Symphony replies, "Thankfully, there is no comparison." she replies in a singsong way, "Looks like you're vainly trying to prepare for the Olympics. Should be quite an event this year, mmm?" she crosses her arms, stowing her padd in a side compartment in the same motion.

Fulcrum shrugs. "I predict it will be roughly the same as every two years" he replies laconically. "Perhaps this time we may go without the customary Quintesson invasion."

Symphony's optics suddenly flicker bright red and her voice becomes nasty, "Oh but then where would the fun be! My favorite past time is ripping faces off of those obnoxious things. Life wouldn't hold anywhere near the same zest without the possibility of a few more faces for my collection."

Fulcrum grunts again. He could do without another Quintesson invasion. They're really, /really/ annoying. And they always flood the planet with horrible liquid. "Perhaps if you are lucky, some will be enrolled in the combat events. Though that would be uncharacteristically brave of them." He hefts one of the hammers, regarding it with a frown.

Scrapper wanders into the medical ward, looking to pick up some last minute supplies. He'll next extra lime green and Constructicon purple for when he or one of his brothers invariably get injured somehow and need it. He's also looking to nab a few spare components and whatnot.

Symphony glances sideways at Scrapper, "It appears you and I are fated to meet, it's a nice treat to know that you'll be entering the combat events."

Fulcrum puts the hammer down and selects another one, rotating his wrist to swing it in a tight circle, testing its weight. Just as well all these events are simulated, or things could get /really/ messy.

Scrapper glances over at Symphony, his slated duelling partner in the gladiatorial ring. Better stock up on extra parts and paint, then. Yes, it's all simulated, but sometimes things fritz out, and things get ugly. Sometimes, really foolish folks forgo the simulated part, but Scrapper wouldn't know *anything* about that. Scrapper says, "Eh, that or the medical ward just happens to be where everyone ends up."

Symphony chuckles faintly, "I suppose." her optics, still blazing red from the thought of quintessons finally seem to calm down, "I look forward to testing your mettle. All that construction work should have toughened you up along the way, I suspect."

"The Gestalt battle should also prove interesting" Fulcrum adds.

Scrapper notes casually, "If you were a girder, I'd have this fight in a cinch." Yeah, he could calculate where that girder was going to break, given any load, in no time flat. He stalks over to the paint cabinet and rifles through. They're low on line green again? Blast, he's got to get on Mixmaster's case about making more of that. "I'm looking forward to that combiner battle, too. I hope to show all those upstarts that first isn't worst."

Symphony smiles, "Well! Some team spirit! How unusual, I will be watching with great interest to see how Devestator does..."

Fulcrum isn't a betting mech, but even if he was, he wouldn't put any money on any of the gestalts. He's only witnessed a couple of gestalt battles, and those were impressive enough.. when he could see what was happening through the smoke, shrapnel and general chaos. "Devastator is the only MSE gestalt" he says. "And proof that the division is more than capable of holding its own in combat."

Symphony replies, "Well, thanks to DCI assignments, Devestator won't have to worry about the Predacon's getting involved. Predaking is busy elsewhere. So that leaves this entire thing wide open."

"Blasted straight!" Scrapper agrees, slamming the paint cabinet shut a bit more forcefully than needed. "We build the bunkers and fix the wounded, and when time comes to bugout, we take down the bunkers and any Autobots who get in the way."

Fulcrum usually wades into combat, smacks people around, then patches himself up and anyone unfortunate enough to be along for the ride. But I guess he builds bunkers too. "I'm sure you and your comrades will do the division proud, Commander"

Bonecrusher has arrived.

Symphony says, "Shouldn't we be going, actually? The Opening Ceremonies will be starting soon."

Scrapper beams, pacing over to another cabinet to load up on spare capacitors and other fun electronic bits, having acquired as much lime green paint as he can scrounge up. "And you show that Cinderblock a thing or two, eh, Fulcrum? He's got his head on all right for MilOps, but he's not green. You know how that is." He pauses and glances over at Symphony, admitting, "I would suppose so."

Fulcrum does indeed know how that is. It's not easy being green. "I have never faced him in combat" Fulcrum says, frowning. "It should be.. interesting."

Bonecrusher is once more rummaging around and cleaning, sorting parts as he goes along. "Need anything more?" he asks Scrapper.

Scrapper shrugs, grabs the last few bits, and gets ready to go. He waves off his brother. "That'll be all, I think. Fulcrum, I haven't faced Cinderblock, either but, Cinderblock is an older model, and he seems to be in the repair bay an awful lot. Those MilOps types just don't know how to take care of themselves."

"All right then," Bonecrusher says, doing some final tidying - tidy by Bonecrusher standards, that is, he isn't as meticulous as Hook - and putting his cleaning implements away.

<travel spam>

Outside, Scrapper takes command of the Decepticon Shuttle <Triumph>.

You take command of the Decepticon Shuttle <Triumph>.

Outside, Bonecrusher arrives from the Outskirts of Imperial Headquarters to the north.

Bonecrusher boards the Decepticon Shuttle <Triumph>.

Outside, Fulcrum arrives from the Outskirts of Imperial Headquarters to the north.

Fulcrum boards the Decepticon Shuttle <Triumph>.

Outside, Symphony arrives from the Outskirts of Imperial Headquarters to the north.

Symphony boards the Decepticon Shuttle <Triumph>.

Symphony settles herself against the wall of the shuttle, leaving a seat open for someone else as she crouches herself down to 'hibernate' on the trip. Her optics go to static and the normal thruming of her internal furnace and bits dies to silence.

Fulcrum trudges up the ramp and into the shuttle, immediately moving to one of the passenger seats and strapping himself in. Not that it'll do any good if they crash, but it's what you're supposed to do. He frowns, staring at nothing in particular as he contemplates the match to come.

Bonecrusher enters the shuttle and takes a seat, strapping himself in for the ride. Since the seats are, not surprisingly, made for Seekers and other big people, Bonecrusher's seat is comfortable large for him, but the restraints are a bit too large for him, too. But hey, he's not enough of a safety buff to worry.

Scrapper has settled into the pilot's chair and is staring at the controls. It's been a while since he's had to pilot a shuttle, and it's not exactly his day job. Where is Long Haul, anyway? He was always the one who was good at navigation. Flicking a few switches, he tries to get this party started, and prays to Primus that he doesn't accidentally hit the Self Destruct button that all Decepticon equipment has.

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

<travel spam>

Outside, You are assailed by loud advertisements broadcast from the planet nearby!

WELCOME TO MONACUS! Come and stay at the Blue Wave resort, located prominently near...<bzzt>

    Want to gamble?!? We've got the hottest card room in the GALAXY! Just place your bets at... <bzzt>

 Why not try a holiday in Moseland this year? The best telephones in town! We guarantee...<click>

You quickly shut off audio receptors to avoid hearing any more.

Outside, Decepticon Shuttle <Triumph>'s FTL engines quietly power down as it returns to sublight speed.

Outside, System Report: Energon Level Normal

Outside, You head in for a landing at the Monacus Spaceport.

Symphony comments idly, as the shuttle settles to the ground, "Scrapper, if you had any -less- finesse handling a shuttle, I'd think you were an Autobot." she slides to the ground gracefully and turns, making her way silently towards the exit.

Fulcrum unclips his restraints after the shuttle has come to a complete stop and Scrapper has turned off the seatbelt-signs. Had he a tray-table, it would be in the upright position. Glancing at Symphony he shrugs. One landing is about as good as another. They're not dead or anything. Working a burr from his shoulder-rotator, he follows the femme out of the shuttle.

Scrapper lands the ship, cleverly avoiding the Self Destruct button. Oh, he's sneaky, that Constructicon. He unstraps himself, stands up, and turns around, checking to make sure that he didn't accidentally launch anyone who was unsecured into the walls. He shakes a mental fist at Symphony and vows to himself that the broad is going down, of yes. Scrapper hollers back, "And I suppose you'd rather I left you back at base? A forfeit would look really good, Symphony!"

Bonecrusher opens his restraints and gets up stiffly. "Not that I'm siding with her or anything, but you do have a thing or two to learn about smooth landings. And smooth flying, for that matter."

You disembark from the Decepticon Shuttle <Triumph>.

<travel spam>

Michael Briar chuckles, "Not if they want a ton of autobots coming down on their skid plates. The cons are agressive and would love to put a laser round in one of us, but they're not dumb. Most know better. The ones who don't usually don't come to the olympics. Those are the ones you have to watch out for."

And with that, the obvious disinterest in the shouted ramblings of a megalomaniac, Axis frowns heavily, optics narrowing into dangerous slits as his lip curls in a defiant sneer...

"Yesssss... Turn your heads for now, peasants. Frolic, dance amongst the festivities and put disgusting flowers in your hair under the guise of peace. And know this as Decepticon purity buries its heel against your throats, sets its might against your serf rebellion. Your enjoyment is temporary. Your deaths, however..."

Bootjets explode into a fury of blue coned flame, pushing the seeker's form toward his place in the stands. Yet his form still faces the group below, arms once again spreading as the smile creeps back onto his face. "Your deaths... Are PERMANENT. Enjoy, mein sklaves."

Rose Washburn nods once, "Alright si-- Michael." she replies skeptically, following along silently as she stares at everything going on.

        Lord Gycony is wheeled up onto the central platform and activates his PA system, he smiles wryly at all those in attendance. "Welcome one and all to the Galactic Games! The finest collection of warriors and competitors from all known planets have assembled here to compete for prizes and the adoration of the loyal fans here on Monacus. I am not a man who cares for long speeches, or stands on great ceremony. I will simply say: LET THE GAMES BEGIN! GO, HAVE FUN, SPEND MONEY, PLACE YOUR BETS, AND MAKE ME RICHER THAN I ALREADY AM!!!" He chuckles loudly. It's not exactly the most emotional, tear-jerking speech of all time but it does sum up how he feels quite plainly. "Competitors, to the pits!" He finally calms himself down enough to say.

Axis has left.

Symphony arrives from the Last Chance Alley.

Symphony has arrived.

Bonecrusher turns to Scrapper. "Well, he has made the grand speech for us. So, shall we just take a seat?" He's intending to sit next, or near, to his brother - the famed strenght-in-numbers gestalt herd instinct...

Fulcrum trudges into the stadium just in time to hear Gycony's announcement. His optic cameras whirr as he scans the pits and stands for his opponent. Not spotting the ellusive Cinderblock, he heads for the stands, slightly releived, though this means he just has to worry for longer.

Scrapper enters, perhaps a bit late. His driving was fine. *Fine.* He just got a bit disoriented in that alley, is all. it's not like Scrapper spends much time on Monacus, after all, and he's got more important things to remember. Like the word 'damage'. Hopefully his match with Symphony will be soon. He'd like to smack her one. Insult his piloting, will she? Yeah, Bonecrusher complained, too, but brothers do that, the gits. He glances over at Bonecrusher and replies, "I need to find out when my match is."

Foxfire suppresses a whimper and lowers his ears, ducking behind one of the crates. That's loud.

Fulcrum has left.

Grimlock has arrived.

Michael Briar does not even listen to Axis and his ramblings. He'll have ample time for that during his match with the con. He walks up the steps to the stands and stops by one of the venders to buy a cold beer. He's surprised that Budweiser has gotten this far out in the universe. He takes the can and hands the vender the few energon chips he has before he pops the top and drinks back. He moves up a few more steps to some seats and moves over a few to make room for Rose.

Shuttle has arrived.

Airwolf arrives from the Last Chance Alley.

Airwolf has arrived.

Rodimus Prime drops Olympics Combat Round Tracker.

Sludge glances again at the boastful 'Con, what's he talking about? Sludge isn't a peasant, he's a Dinobot, what's a peasant? Ahh, but what's this? The games are beginning. Smiling he turns to stare at the small, fat figure of Gycony. Hmmm, interesting speech that, brief yet to the point. Sludge just keeps grinning and peers around for any of his scheduled opponents. Oh, none here. Pity. Instead, he looks around for fellow Autobots to mingle with.

Astrotrain's body shifts and spins as he stands upright into his robot form.

Astrotrain has disconnected.

Rose Washburn follows after Briar in a daze of lights and crowds and aliens. Yep, this small town suburbanite is on her first visit to Monacus, should be interesting.

Rose Washburn has left.

Michael Briar has left.

Grimlock is a little late. Not much, but a little. As he makes his way into the stadium, carrying the large, metallic equivelant of a duffel bag in one hand. A Dinobot who intends to take his part in the festivities needs to bring along their gear. He's even on foot right now as he steps in, optic visor pulsing slightly as he takes in the festivities with a distant, unflinching gaze.

Airwolf is here as living proof of the terms set by the Galactic Assembly via Lord Gycony. That, and she has some shopping to do. Oh, and a few old acquaintances to look up. Oh dear, she doesn't have access to Decepticon funds any longer, so there goes the shopping trip. She sighs and looks around, flinching at the noise and crowds, but she'll have to get used to this sooner or later.

You enter Combat Pit 1.

Symphony enters Combat Pit 1.

Symphony steps down into the arena, gazing around thoughtfully at the crowds that surround the place before turning her attention to the far side of the ring, "This will be interesting." she bows to Scrapper, "Whenever you are ready..."

Scrapper gets his wish! He gets to fight Symphony first thing. He may not get his wish to teach Symphony not to insult his driving skills, though. He glances at the stands. Any adoring fans out there? No? Bah. Scrapper withdraws his sword, the Instrument of Construction, and twirls it thoughtfully. He says slowly, "Any time? Like... now?" Then Scrapper raises up the sword over his head and lunges at Symphony, aiming to bring it crashing down on her like one would a sledgehammer on a brick wall - no grace or finesse to the strike.

You strike Symphony with Instrument of Construction.

Symphony's seeming 'gift' is taken gracefully, though she's already started sprinting at Scrapper before he ever attacked. However, with a medic's precision the Axe falls hard on her shoulder, causing her to slide sideways under the assault, "Nice." she whispers, her voice grating like fingernails on a chalkboard. The blades built into her gauntlets extend in length as she counters at close range upwards intending to impale her blade into Scrappers face.

Symphony strikes you with Twin Blade Assault for 9 points of damage.

Scrapper is lucky that sound's not his primary sense. As it is, her nail-on-chalkboard voice is enough to disorient him, and never a nimble machine, he gets stabbed in the face. Squawking indignantly, he brings up a leg to kick her away and hopefully remove the blade from his face with her. He quips, the urge to give in to medical humour too strong, "I didn't know you were into plastic surgery, but I'm not in the mood for a nose job!"

You strike Symphony with Kicking the enemy to Scrap.

Symphony thuds away as the kick lands squarely in her torso. Bloody doctors and their precision... still this is her first combat of any sort in over 4 years, so she'll take what she can get. Gathering her senses she replies, "Well, I can't really help it, your face is painful." she charges forward again, this time the twin 'tails' sitting over her head slam down, attempting to impale Scrapper at the shoulders.

Symphony strikes you with Scorpion Impale for 8 points of damage.

"What face are you talking about? I don't have a mouth!" Scrapper replies, oddly noisy for someone who just pointed out his lack of mouth. He has no mouth, and he must scream? Not quite, but those 'scorpion tails' of hers pack a punch. He puts his sword away for the time being, clasps his hands together, and tries to knock the 'tails' away or, failing that, just hit her. Scrapper not using much strategy here, just, 'try to hit the girl'.

You strike Symphony with Bonecrushing Smash.

Symphony's whole frame rattles under the impact of construction strengthened fists slam into her impaling tools. She spins a short distance away before landing on her feet in a crouch. She dances sideways, watching Scrapper carefully before she suddenly launches forward with a burst of blue flame and swings one gauntleted fist at the Constructicon's face, "I know, that's the smegging problem!"

Symphony strikes you with Punch for 5 points of damage.

Scrapper has sort of given up on dodging, noting a bit of paint flakes off where Symphony hit him. He's a payloader. Dodging is just not in the cards. He'll be happy if he can keep hitting. To that effect, he balls one of his hands and attempts to hook into Symphony, as if to remove her mouth. Scrapper crows, "Mouths are over-rated. Just another place to get hit."

You strike Symphony with Left Hook.

Symphony's face crunches slightly, a small lick of flame escaping her lips not unlike spittle on a human, she's almost given up on dodging as well, the 'Doctor' has impeccable aim... but she knows full well she can go toe to toe with him, at least for the time being. Speaking of toe's... another burst of flame elicits from her jumpjets, launching her straight up into the air in a spin which ends with one foot sailing towards Scrapper's optics, "You can't hit what you can't see..."

Symphony strikes you with Kick for 5 points of damage.

Scrapper is blinded by the flames to his face. He clutches a hand to his optic visor, cursing, something vaguely along the lines of using Symphony for shuttle fuel on the trip back. The Constructicon rasps out, frame shuddering oddly, "Bet you don't know where my optics are..." The shuddering gives way as his form contorts with the familiar sound of transformation. He finishes, "...now." The payloader brings up his shovel and smacks it down at Symphony.

In a simple, utilitarian transformation, Scrapper becomes a payloader. His lower legs fold over his thighs. His arms tuck along his sides. His head retracts into his body, and his shovel folds down into place.

You strike Symphony with slap.

Symphony sails backwards, not having counted on the blinding effect of them, "Interesting..." she grates, landing with a thud some distance away after being smacked by the shovel, "Fine. If you wish to risk such an encounter... I bet I don't -care- where your optics are." she too transforms, falling backwards into a hovering arrow shaped form, "Because in a moment, you'll be scattered across the entire arena!" a pillar of flame erupts from her engines and sends the vehicle hurtling towards Scrapper at truly unnatural speeds.

        Symphony starts falling backwards and reconfigures into her Battle Engine mode.

Battle Engine <Symphony> strikes you with Battle Charge for 19 points of damage.

Payloader (Scrapper) is rather badly injured by the strike, his shovel crumpling. The Constructicon pauses for a moment, trying to sort himself out. His wheels sound a protest as he starts moving. "Right. Two can play at this game." He summons his big purple wing from subspace, and using the meagre speed boost it offers, the payloader charges right back at Symphony.

ram symphony

You strike Battle Engine <Symphony> with ram.

You take 10 points of damage from striking Battle Engine <Symphony>.

Battle Engine <Symphony>'s speed isn't enough to allow her to escape as internal warnings start blaring all over her systems. The craft slams to the ground and skids across the arena before staggering up on it's four legs. Symphony then transforms, revealing that her entire chest area is caved in and one optic is leaking energon, "You are as tough as I had hoped. Now comes the time when we shall see who can truly hold the line." she rises up, mustering every ounce of what she has left and lunges forwards at the Payloder, both tails stabbing down and trying to find structurally weak area's to dig into.

        The Battle Engine springs upwards, reconfiguring into Symphony.

Symphony strikes you with Scorpion Impale for 10 points of damage.

You are very conscious that your life is in serious danger in this battle.

Payloader (Scrapper) would be running now, if this was a real fight. However, he is safe in the knowledge that this is all holographic, and as soon as this is over, the pain will be over, and his shovel (and the rest of him, for that matter) will be fine. Scrapper gets a good look at her with his payloader optics, transforms with a pained grunt, and charges blindly in the direction that he lost saw the DCI agent, hoping to jam a beat-up shoulder into her.

The payloader unfolds into robotic form. His lower legs rotate away, revealing his upper legs. His arms come out from his side. His shovel flips onto his back. Finally, his head emerges from his torso, completing the transformation.

Symphony evades your Looking to Scavenge some Autoparts attack.

Symphony leaps clear... wait... she lept clear! She dodged! This might be the edge she needs. Finding new reserves from the thought that she might have a chance with that crucial miss. Symphony hovers for a moment before her systems drop her back to the ground and she charges forward, arm blades extending for the kill once again. This time around she's aiming for the Constructicon's neck, "I'm going to take your bloody head off Scrapper... nothing personal of course."

You evade Symphony's Twin Blade Assault attack.

Scrapper acks, pleading, "Don't do that! I'll make a terrible mug!" It doesn't occur to him that not everyone's into kitbashing severed heads like that. Unconsciously, he starts to drop down, almost bowing, and it is this that allows him to dodge the blade going for his neck. Blade? He can see again! In a sort of blurry, distorted glass fashion. It's better than nothing. Gathering himself, Scrapper flicks out his sword and stands up, hoping to impale his blade into Symphony's abdomen as he straightens up.

You strike Symphony with Instrument of Construction.

Symphony's frame takes another hard shot, and for a few moments Symphony blacks out as she staggers to the ground. It seems almost as if Scrapper has won, until -- "I'm not done yet you miscolored monster." she drags herself back to her feet, all but spent, but not done yet. She straightens slowly, willing her body into attack stance before she charges forward, one fist swinging with everything she has left for the Constructicons chest, hoping to bury her fist wrist deep into his innards.

You evade Symphony's Punch attack.

Scrapper staggers off a little to the side, not too steady in his stance in anymore, and so Symphony's attack thankfully misses him. His optic band, the glass cracked and distorted from being partially melted by Symphony's flames, flashes balefully. Dead serious, he growls, "You did not just insult the green." Then Scrapper ties to kick her in the head. Hard.

Symphony evades your Kicking the enemy to Scrap attack.

Symphony's energy is sapped and she staggers to a knee. This ends up being a good thing as the kick goes right over her head, "Yes... yes I did." she replies, the tails on her back twisting and attempting to slice across Scrapper's chest, "I'll use any tactic within the rules to ensure that you are off balance and incapable of fighting rationally!"

You evade Symphony's Scorpion Slash attack.

Scrapper lurches back a bit to a get a little space and figure out what exactly he's going to do next. He manages to bend back just enough to let the scorpion tails lash out harmlessly in front of him. He mutters, "So that's your plan. Kind of dumb to tell me, eh... *wench*?" Yeah, Scrapper can do the insult game, too. Badly. He steps forward and goes for another punch, timing it to coincide with 'wench'.

Symphony evades your Left Hook attack.

Symphony chuckles, letting her exhaustion work for her she rolls sideways and feels a whiff of cool air blow by as the fist sails wide, "No. The information then provides you with a boosted sense of confidence... usually OVERconfidence." as she moves sideways her foot whips up, intent on slamming into the side of Scrapper's head. The femme definitely has spark!

You evade Symphony's Kick attack.

Scrapper drops down to the ground, letting the kick pass overhead. He rambles, "Uh-huh. Or maybe I'm just letting you get over-confident. Or maybe I'm not. Maybe the spaceship ride was only the start of my plans! You'll never know." Oh, he's so talking drivel now. The pain must be going to his head. Using his arms for leverage on the floor, he swings his legs over at Symphony, aiming to smash into her with both feet.

You strike Symphony with Bonecrushing Smash.

Symphony falls to the ground unconscious.

         Luck, it seems, finally abandoned the Decepticon Femme. She started to struggle to her feet as Scrapper dodged her kick, "You don't have the gumption or training to unders--" *crash* his legs slam into her midsection and midword she's sent hurtling across the arena to slam into the wall. With one fading flicker the optics fail completely and the femme falls limp on the ground, defeated.

        The Rock steps up to Scrapper <Rock is a giant, Transformer sized Hologram-thing> and raises his hand. "Here's your winner!" He raises the eyebrow. "What's your name green machine?" He waits not even a second for Scrapper to answer. "IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT YOUR NAME IS"

Scrapper manages to get up to his knees, although standing feels a bit ambitious at the moment. He stares at Symphony's prone form and listens to the announcers. Scrapper protests, "I'm Scrapper! The Constructicon! Oh, bah." Then he glances back down at Symphony and shakes a fist. "Yeah. yeah! That's what you get for insulting my driving, wench."

Symphony's optics flicker to life as the simulation is lifted. She groans slightly and comments, "I don't care what they say about simulations... that still hurts." she slowly stands and regards Scrapper, "Well fought, it has been a long time since I faced anyone in combat, I know now that there is still work for me to do... however, my time here at the olympics is not over." her face twists as her optics blaze red, "I still have a seeker to school, that should prove a cake walk in comparison to you."

Symphony exits the Combat Pit 1.

You leave the Combat Pit 1.

From Combat Pit 3, Ultra Magnus is slowed down by his wounded knee but thanks Primus, he can still move fast enough to avoid the Dinobot's charge, which would have left him as flat as a pancake. Magnus doesn't feel like charging a very large dinobot with his leg in such a bad shape. Shooting from a safe range seems to be a better option so he raises his rifle and fire a quick burst of plasma towards the dinobot.

From Combat Pit 3, Ultra Magnus strikes Brontosaurus with Plasma Rifle <Low>.

Symphony emerges from the pit, optics blazing red as if she's just getting warmed up. She doesn't enter the stands, instead moving off to the side where she settles to the ground to wait until she has a chance to smack someone ELSE around. The bloodlust apparently wasn't burned out of her by Shockwave's cannon...

Scrapper stumbles out of the combat pit, his gait resuming to normality as the holographic damage vanishes like a bad dream come wake-up time. The Constructicon's optic band is lit with a pleased light, and he holds his shovel high. He punches the air. Victory! Scrapper comments, "Close fight, but she shouldn't have mocked my piloting skills."

Symphony's voice, comes - still as screechy as ever - "You shouldn't have pilot skills that warrant mocking. With the amount of precision you're capable of it merely shows that you were sloppy. I merely expect better out of the best the Empire has to offer." oooo, a backhanded compliment. How sweet!

From Combat Pit 2, Michael Briar brings his arms up to absorb the damage. Ballistic rounds pepper across the armored arms causing them to look like swiss cheese. He grunts, "I don't want power, if the war to end, I'd gladly retire Axis. I only need these weapons of war to beat your kind and protect the earth!" He charges forward bringing his plasma saber slashing across, well, Axis's knees. It's the highest point to where Michael can slice after all. The blade crackles in the air splitting the very atoms it touches and leaving the tangy scent of ozone in its wake.

From Combat Pit 3, Brontosaurus turns quickly, spinning on his front legs as his tail and hindquarters slide around to change his direction. He ignores the rifle balst, seemingly not noticing it as it glances off his armour leaving only a slight scorchmark in its wake. As he turns tongues of flame lick the edges of his mouth and, having finished turning, exhales, bringing his flames to bear on Magnus... with luck.

From Combat Pit 2, Exo-Suit <Glaive II> strikes Axis with plasma saber slice.

From Combat Pit 3, Brontosaurus strikes Ultra Magnus with Flame Breath.

Bonecrusher laughs happily. "No, she shouldn't have!" he acclaims, completely brushing over the fact that he himself was griping over Scrapper's piloting skills only short while ago. After all, brothers are allowed to do that, right. He cheerily slaps Scrapper on the back, then gives Symph an, "Ah, what do you know?" look.

From Combat Pit 3, Ultra Magnus raises an arm in front of his face to protect himself from the flames even though they barely burn his paint. That sure didn't hurt as much as the previous attacks, but Magnus knows it won't last long. He needs to find a way to slow the behemot and he needs to find it fast. In the meantime, he raises his rifle once again and fires another burst of plasma towards Sludge.

From Combat Pit 3, Ultra Magnus strikes Brontosaurus with Plasma Rifle <Medium>.

Scrapper points a finger at Symphony and protests, "I got us all here in one piece, didn't I? And then I broke you into pieces." The engineer laughs at his own joke. "What do you want, a little packet of bubbly energon?"

From Combat Pit 2, And yet, the armor of the seeker, while designed for assaulting the skies, holds against the brunt of the attack, leaving a nasty, vicious red slash across the plates. The force behind the attack does, however, blow a foot loose from the ground, forcing a dangerous twist in the weight of the seeker, staggering him as weight searches for the lowest point even as the remaining leg holds firm. Teetering... Shaking...

"Nnngghh! Protect the Earth, you say, while she STARVES..." Staggering back as the contest between gravity and balance continues, the taunting resumes, a defensive fist doubling behind his back. "...children in ravaged lands that your precious United Nations claims to feed and protect..." And the damaged leg finds itself, just in time to stabilize the seeker as he pistons the doubled fist forward. "DENIED!"

*thWHAMM!*

"By the greed and power of fools... Just. Like. YOURSELF."

From Combat Pit 2, Axis misses Exo-Suit <Glaive II> with his punch attack.

From Combat Pit 3, Brontosaurus's flames may do little damage, but they can often serve to distract an opponent sufficiently for him to get closer, to where he can use his more formidable strength against them. He rears his neck backwards as Magnus fires, recoiling from the strike, perhaps? No, it becomes clear as he thrusts his head forwards once more, simply preparing for his own attack.

Symphony glances over at Scrapper, optics still red, "No... I want my next match." she replies evenly. Losing doesn't seem to impact her much does it. She settles back again, falling silent as her optics turn to that odd static pattern again."

From Combat Pit 3, Brontosaurus misses Ultra Magnus with his headbutt attack.

Scrapper says, tone now amicable that he got to smack around Symphony for her insults, "Better luck with the Seeker, eh? They're all mass-produced, not custom jobs like the Constructicons. Easy to fix... easy to break. Or so the theory goes." He glances over at Bonecrusher and inquires, "Has that foe of yours showed yet? Bet he's scared of the green, hah!"

From Combat Pit 3, Ultra Magnus uses his good leg to jump back, avoiding Sludge's head butt. Yeah it's time to try a new tactic. Magnus needs mobility but with his bad knee... that leaves him little options. While the Dinobot is distracted, Magnus falls fowards and transforms into his armored carrier mode. He rolls in circles around the pit to take some speed and when he's rolling fast enough, he turns and launch himself towards the Dinobot.

From Combat Pit 3, Armored Carrier strikes Brontosaurus with Eat Grille Evil Doer.

Symphony nods once to Scrapper, but says nothing else, merely waiting to see if the -other- foe is interested in dancing, or if she will have to wait. She's fine either way of course, but it's obvious the bloodlust hasn't left her yet.

Bonecrusher replies cheerily, "Must be! Haven't seen front nor bumper of him yet..."

From Combat Pit 2, Michael Briar drops his rifle letting it be dragged along by its power cable and lets go of his plasma saber to retract it back into its housing. He brings his hands up to catch the double fist and push it aside. He brings his foot up, now that Axis seems vulnerable and aims for the wound he gave his legs earlier. "Uuuuugh! Lands the decepticons annexed and ruined! You're one to talk so high and mighty of our high ideals, when you move into an area, you do the same thing! Misery and strife follow the decepticons and Galvatron especially. Look to what the decepticons did in Africa! You ruined the jungles with that techno virus and cyberformation plan. Thousands of miles of land, turned into a metal wasteland and an ecological nightmare. Then the decepticons leave, like the cowards you are!" He's pissed now and shakes his fist at the con to stress that last point.

From Combat Pit 2, Exo-Suit <Glaive II> strikes Axis with kick.

From Combat Pit 3, Brontosaurus howls as the car carrier slams into him at high speeds, bowling him off his feet an onto his side. A large dent marks the location of the impact and a thin trickle of oil starts to leak out from rents in his armour. Not toatlly deprived of his combat instinct, he curves his neck around even as he falls, seeking to gain a hold on the car carrier with his razor-sharp teeth.

From Combat Pit 3, Brontosaurus strikes Armored Carrier with Dino Bite.

Scrapper claps Bonecrusher on the shoulder and says, "Let's go find the concessions! I need something of low nutritional value to celebrate, and it'll pass the time while we're waiting for that opponent of yours." He nods to Symphony in farewell, and he trudges off in search of proper victory libations, just kind of assuming that Bonecrusher will follow. His loss, fi he doesn't. Scrapper's in a good enough mood to be buying.

From Combat Pit 2, And as the kick lands true, striking squarely upon the already damaged portion of his leg, Axis falls. Slow motion capture of the scene, sand flying in a spray of individual granules that make up the whole, lighting glinting off of lexan optic lenses, smoke hanging protestingly in the upper reaches of the pit. It is a mentally caustic image, pockmarks scorched into flecks of glass, yet it carries a certain peace with it as well, as the gargantuan form of a seeker proud crumples at a weakened joint, falling to impact the harsh, yet welcoming pit floor below.

"Temper temper, Herr General..." Picking himself up comes slowly, as the only weapon available to him aligns perfectly with the diminutive exo-suit. "Two wrongs do NOT make a right, ja? It is of no matter that you, by association..." The good leg winds up against his form, hanging for a moment before pistoning outward with devastating force. "...condone death in all her forms."

"Ja? hahahahAHAHAHAHA!!!"

From Combat Pit 2, Axis strikes Exo-Suit <Glaive II> with kick.

From Combat Pit 3, Armored Carrier mode may be faster than Ultra Magnus's robot mode but once he slammed himself into a very hard Dinobot, it can roll back fast enough to avoid the retaliation. Magnus is forced to transform back into his robot mode to free himself. Before Sludge gets the chance to bite him again, Magnus throws a punch at his head.

From Combat Pit 3, Ultra Magnus strikes Brontosaurus with Pounding Fist.

Bonecrusher smiles broadly. "Good idea!" He briefly nods to Symphony, then walks off with Scrapper, suspecting that his brother will be in good enough a mood to buy him a drink or a few.

You leave the stadium from its western exit gate and head to the newly constructed hotel.

Bonecrusher arrives from the stadium.

Bonecrusher has arrived.

Bonecrusher looks around, studying the shiny surroundings with a somewhat critical optic. After all, he's a Constructicon, and thus not easily impressed by architecture, the same way Itzhak Perlman would not be impressed by you run-of-the-mill fiddler. Not that Bonecrusher has ever heard of Itzhak Perlman.

Scrapper is eyeing the gift shop, land of energon snacks and tacky souvenirs. Not quite what he had in mind, but he supposes it'll have to do. He glances over at Bonecrusher and comments vaguely, "We could do better." Does he mean the snacks at the gift shop or the architecture? Who can tell?

Bonecrusher can't tell for sure, either, so he just nods. "Our room's over there, right?" he asks casually, then studies the tacky souvernirs.

Scrapper looks over in the direction of the Decepticon room and nods. "Yeah. Not the best accommodations, but they'll do." What's Scrapper talking about? He practically lives in the medical ward. He glances back to energon snacks, nudges his brother, and inquires, "What do you want? I'm buying."

Scrapper just shakes his head slightly. There's no accounting for taste and picks out a few of the creamy centred mineral bars for Bonecrusher. He then grabs some little energon-gelatin pots laced with aromatic oils for himself. They're jiggly! Scrapper pays off the gift shop salesmech and tosses the mineral bars over to Bonecrusher, grumbling, "Stuff costs an arm and a leg here... and I don't even have an arm and a leg in my collection!"

Bonecrusher catches the mineral bars and says, "Thanks," since Scrapper's grumbling seems to imply that he expects at least that much. He tears off the wrapping of one of the bars with his mandenta, then takes a big bite. It's not like Bonecrusher to eat daintily.

Scrapper gives the place one last disdainful glance and heads for the exit. The Contructicon says, again assuming that Bonecrusher will follow, "C'mon, let's go. Maybe your foe will be there by now? If not, we can always watch the fights." Scrapper's somewhat curious to see how Symphony does against another foe. Did he just get the discount brand black ops agent as an opponent or was his anger at having his piloting insulted enough to let him take down a competent foe?

"Yeah, I would love to see some squishies get beaten up," Bonecrusher says. "And see how the 'wench' will do against her other opponent." He kind of secretly hopes that she will utterly trash the Seeker, just so that Scrapper will be able to feel even more proud of his victory.

You head east, towards the stadium.

Bonecrusher arrives from the hotel to the west.

Bonecrusher has arrived.

From Combat Pit 1, Symphony's armor sizzles briefly from the impact and smoke starts rising from the effected area. A small wince elicits from the femme before she drops low, using the ground as a springboard she hurtles upwards towards Catechism, but at the last moment jerks sideways away from a head on attack and launches a fireball from her mouth. Now -that- is a spitball folks!

From Combat Pit 1, Symphony strikes Catechism with Fireball.

From Combat Pit 3, Sludge cries out as the truck strikes again, and in this form he offers less resistance to the force behind it, which this time manages to lift him off his feet. However, instead of falling to earth with a cruch, he catches himself with his flight systems. Righting himself he draws his laser rifle and fires an erratic series of bursts from it, mostly to buy himself a moment to re-orient himself than to seriously attack.

From Combat Pit 3, Sludge strikes Armored Carrier with Laser Rifle.

Michael Briar chuckles, "Easy easy, that was only round one. I've got more matches than that." Soon the water truck comes in and parks next to the exo-suit. Micahel walks towards the truck and attaches one of the hoses set on the side of it to one of the spigots. He begins spraying off the exo-suit's outter hull giving it a nice bath. He says, remembering what was said in the fight and feeling a bit moody now, "Sometimes, getting under your opponent's skin is a good tactic. It nearly worked with me. I was nearly blinded in anger when he started it."

Scrapper returns with some scented pots of energon-gelatin. It's not quite what he wanted, but as snack food while watching others get beat up, it'll do. He heads up towards the stands, looking for a seat with other Decepticons, if there are any. When he sits with Autobots, he just ends up thinking about what kind of sculptures he could get out of them, and... yeah.

Airwolf wanders back towards the main area of Monacus. She's not yet received a call she was expecting, so may as well go and see for herself.

Airwolf leaves to Last Chance Alley.

Airwolf has left.

From Combat Pit 3, Armored Carrier turns to avoid the laser beam but it's useless, he's struck right on his trailer but it only does light damage. The car carrier turns to face Sludge. Once again, it rolls towards the dinobot at full speed, but at midway, Magnus transforms back into robot mode and tries to crush Sludge under his weight.

Bonecrusher walks back into the stadium alongside Scrapper just in time to see Symphony's second match in progress. On second thought, he isn't /quite/ as sure who to root for. Symphony showing that she's strong would help make Scrapper feel proud, but wouldn't the fierce Conehead kind of, sort of deserve...?

A Fly On The Wall has left.

A Fly On The Wall enters the Combat Pit 1.

From Combat Pit 3, Ultra Magnus strikes Sludge with Big Splash.

From Combat Pit 1, Catechism is scorched a bit, but it wasn't nearly as bad as that slash, she reflects, just... much weirder. She narrows her optics, looking at the damage she did to Symphony, and she comes to one conclusion: not nearly enough. that in mind, she clicks the setting of her arm guns up a notch, aims, and fires, hoping that her aim will hold out and that she won't have to dump Compile into a trash bin when Soundwave isn't looking.

From Combat Pit 1, Catechism misses Symphony with its laser attack.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Symphony's aerobatics might make a Seeker jealous as she twists, using her momentum to rebound off the wall she launches to the far side of the arena. Time to stop playing softball and really lay down the pain. She hovers at the far end as her two shotgun's jump into her hands from their spot in her forearms, "It's time we raise the level of competition... try and keep up." she brings both guns to bear and fires two solid slugs across the space at Catechism.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Symphony strikes Catechism with Gauss Shotgun - Slug Round.

Below, Rose Washburn nods to the General, taking a moment to breath, "Well yeah, but come on. You said yourself you didn't think you would win. Even if you don't go any further, this -has- to be a good thing! Get that thing cleaned off and lets celebrate a little. You just put a loud-mouthed punk of a Decepticon in his place!"

Firestar vanishes out of reality.

Firestar has left.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Catechism isn't particularly jealous. She used to hang out with an aerial dancer all the time. She's used to crazy dodginess and spectacular acrobatics. Say, where did Fleet go, anyway? Maybe the Sweeps ate him. Must be it. She winces as the shotgun rounds impact, peppering her with holes across her frame. "Well, I was a going to wait a bit on this, but..." The Seeker fires up her gauss coils and sends a blast of raw magnetism at Symphony.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Catechism strikes Symphony with gauss.

Below, From Combat Pit 3, Sludge raises one arm in a warding fashion to take the brunt of the impact, which is sufficient to buckle the already-damaged plating sufficiently to interfere with the servos inside, producing a slight limitation in the use of the hand. Nevertheless he stands his ground, twisting his arm to try and lock on to Magnus' armor and, instead of try for a throw, he brings his other arm up, suddenly clenching his energo sword, to try to impale Magnus...

Below, From Combat Pit 3, Sludge misses Ultra Magnus with his Energo Sword attack.

Below, On second thought, who cares? Symphony and Catechism are both relentless enough to be a pleasure to watch. Bonecrusher makes himself comfortable in a seat and watches, chewing on his mineral bar.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Symphony's own frame smokes from the impact of gauss rounds, "Interesting... I had not come across others whom used this particular bit of technology. Too bad really, it's quite useful." she touches against the wall, her jumpjets firing full as she launches across the arena, twin tails preceeding her as she attemps to impale Cat on the ends.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Symphony misses Catechism with her Scorpion Impale attack.

Scrapper settles into a seat next to Bonecrusher, which is slightly too big for Scrapper. So he's short. Maybe that's why he likes making chairs - to get back at a world where most of the chairs aren't his size? He spoons out a bit of energon-gelatin and... oh, too fast! Can't tell how he eats with without a mouth. "So who all is up now?"

Below, Michael Briar has disconnected.

Below, Rose Washburn has disconnected.

Below, Hot Spot has disconnected.

Below, From Combat Pit 3, Once again, Ultra Magnus manages to block the incoming attack, which probably save his head. The city commander is now tired, almost out of energon and his opponent is still standing. Very few people would have survived to what Magnus threw at Sludge, yeah, dinobots are tough. Gathering all his strength, Magnus launches himself fowards, trying to headbutt the dinobot.

Firestar has arrived.

Below, From Combat Pit 3, Ultra Magnus strikes Sludge with Headbutt.

Firestar has left.

Below, Firestar has arrived.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Catechism jet down, narrowly avoiding a painful impaling. She glances back up at Symphoyn and replies, "It's just what I came with out of the factory... I think I came out of a factory. Ramjet said something about me being made out of spare parts." Catechism pops back up in the air, and capacitor banks spent for the moment, can only manage a weak disruptor blast. Maybe it's time to close the distance and start fighting the enemy up close and personal, while her guns recharge. Maybe not.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Catechism strikes Symphony with disruptor.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Symphony's armor barely smokes after the impact of the weakened blast, "Oh come on..." she mutters, "You're a seeker, surely you can hit harder than that..." the two tails stab out again, this time in a slashing maneuver, aimed at the already slashed cockpit. Easiest thing to do is attack the weakspot, over... and over... and over.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Symphony misses Catechism with her Scorpion Slash attack.

Below, From Combat Pit 3, Sludge staggers backwards, blinking at the force of the blow. /Not/ what he would have expected in a simple headbutt. He starts to step forwards again, stumbles and loses his balance, falling face-first to the floor. With a surprising amount of effort, he manages to lift himself by his arms sufficiently to get one of his powerful legs beneath him for leverage and, aware that Magnus' next attack is likely to finish him, throws himself upwards with as much force as he possibly can in his battered and twisted form. As he rises he raises one arm straight up, trying for a powerful uppercut.

Below, From Combat Pit 3, Sludge misses Ultra Magnus with his last-ditch uppercut attack.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Symphony's theory is sound, but it lacks in the execution. Unlike a payloader, Catechism can, in fact, dodge, although she doesn't have a doctor's accuracy to her strikes. The Seeker smiles beatifically and replies, "If you so desire." She then transforms. There is one ranged weapons she has that isn't low on charge, because truth be told, it doesn't use charge. Rockets. Yes. "Fox two!"

Below, From Combat Pit 1, F-35B <Catechism> strikes Symphony with rocket.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Symphony's hit hard that time. Yesss, that makes a difference, "Now -that- is what I expect out of a seeker." she grates, though she obviously doesn't sound pleased, "Now try something of mine..." she folds into her alternate form, engines blazing white as she launches across the short distance at the seeker. Just before impact a faint flicker can be seen on Symphony's armor, though it's hard to tell what that was.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Battle Engine <Symphony> strikes F-35B <Catechism> with Battle Charge.

Below, From Combat Pit 3, Ultra Magnus sighs as he sees that Sludge is still standing after his attack. He wonders what it will take to keep him down. Even though he's too tired to dodge, Magnus managed to once again block Sludge's punch. Once again, he raises his own fist into the air, and brings it down at Sludge.

Below, From Combat Pit 3, Ultra Magnus strikes Sludge with Pounding Fist.

Below, "Now that's how you do it!" Bonecrusher exclaims as Catechism finally breaks out the rockets. Big explosive things are good, yes.

Below, From Combat Pit 3, And Sludge falls. Gritting his teeth he struggles, trying to rise, managing indeed to raise himself nearly to a sitting position before the damage from his systems overwhelms him and he slumps back to lie still. Magnus wonders what it'll take to keep him down? Now he knows.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, F-35B <Catechism> is hit and hard! She's starting to look like an ex-jet, all things considered. Wings are bent, cockpit is slashed in, and holes and scorching are everywhere. With a ruinous screech, she transforms, metal rasping and protesting. Catechism lashes out with a foot, rotating backwards in the air and side-to-side, as if tumbling on two axes is the most natural thing in the world.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Catechism misses Battle Engine <Symphony> with its Spinning Kick attack.

Below, Ultra Magnus emerges from the Combat Pit 3.

Below, Ultra Magnus has arrived.

Below, There is no comment from Bonecrusher on the outcome of /this/ fight. He dislikes Sludge and Ultra Magnus equally. Only in a remote corner of his mind, there is some /very/ begrudging respect for the City Commander for having taken down a Dinobot. Bonecrusher knows how nasty Dinobots can be...

Below, Sludge emerges from the Combat Pit 3.

Below, Sludge has arrived.

Below, Ultra Magnus has left.

Below, Ultra Magnus enters the Combat Pit 3.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Battle Engine <Symphony>'s speed, this time, carries her clear of a retaliatory strike and the Battle Engine's legs extend to land on the side of the arena, it's at this point that small ball shaped turrets in her main body turn and orient on Catechism. With small whining clicks they all settle in and then there's a whirr followed by a stream of highspeed small pointy projectiles.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Battle Engine <Symphony> strikes Catechism with Vulcan Cannons.

Below, Sludge emerges from the pit, damage falling away as the holographic pit resets. HE rubs the back of his head in mild embarrassment at having lost on the first match out.

Below, Airwolf arrives from the Last Chance Alley.

Below, Airwolf has arrived.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Catechism shrugs off the new hit. It's nothing compared to that battle charge. She flicks out her combat knife and lunges at Symphony, hoping to sink the knife into a joint. The Seeker has no attachment to her knife whatsoever, and it's probably the third one she's had in a year. She won't care if it gets snapped, holographic damage or not.

Below, Firestar is leaning up against the outside of the stands, having just watched Ultra Magnus flog a Dino. She's feeling -nice- and confident now.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Catechism misses Battle Engine <Symphony> with its combat knife attack.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Battle Engine <Symphony>'s legs launch her clear, revealing why it is this alternate mode is so useful to her. She lands on the ground, this time a pair of larger barreled looking things extend, but they have hoses attached. As soon as she's got solid aim, a pair of fireballs not unlike those Symphony spat launch from the barrels, heading for Catechism.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Battle Engine <Symphony> strikes Catechism with Twin Fireball Launchers.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Catechism snarls. Stupid damage, fogging her system with pain and making her miss. And here's more damage! Goody. She's starting to look entirely black now due to scorching. It's almost enough to make Catechism toss herself at Symphony, pointy head first, but she manages to control herself. She doesn't need the damage that a ram would do to her system. Instead, she dives and slings a punch at her opponent.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Catechism strikes Battle Engine <Symphony> with Smiting the Heathens.

Below, Bonecrusher grins with appreciation. Even battered and banged up, Catechism still won't let up. The demolitionist likes that kind of attitude. And Symphony is quite the fiery one, too. Get it? Fiery!

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Battle Engine <Symphony>'s armor crunches inwards nicely as Catechism smacks her hard. Apparently she's not got as much armor in this mode... and that's something else she is quite aware of. With a flip she rises up and all in one smooth motion swings her right fist directly at Catechism's face, "Now now, lets not get touchy feely..."

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Symphony misses Catechism with her Punch attack.

Below, Firestar has left.

Below, Firestar enters the Combat Pit 3.

Below, From Combat Pit 3, Firestar makes her way into the arena slowly and eyes Magnus, "Quite a show you put on there beating on Sludge..."

Below, Rodimus Prime has disconnected.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, "Let's not," Catechism agrees, ducking back to avoid the reply punch. Her arm guns have charged up a bit, and she cycles them back into action, raising up and arm to point it at Symphony's violent violet form. She fires and jets away and up, trying to keep some distance. Melee combat is not her forte, no.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Catechism misses Symphony with its Zap! attack.

Aramasu Hikage has disconnected.

Below, From Combat Pit 3, Ultra Magnus is still standing in the combat pit 3, where he just fought Sludge. Thanks Primus, it was only holocombat and all the damage disappeared when the judge reseted the system. The city commander looks down at Firestar who's going to be is next opponent in gladiatorial combat. "Thank you. It was one of the hardest fight I ever had. I'm glad it's just for the show..."

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Symphony's agility is still there, at least to a point. She leaps backwards while at the same time her eyes flash to life and a beam of energy lances across the room with lightning speed. She hopes the seeker isn't quick enough to evade.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Symphony strikes Catechism with Optical Blast.

Below, From Combat Pit 3, Firestar nods once, "Lets do this right then... I ain't gonna be an easy match." she grins, settling into a combat stance.

Below, From Combat Pit 3, Ultra Magnus smiles at Firestar and opens his arm in an invite gesture, "Ladies first" he says with a grin on his face. Magnus steps back, letting Firestar get the first shot on him.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Catechism isn't. The damage has done its toll, but this is just icing on the cake that is Catechism. The sooty, charred cake. This just proves that the barbeque is a bad way to cook a cake. Weary and hurting, she replies with her taser, tsking, "Oh, come on! I wouldn't even be calling a retreat yet, if this was real!' She says it as much to demoralise her opponent as she does to encourage herself.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Catechism misses Symphony with its taser attack.

Below, Blazing eyebeams? Bonecrusher kind of like the sight. Reminds him a bit of Devastator's RUBY RED optic beam...

Below, From Combat Pit 3, Firestar grins, "Don't mind if I do..." she replies and sprints right at Magnus. Contrary to what might be believed, she's NOT leading with the unholy axe of doom that she's so well known for, instead she simply sprints in and starts taking jabs at Magnus' face... it may seem like a foolish tactic, but at this point she needs to use her smaller size and quickness as an advantage.

Below, From Combat Pit 3, Firestar misses Ultra Magnus with her Punch attack.

Scrapper is poking at his pot of energon-gelatin. Still wiggly. He's probably not paying as much attention tot he matches as he should be. Idly, he notes, "Still no sign of Bluestreak. Those lazy Autobots."

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Symphony growls slightly, "Ahhh, the feeling of your systems rebelling, relish it dear seeker. It's the last thing you'll hear in this fight." she launches into the air again, tails poised to strike, armblades extended, the DCI Femme hurtles through the air, twisting as she goes the tails stab out, intending to cut straight through the seeker's back instead of her chest.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Symphony strikes Catechism with Scorpion Impale.

Below, From Combat Pit 3, Ultra Magnus steps to his left, avoiding the attack. Firestar is much faster than Sludge and Magnus must adjust himself to a new style of combat. Magnus charges Firestar while she's off-balance and he throws a punch towards her, aiming for her shoulder.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Catechism is well and truly impaled. Energon leaks from her, staining her charcoaled frame with pink. She looks like a corpse... or a zombie. Catechism hangs there in the air, kicking weakly. Okay, *now* she'd be running. Then, she narrows her optic band, steeling herself, and puts some energy into those kicks. Can't give up yet!

Below, From Combat Pit 3, Ultra Magnus strikes Firestar with Pounding Fist.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Catechism misses Symphony with its Kick of Desperation attack.

Below, From Combat Pit 3, Firestar crunches nicely as her shoulder is pummeled, smoke eliciting from the joint from some collapsed piece of wiring. Still though, the damage doesn't seem to limit her yet. She spins and aims to plant a foot directly through Magnus' legs... she figures a big lug like him should drop like a rock.

Below, From Combat Pit 3, Firestar misses Ultra Magnus with her Kick attack.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Symphony's tails draw Cat close as her futile kick misses, "You've lost... or can't you see that yet?" she brings one of her shotguns up, this time packing a lighter punch as it's close range. She pulls the trigger, launching a pack of flak towards the impaled Seeker, intending to sever as many internal power lines as possible.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Symphony misses Catechism with her Gauss Shotgun - Flak Rounds attack.

Below, While munching on an energon bar, Bonecrusher had to admit to himself that Catechism has a commendable attitude for someone who isn't green. Battered, speared, and leaking, but - quite literally - still kicking. She

Below, From Combat Pit 1, "Nope," Catechism replies simply enough. It's hard to feel defeated when her opponent misses. She keys up her bank of coils, the capacitors again bursting with energy, and unleashes her gauss Symphony's way. As she lets if fly, she gives her arm gun a sharp whack, as if warning it of the consequences of failure. Succeed or die. That's the stakes.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Catechism misses Symphony with its gauss attack.

Below, From Combat Pit 3, Ultra Magnus catches Firestar's foot before she can hit him. He doesn't let her withdraw it, he grabs his leg and uses it to throw his opponent into the wall, "Hrm.. sorry about that."

Below, From Combat Pit 3, Ultra Magnus strikes Firestar with Flying Bot!.

Below, She's more than just a pretty cone, the demolitionist thinks, even though that - apparently - doesn't help her against Symphony.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Symphony's tails jerk as the crackle of powering coils is heard, the movement causing the shot to sail wide by millimeters, "At least you will face deactivation like a Decepticon should." she replies simply, raising her armblade up and punching forward, intending to impale it straight through the seekers neck.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Symphony strikes Catechism with Twin Blade Assault.

Below, From Combat Pit 3, Firestar crunches against the wall before thudding to the floor, but with a fairly acrobatic move she springs back up, still bouncing and moving, "Not bad... I guess I have no real choice in the matter." she grabs her axe and swings the hilt around in her hand once, the blade lighting up bright fiery red as she charges in, swinging in an up and across motion.

Below, From Combat Pit 3, Firestar misses Ultra Magnus with her Fireman's Energy Axe attack.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Catechism is impaled through the neck. It's a supremely unpleasant situation, but it doesn't take her down. Catechism knows that Symphony's next hit will probably be enough to take her down. It's not a happy thought. Now, Catechism can let Symphony make that attack, which costs nothing but a bit of energy to Symphony, or Catechism can do the damage herself and really make Symphony pay. With a shudder and the shriek of tortured metal, she yanks her head sideways to remove it from the blade and transforms. She fires her afterburners, intending to run right into Symphony.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, F-35B <Catechism> misses Symphony with its ram attack.

Below, From Combat Pit 3, Once again, Ultra Magnus is too fast for his opponent. He jumps back, avoiding the dangerous axe. It seems that Magnus is adjusting rather quickly to this new opponent. Clenching his fists, he leaps fowards. Falling towards Firestar he attempts to slam both of them into her skull.

Below, From Combat Pit 3, Ultra Magnus misses Firestar with his Double punch attack.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Symphony drops like a rock as the Jet skates by missing by millimeters. Sitting in a crouch on the floor Symphony is supremely displease, "Why..." she states in that grating harsh tone as her optics blaze a brighter red, "Won't..." she turns, shotgun in hand, raising to aim, "You..." the finger pulls the trigger and another round is projected towards Catechism's form, "DIE!"

Below, From Combat Pit 1, Symphony strikes F-35B <Catechism> with Gauss Shotgun - Slug Round.

Below, From Combat Pit 3, Firestar's size and speed -finally- pay off as she ducks in and under the attack, swinging the butt of her axe upwards she tries to coldcock the City Commander in the chin before darting away cautiously. Things haven't gone well so far, but the tide will turn... she'll -make- it turn.

Below, From Combat Pit 3, Firestar strikes Ultra Magnus with Axehandle to the face!.

Below, From Combat Pit 1, F-35B <Catechism> complies with Symphony's desire. She's so obedient! Well, not quite. She does fall down unconscious, which should be good enough. The jet plummets to the ground and crumples as she impacts the floor. Doesn't look like she's even be worth salvaging to cannibalize her parts for other Seekers, at the moment Oh well. There's always next year.

Below, From Combat Pit 3, Ultra Magnus is struck right in the face by the axe but the attack barely scratch his paint. "Nice shot Firestar." he simply comments. Magnus tries to move closer as he lift his hand into the air and brings it down at his opponent in a powerful back hand.

Below, From Combat Pit 3, Ultra Magnus strikes Firestar with Nasty Back hand.

Below, From Combat Pit 3, Firestar crunches across the ground after being smacked like some cheap hooker, she sits up slowly, rubbing her jaw, "Man that was nasty..." seeing few other options left, the femme transforms and hurtles herself towards Magnus, her crashfield snapping into place right before reaching him!

Below, From Combat Pit 3, Red Pickup Truck <Firestar> strikes Ultra Magnus with Feisty Femme commin' through.

Below, From Combat Pit 3, Ultra Magnus is caught off guard by Firestar's transformation. She rams into his legs, sending him flying into the air and heavily crashing on the ground. Magnus gets back on his feet, with a grin on his face, "You got me there." Then he jumps into the air foot fowards as he falls towards the red pickup.

Below, From Combat Pit 3, Ultra Magnus strikes Red Pickup Truck <Firestar> with Mega Kick.

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Below, Symphony emerges from the Combat Pit 1.

Below, Symphony has arrived.

Below, A small part of Bonecrusher feels for the relentless-to-the-last Conehead as she crumbles to the floor. A bigger part is happy that Symphony has indeed utterly trashed the Seeker. No one will be able to say that Scrapper was just given and easy opponent, oh no!

Below, F-35B <Catechism> emerges from the Combat Pit 1.

Below, F-35B <Catechism> has arrived.

Below, F-35B <Catechism> vanishes out of reality.

Below, F-35B <Catechism> has left.

Below, Symphony emerges from the arena, her optics now a calm ocean blue, "Scrapper is virtually a member of High Command. Much more my class of opponent. I shall make swift work of the rest of these individuals in the Full Combat Arena." she comments mostly to herself, sounds like she really -does- respect Scrapper more than she used to.

Below, From Combat Pit 3, Red Pickup Truck <Firestar>'s entire cab is crumpled nicely, after all in this mode she doesn't have anywhere near the same grade of protection. Skidding to a stop against the far wall on it's side the truck transforms and Firestar stands up slowly, "As long as you keep dishin' I'll keep takin' it boss." she swings the axe around again, charging in for another go, but at the last moment drops into a slide and launches her foot up at Magnus' chest, trying to take him off his feet entirely in a baseball style slide!

Below, From Combat Pit 3, Firestar misses Ultra Magnus with her Kick attack.

Scrapper nods off in his too-big chair. Too much energon-gelatin. Or something. He was pleased about Symphony winning, though. Shows that he's faced down a decent foe. Shows that he *beat* a decent foe.