit of Mars.

 

Jazz isn't going to be giving an answer to Foxfire for a while. He's out of it. He's been shot, rammed, dropped, fried, and sliced tonight, so poor Foxy's just going to have to wait.

 

*** TRAVEL SPAM ***

 

Outside, Houston, Texas

Outside,

     One of a handful of spaceports serving the Earth, Houston has quickly become a massive port of industry as everyone pushes into the final frontier. Trans-orbital shuttles, intrasystem transport, and even ftl-drive craft are among the tools of Houston's boom-town status. Like the other large cities of the world, it has begun to grow outward, and threatens to reach out and grab every other city in Texas in its hunger for more room.

 

Outside, Contents:

Outside, Autobot Sensor #3492

Outside, Shuttle Terminal (Houston)

Outside, Obvious exits:

Outside,  Fly <Up> leads to Skies above Central United States.

Outside,  Out <O> leads to Texas.

 

Ranger sighs in relief as Smokescreen makes a number of quick-fix repairs to his systems. Hardly the most suitable climate, and he has one or two nagging doubts about Smokescreen's ability, but this doesn't seem like the time to voice them, and he /does/ get the job done. "Thanks." He replies gratefully.

 

Smokescreen pokes at Ranger's internal bits, hrrming. "Huh, that doesn't look fam- hrm?" Smokescreen glances up. "Oh, right. Nothing too it!" the makeshift repairs done, Smokey gets back to his feet. "Not the best of jobs- but it'll do until First Aid can get a proper look at you."

 

The ride back to Earth is not a pleasant one, for there's a deep rumbling in the rear section of the shuttle that nobody seems to quite know what it is, and the ship shudders every few minutes. Marissa and the pilot have to coax the ship for every mile that they cross, and by the time the Intrepid fearlessly makes it into an entry vector for the Houston spaceport, the conditions on the ship don't seem to be improving. "Any luck back there?" Marissa calls out to Smokescreen and the medics, trying to take everyone's mind off the troubles that the ship is experiencing.

 

Ranger climbs to his feet as Smokescreen finishes his 'repairs', "Yes..." He replies haltingly. "I'll get someone to look at it as soon as is possible." An observant person would notice a tinge of worry creeping into his voice. Can't imagine why...

Smokescreen glances over at Marissa, then shrugs. "Everything's fine back here...at least, everybody's alive, still." this said, he sits himself down, emitting a tired *WHEW*. "Hell of a night, really."

 

Marissa picks up on the nervousness. She's heard it many times before from rookie soldiers... though Autobots never seem to be rookies at this point. Nonetheless, the Colonel reassures him, "Don't worry, none of this was in vain. With the information we got we'll be able to mount a -real- assault an-" The ship suddenly drops a bit too quickly for comfort. Marissa fights off the queasy feelings and continues to control the craft. "Left stablizer's out. I'm taking it offline for good," she tells the pilot, who nods in disappointment.

 

Smokescreen vanishes out of reality.

Smokescreen disembarks from the Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>.

 

Ranger glances down at Marissa as she mistakes his concern, but feels it wiser not to enlighten her as to the facts of the matter. "Yes, a real assault, good..."

 

Jazz has disconnected.

 

Marissa focuses on taking the ship down safely, "I'd strap yourself in, Ranger," she tells him as the ship gets knocked around like a kite in the wind. "F***ing gravitiational pull," the pilot complains about the proximity of Mars. "Screwing everything up..." With the entire spaceport warded off and emegency vehicles standing by, the Intrepid ducks down for its rough landing, "And don't worry about the real assault, either. We gave 'em something to think about." In a not-so-perfect maneuver, the Intrepid skids along its landing struts, decelerating far too quickly. But finally, the ship is at rest, and we are safe. As safe as anyone on this planet can be right now.

 

Ranger doesn't manage to get to a seat as the shuttle lands before he can do so. Replying to Marissa he sceptically remarks "Forgive me for saying so, but I don't think we did." He adds in a low undertone, glancing at Smokescreen. "Meanwhile, I think I'll get this repair job checked out..." That said he straightens and opens the hatch to the vessel, stepping out to find a /real/ medic pretty sharpish.

 

Foxfire has been silent for a while, and takes this opportunity to speak. "What about the data I gather?" he calmly asks, in a quiet tone. He almost seems anxious to do something about it, almost like he fears the Decepticons will be after him.

 

Ranger disembarks from the Interstellar Shuttle <Intrepid>.

You paged Ranger with 'Thanks for the RP.'.

 

Marissa nods to Ranger and points at Foxfire, "You are going to be uploading the information you have into Earth Defence Command's databanks and Teletran II. Then we'll see what we can make of it."