Jump Ball

Log Title: Jump Ball

Characters: Interrogator, Major Bludd, Optimus Prime, Over Kill, Scourge, Turborat

Location: Florida Everglades, United States

Date: December 12, 2010

TP: Non-TP

Summary: Interrogator meets with Turborat to make an exchange. Unfortunately, it's anything but a private party.

Southeast United States - North America
Like the Northeastern US, this area extends from the Mississippi to the Atlantic and encompases a variety of states, including those states most commonly associated with the Old South. Once considered a backward region, the South has indeed risen again to become an area of culture and industry.

After sending a signal to Interrogator, Turborat hunkered in the floridan everglades nervously, staring out over the water towards Cobra Island, waiting patiently. He shifted uneasily, not liking this one bit at all...

Interrogator flies in low from Cobra Island in a large, unmarked cargo helicopter. He begins scanning for Turborat.

Turborat is scannable. Large dirty robots are kind of hard to miss even when they're trying. He tenses, hunkering down lower as the helicopter comes into view. He steps out of the woods carefully, staring up at the overhead helicopter suspiciously.

Interrogator lands in the clearing, and opens the pilot side door so Turborat can see there is a Human flying the machine.

Turborat frowns a little bit nonetheless, but doesnt return to the woods again as he stood there, a little mud still dripping off his dirty, scratched up and dented frame. "... Who are you again?"

Interrogator replies, "I am Interrogator."

Turborat pauses "... Are you the one I was talking to last night?"

Interrogator nods once and replies, "Yes. I agreed to give you new tires if I could study your ball."

A black SUV rumbles through the underbrush, the heavily-built vehicle rolling over small saplings and through muddy divots with equal ease. Behind the wheel, Major Bludd consults a GPS device. "Why can't these people agree to meet a /normal/ places?" he complains to himself as he drives.

Turborat nods slowly "You have them? " he asks, peering up at the helicopter doubtfully. HIs wheels were BIG, and knobbly. LIke a monster trucks'. Then he states "Okay, you can study it, but no breaking it or anything and I am always with it." he agrees "For eight tires."

Another odd aircraft comes into view, this one is a sleek blue, dragonesque jet. It lands next to Interrogator's chopper, watching it protectively.

Turborat pauses at the aircraft, then turns his head as he hears something behind him. HE fidgets "Its getting rather busy here." he notes to Interrogator.

Interrogator nods, and replies, "Yes, it is. I know the vehicle that just landed is a Vector, and a fellow Cobra, but I do not know who is driving the vehicle." He stands between the open pilot's door and the helicopter's cargo door, body tense, as he strains to see the vehicle approaching.

The vector bows it's head in greetings. "El.Oh." It comments. A voice comes from within it. "I am piloting the vector." it says. "Who else would be?"

The SUV slows as it approaches the treeline, coming to a stop with its front end just protruding beyond the massive pines. Bludd scowls at his GPS device, then looks up to see the gathering of vehicles and beings in the clearing. "Oh no," he breathes, leaning over the wheel to stare in disbelief.

Turborat blinks again abruptly at Interrogator, and then turns to the SUV, and then back again as he nods "So uh, did you bring the wheels? And are you okay with what I said?" he repeats.

Interrogator relaxes and replies to turborat, "Yes. I watched them load the helicopter. The SUV is driven by Major Bludd. I believe you know him." He opens the cargo door on the helicopter and shows Turborat the tires, which are on racks.

 Interrogator says, "Next time, would you please let me know in advance that you plan on joining me?"

 Over Kill says, "We are sorry. We did not know this is a private meeting. We can continue on our way."

"IT sounds... familiar." confesses Turborat, and he relaxes as he sees the wheels "How long do you need to examine the ball? " he asks curiously, opening up a panel on his side to rummage in there. A snake falls out and slithers away.

 Interrogator says, "No, stay. I know nothing of ground vehicle maintenance, and do not know if he can change his own tires."

Off in the distance, a Sweep approaches. He's scanning for Autobots. "Ahhh, the Dirty One is in range," he rumbles to himself.

Major Bludd puts his vehicle in park and flips open his cellphone, thumbing a quick-dial number and putting the phone to his ear. "Essie, if you set me up to meet with a busted-ass Transformer, I swear I will dob you in to You-Know-Who," he growls.

 Over Kill says, "Confirmed."

Interrogator replies, "I am hoping not long. I want to see if there is a mark of some sort on it to identify who made it, and watch it work."

Turborat nods "That's fair enough..." he looks at Bludd again, blinking again at Bludd, then back once more to Interrogator "Does he mean me? " he then waves to the Vector, remembering them "I'm still not edible!" as he pulls out a very dirty, worn out sack.

The vector tilts her head curiously. "Relax" a voice calls from inside her. "She will nto do anything I don't order her to. The network is under my full control."

Major Bludd spends a grouchy few minutes on the phone, then flips it shut and drops it back into the console beside him. He adjusts the frequencies on his radio set, picking up the transmitter and grumbling something into it.

 Major Bludd says, "Over Kill, report."

 Over Kill says, "I am observing through the vector. So far, the transformer is being...behaved."

 Major Bludd says, "Is there a reason you're meeting with this particular Transformer?"

Interrogator asks Turborat, "Are you capable of changing your own tires, or do you require somebeing to do it for you?"

 Over Kill says, "Interrogator is after its ball, I'd wager. We just here to protect him. In case it goes hostile."

Turborat holds the bag as he crouched in frnot of Interrogator, blinkig at the vector "Understood." he was oblivious to Scourges' arrival as he notes "I can do it. Its awkward on the rear ones but I've done it before. Are they filled?"

 Major Bludd says, "Its ... ball."

Scourge notices the humans and hovers above, pondering his next course of action. Perhaps they'll leak some information to him that he can use later.

 Over Kill says, "Yes. Apparantly it believes that... it can close the portal with it. From what we heard on Dalnet, we think it's sort of a Cybertronian metal detector that detects more then metal. Small items the creature hoardes."

Major Bludd mutters into the radio transmitter periodically, watching the group from his vehicle.

GAME: Major Bludd PASSES an INTELLIGENCE roll of Above Average difficulty.

 Interrogator says, "Yes, Sir. The ball that seeems to react to the portals, and as Over Kill stated, Turborat believes it could close a portal."

The vector watches the group impassively, serving as a bodyguard, it seems.

 Major Bludd says, "The thing that dings when there's stuff. *sigh* This Transformer is probably quite insane, you realise that?"

Interrogator says, "The Techno-Vipers who loaded the helicopter said everything was ready to go. I know nothing of ground vehicle maintenance."

Turborat ahhs and nods "IF they're the same ones as last time then it will be fine." he rummages in the bag, and pulls out... THE BALL.

Turborat dropped Turborat's Timey Wimey Ball.

Turborat's Timey Wimey Ball
Its a small glass ball with bubbles in it. Somehow though, it Dings when there's stuff.

 Over Kill says, "I have come to the conclusion that it is quite mad. I know it angered the doctor too."

 Major Bludd says, "Mindbender's in on this too?"

 Over Kill says, "Not that doctor. My alternate self. Mr. BATastic on the internet."

 Over Kill says, "If Mindbender is involved, I do not know of it."

<Cobra (IC)> Major Bludd says, "I see. So what d'you intend t'do with this ball when you get it?"

<Cobra (IC)> Over Kill says, "I have no plans. It is Interrogator's idea."

Major Bludd leans forward in his seat, though it doesn't really help him get a better look at the glass ball the Transformer's holding.

<Cobra (IC)> Interrogator says, "I intend to study it. I will be primarily looking for a maker's mark of some sort, running some field tests, and hopefully hear it ding."

Scourge sees the ball and swoops down to try to nab it.

>> Scourge succeeds with his generic combat roll on Turborat. <<

GAME: Interrogator FAILS an AGILITY roll of Very High difficulty.

GAME: Turborat PASSES a DEXTERITY roll of Average difficulty.

Interrogator senses something large swooping down, so he tries to grab the ball and roll closer to Turborat, hoping the Transformer will provide cover from whatever it is.

"AUGH!" shrieks Turborat as he was knocked over by Scourge, both of them slamming down into the muddy waters of the Glades. He keeps his grip on the ball for a few moments, then Interrogator grabs it from him. Its about the size of a smallish medicine ball "DONT let him have it!" he shouts, writhing under the sweep. "Get offa me!"

The Vector growls lowly. It moves to try to get between Scourge and the ball. "The ball belongs to. Cobra. And it's allies."

Major Bludd sits in his SUV at the edge of a pine woods in the Florida Everglades, watching a gathering of unusual people. His hand goes to the shifter, ready to move his vehicle if the sudden free-for-all over the big shiny metal ball gets too close.

Scourge growls and tries to reach for the ball. For now, it's more important to him than the Autobot. He stares at the Vector blankly. "What are you talking about?" he demands.

Major Bludd watches on, wishing he'd brought the armoured and armed military vehicle instead of this weekend warrior ute.

Turborat isnt an Autobot, but he twists around under SCourge and grabs onto him to try and keep him from getting to the ball, which bounces off and lands with a SPLASH in a nearby puddle "ACK! GET IT!"

Interrogator comes out of his roll in a crouch, and begins to grope for the ball in the murky puddle, mindful of the grappling combatants.

Optimus Prime steps out of some cover and into the opening where the fracas is going on. He stands there quietly for a moment, before his unmistakable voice is heard amongst the gathered. "I don't believe I'll be letting ANY of you retrieve the ball at this time."

Major Bludd's gaze goes sharply to the new arrival. He hasn't seen the Autobot leader since the assault on Luminous' fortress a few years back. If Prime is amongst the parties who wants this mysterious artifact of Turborat's, Cobra may well have to slither home empty-handed.

The Vector backs away from the Autobot. It is not familiar with him. It simply looks to the newcommer and extends its wings, showing its missiles underneath. "We cannot let you have the ball." it says, moving up to face Prime now.'

"I'll keep him from getting it," Scourge growls, facing the Autobot leader. "So, we meet again, Optimus Prime." Optimus Prime looks at all of them in turn, gaze resting on Scourge. "You can't afford to not let me have it. I have scientific minds at my disposal that rival any in your organizations. Only those under my command have necessary knowledge and skill to discern what the ball is and can do." he pauses, "However, if it is a question of prowess, then you look only to Scourge and wonder why he bears no fangs, or fangs so new that they HAD to be newly replaced." his optics narrow at the Sweep Commander, "Isn't that right?"

"Newly replaced," Scourge mutters.

Turborat blinks as Scourge suddenly climbs up off of him. He scrambles to his feet and bolts for the ball, slowing to avoid squishing interrogator "Its MINE, if anyone should have it its ME." he notes to PRime, looking over his shoulder with a scowl as he knelt beside Interrogator and the mud.

Major Bludd mutters into his radio transmitter again.

<Cobra (IC)> Major Bludd says, "Might be you won't get the chance to study the thing after all."

<Cobra (IC)> Over Kill says, "Who's the Big Red guy?"

<Cobra (IC)> Major Bludd says, "His name is Optimus Prime. He's the leader of the Autobots."

<Cobra (IC)> Over Kill says, "..."

<Cobra (IC)> Over Kill says, "Lovely."

<Cobra (IC)> Over Kill says, "Backing away."

The vector backs away, oddly enough and hovers to sit outside the area. Apparantly it has submitted it's need for the ball.

Interrogator tenses when he hears the authoritive voice of the Autobot leader, but concentrates on finding the ball in the muck.

GAME: Interrogator PASSES a DEXTERITY roll of High difficulty.

Interrogator tries to lie and says, "I can't find it!"

Scourge stands up, flaring his wings. "Well, Prime? Are you going to just stand there? Or shall we do battle again?"

"Noo, we have to." notes Turborat, forgetting about the two fighters as he pushes his hands into the mud. Then he stops, looking utterly disgusted. But... his ball "Its the hope of the universes!"

Interrogator keeps moving the ball out of Turborat's reach, so it looks like he is feeling for it.

Turborat frowns a little bit as he looks up at Interrogator, staring at him hard with a frown...

<Cobra (IC)> Interrogator says, "Major, I have the ball. Distract the Cybertronians, and I will try to make it to the Vector."

<Cobra (IC)> Major Bludd says, "Distract them?!"

<Cobra (IC)> Major Bludd says, "This thing ain't packin' heat, y'know!"

<Cobra (IC)> Major Bludd says, "Yer gonna haveta provide yer own distraction, Interrogator. I'm not getting between those two."

<Cobra (IC)> Interrogator says, "Over Kill, can the Vector snatch me on the fly?"

Major Bludd puts his SUV into reverse and backs up into the woods, performing a hasty k-turn and heading back in the direction he'd originally come.

<Cobra (IC)> Over Kill says, "Just hold your hand out and give the signal. She will fly in and swoop you up. Don't be afraid of the claws. I have.. full control."

<Cobra (IC)> Interrogator says, "I am braced with the ball, do it immediately, Over Kill!"

The vector suddenly takes off, flying low towards Interrogator's position. It holds a claw low, ready to scoop him up if it can!

Turborat suddenly gives an angry SQUEAL and dives right towards Interogator's feet, where his hands were under the ickiness, about to do a full rugby faceplant in the mud in desperation "NO! you DO have it! You PROMISED!"

GAME: Turborat PASSES an AGILITY roll of High difficulty.

Interrogator tries to roll back, both hands tightly holding the ball, hoping Turborat misses and the Vector grabs him!

GAME: Interrogator FAILS an AGILITY roll of High difficulty.

Interrogator slips while trying to roll back, falling on his butt!

GAME: Interrogator PASSES a STRENGTH roll of Very High difficulty.

Turborat grunts as Interrogator keeps a grip on the ball. He scowls, glaring at the human "You PROMISED, what are you DOING?!? We had a deal!" he notes, refusing to let go...

"What deal?" Scourge snaps, "Well, maybe I should step in and nullify that deal."

The vector scoops moves in, opening it's side door as it lands next to Interrogator. "Get in!" another voice calls from inside the vector.

Interrogator yells, "Scourge is going to get you, Turborat!", and tries to slide the ball out of Turborat's grasp. He hopes Turborat is distracted enough...

Ball Vs Sweep. IT was a tough one, but the mech squeaks and only holds on tighter, shaking his head "I dont care, its MY ball. I need it!" he shouts back at the human angril, one foot digging in as the Sweep moves up behind him. Fear flickers in his optics and he twists his head to look

<Cobra (IC)> Interrogator says, "If the Decepticon attacks Turborat, I will try to take the ball and board the Vector. Cobra Commander must have this ball!"

Scourge dives for the ball. "I'll get this ball, and then I'll learn its secrets! Then I'll rip YOU limb from limb!" he shouts at Turborat.

GAME: Scourge FAILS a DEXTERITY roll of Average difficulty.

<Cobra (IC)> Over Kill says, "The vector will wait for the opportunity."

A shriek from Turborat, and he yanks hard on the ball, instinctively curling around it as Scourge pounces. "It has no secrets!" he shouts.

Interrogator tries once again to get the ball from Turborat as Scourge attacks!

The ball slides out of Turborat's hands and he shrieks, actually swinging an arm out to try and snatch it back, though with Scourge in the way his aim was off, the typically timid transformer now quite different and feral.

>> Turborat succeeds with its generic combat roll on Interrogator. <<


 * DING*

Optimus Prime watches the wrestlign match happen. He hopes he doesn't have to get involved in this, but ultimately knows he has to. Biding his time, waiting to see his best opportunity to move, he watches and then does so.

Interrogator is startled bt Turborat's sudden, furious grab, and the slimey ball slips from his hands!

GAME: Optimus Prime PASSES an AGILITY roll of Very High difficulty.

Optimus Prime waits for the perfect opportunity, which occurs when Interrogator bobbles the ball, Prime springs into action! His large form manages to tuck and roll, half transforming so he doesn't crush any humans, and when he emerges on the other side, he's holding the ball protectively against him. "Scourge! You so much as come towards me and I'll make sure you have to replace more than your fangs!"

Scourge growls savagely, but remains where he is. He needs backup to take on Optimus Prime. And he doesn't have any.

Turborat is startled by the sudden dive by Prime through the mudhole, the ball knocked away from his hand and he lets out a cry of dismay. Landing on his back, he flipped to his feet quietly and then crouched there, staring at Prime as though a cat waiting to pounce, frozen in shock.

DING

Interrogator stands, swamp filth dripping off of him. He patiently waits for someone to make a mistake.