The Return of Bad Mort

Log Title: The Return of Bad Mort Characters: Bad Mort, Carly, Cerebros, Crosscut, Daniel, Dust Devil, First Aid, Fortress Maximus, Megan, Optimus Prime, Raoul, Scales, Sparkplug, Spike, Starlock, Swindle, Trojan, Tyla, zombies Location: Grand Canyon Date: October 27, 2019 TP: Summary: The Autobots gather for a solumn funeral, but the ceremony is interrupted by the undead abominations. As logged by  Scales

Log session starting at 13:15:23 on Sunday, 27 October 2019.

'''Trojan's last trip to Cybertron was to Make War. She had been assigned to bring the Decepticon defenses to ruin, and she did so without question. The Decepticon Castle was awarded with the loss of their main guns, and a new Skylight. She was not extracted by shuttle, though - she had taken the long way home in that gargantuan form to... visit old friends. She returned to Metroplex for a spell, and, having brooded on whatever it was that millennia old mech brood over, had come back for a visit. The light of the space bridge coruscated across the chamber in which it was housed, and mass formed together like long strands of liquid darkness, amalgamating into the terrifying gray frame that few care to remember. When the chamber powered down, Trojan crawled slowly forth, the ancient servos and eldrich gears grinding from somewhere deep within.'''

'''Scales tumbles out of a vent and glides down to the ground, shaking off dust once she lands. Then, she looks around, and pauses, staring up, up, and up at Trojan's face. The little dragon crouches low to the ground, optics wide.'''

'''Dust Devil is on guard duty...well Forcefield guard duty. His job is to open and close the shield of course, it doesn't help with scary things come through the space portal. That like that Storm femme from Camina. He saw the space bridge light up. He then sees the form coming out...and coming...and still coming. Of course then the little tape pops out in front of her. He reaches out with a hand and puts a small forcefield over her, just in case. He moves forward, "Watch out! Small critters coming through!"'''

'''The tower of terror whipped her scorpion tail from one side to t'other, until it finally came to crest high over her crown, and there it would remain. As Scales so stealthily slipped from the ducts and gracefully alit the floor, Trojan gave pause - especially so when Security bade the titan to be  on the lookout for smaller critters. This sudden cessation of forward movement was punctuated with a creak and groan one would expect from a building whose substructure was on the brink of collapse - but does not. The lower thorax and legs were completely still, not unlike that of a spider sitting astride her web to wait for her next meal... Ghastly optics bled some toxic-looking vapor, made all the more eerie by the green illumination behind. She leaned forward just so she could look past the contours of her torso to study both the little one and the sentinel in turn.'''

'''Scales holds perfectly still. She knows a lot of big, friendly transformers. She's also run into some not-friendly ones. As a tiny tape under a forcefield, she's probably okay here. But still. "H-hi?"'''

'''Dust Devil grins as he carefully moves forward, "uh hi Trojan right? I remember ya from before." He taps the forcefield. "Interested in some Cassette underglass?" He grins at Scales before disappating his forcefield. Though he's fully aware he deserves a hotfoot for that. He looks up at Trojan, "Thanks fer helpin save me from gettin totally trashed. Yer a hell of a fighter."'''

'''This mech tended to keep to herself, and it was not all necessarily by choice. Trojan was scary no matter what form she took. She leaned further forward to loom over the comparatively tiny dragonette, for looming was what colossal creepy things do! And now, she spoke. Bellowing up from somewhere deep within that chassis was a cacophony of wailing voices of different modulations, both male and female, more the latter than former. "Sssssuch a sssmall, precsssious one," hissed that eerie discord, sibilantly. The upper left arm lowered, and the hand reached down with one Brobdingnagian finger extending toward Scales. From this finger lanced a small number of prodigious, deft, tapering digits that, unlike the rest of Trojan, were made for delicate manipulations - although each ended in a definite, sharp point. Two of these filaments came together, to form a single more substantial appendage to offer Scales. Small as they were in contrast, the tiny dragon could easily perch upon them. '''

'''While this process of offering Scales a courtesy was in process, Dust Devil was then the subject of the giantess's attention. "That.... issssss correct," hissed she, susurrantly. "It wassss.... my pleasssssure to be... of asssssssisssstancsssse." She would not be the one to award a hotfoot; she was too gracious a mech for such a thing. <3 "I wasssss ssssurprissssed... that I wasss asssssked... along. Ssssso long asss all esssscaped, HALE! And whole... issss all that mattered to me."'''

'''Scales relaxes a bit. "Oh! I was there for that!" She reaches forward to shake Trojan's… extensions? with a paw. "I'm glad we had some big people to hold the door open while we were inside."'''

'''Dust Devil thinks Trojan wants to get a better look at Scales and being the helpful mech that he is. He scoops up Scales up onto the appendages. See? Helpful! Not like she can't fly off if she wants to. But it would give Trojan a better view of her rather than Trojan bent over like a human observing an ant. "I know I appreciated it. That Airachnid had my number!"'''

'''The tiny manipulators accepted the Dragonette's exchange of courtesy with marked acumen; while these extensions were not fluid nor were made to be, they were exceedingly exact and precise. The lower portion of Trojan's structure had remained inordinately still while the rest of her was in motion. And Lo, ever-helpful Dust Devil had perched Scales upon the lithe digit. Her hand remained still, just in case Scales did not want to stay roosted. "That isssss," she began, spectral voices boiling up from within the chasm of her torso, "At leassssst one thing at... WHICH! ...I excsssssel." She added a popular fiction reference, "HODOR." Which sounded appropriately ghastly.'''

'''Scales blinks, tilting her head. Having learned that Trojan is friendly, she clambers up a bit higher. "You like Game of Thrones?"'''

'''Dust Devil looks up at Scales and Trojan, "Game of Thrones? That's that human show. Never got to see that one." He grins and moves back to get a better view of Trojan. It was kinda hard to focus on the death centipede during the battle.'''

'''The smaller manipulators retracted into those recesses from which they came as Scales ascended further, and eventually onto the last knuckle of Trojan's titanic pointer finger. "Yessss," she answered, sibilantly. "Humansssss enjoy their esssscapessss. Their creaTIVE... capacssssssity to convey their audi...encsssesssss to another placsssse through... media and the... written word, no.... matter how primi-TIVE! rival our own. Tisss one way to ssssspend the lonely hoursssss... on Metroplexsssss," said she, to both. Trojan began lifting her left arm, bringing Scales along for a ride. "HODOR, the char-ACTER, Opened the way ? for the heroesssss' esssscape, then wassss ssssacrificed holding back.... the baddiesssss... Holding... the door... sssshut." The reference fit, only Trojan came out mostly unscathed.'''

'''Scales ohs. "I watch some human shows, but not that one. It's kinda depressing." she settles, sitting on Trojan's hand. "I like cartoons mostly."'''

'''Dust Devil grins at scales, "I have a bunc of cartoons I liked to watch. It was a great thing to do when I was trying to ignore Prowl and Red Alert tryin ta find me." He grins Brightly, "If ya ever need ta see any shows you can't find I have lots of junkion friends who may be able to hook you up."'''

'''Scales was the subject of study for a long moment. It was not everyday that poor Trojan enjoyed friendly interaction. "Tissss the range of sssensssitivitiessss... that we ssssshare with the... humansssss that bind ussss in.... more than common... caussssse and obliga---sssshunss," noted Trojan, as she settled her hand back to the ground so the tiny Dragoness could dismount. "...I do not... trussssst the Sssscavengerssss much, but sssssshould I find sssssomething they did not..... incercsssssept before the age of... tele-VISsssion, I ssssshall partake of your gracssssiousss... offer."'''

Scales hops off and climbs up Dust Devil instead.

'''Dust Devil grins at Scales as he's now used as a perch. "The normal junkions are usually all alright. Like Benin and Longsight and a few others. There are evil versions and...some insane guys that I'd be worried about." He chuckles, "So uh...I've never seen anyone like ya. Did ya have a specific purpose or.....?"'''

'''The impassive steel mask veiled the melancholy expression which formed behind it. Because of the dissonance of the modulators, no fault was really evident in the voice; even her posture remained still and rigid. "Thissss... wasssss not mine," she said of her form and function, as she pulled back upright, joints and mechanisms complaining at each articulation. Still, one might get the inkling that they've touched upon something that made her a little upset.'''

'''Scales blinks. "You got.. transferred?" she guesses.'''

'''Dust Devil is curious too. Balancing Scales carefully, he climbs up on one of the still slightly ruined wallsso that he can see hermore optic to optic, "I'm sorry if I picked a bad topcis..."'''

'''Scales was trying to be understanding, but the word 'transferred' bit a little harder than Dust Devil's initial question, for who would want such a badly cobbled together form as this, made of ship parts, caskets, containers, and metal carcasses...? Thankfully, Tasinia Trojan was a gracious, calm monster, who excelled at keeping her thoughts and feelings turned inward. The toxic green vapor that was a constant green miss about the titan's optics deepened in its radioactive hue and brightened until they spotlighted Dust Devil's ascent to eye level. Up here, both might become aware that the mask that covered the lower and upper portion of her head was just that - a retractable mask. "I wasssss... unwillingly remade..." Bad subject? Yup. "... From the corpssssessss of my friendsssss." Cue appropriate blanket of lightning and low rumble of thunder from somewhere in the distance.'''

'''Scales ohs, clinging to Dust Devil carefully to hang on without getting in his way as he climbs. "So, kinda like Amalgam, I guess. I hope.. I hope you're okay? He used to hear voices."'''

'''Dust Devil frowns at what Trojan says, "oh....again I'm sorry." He offers her a grin, "I've gotten ta see all types since officially joinin the bots on Earth. And right now I'm stuck here while they work on fixin the forcefields up.'''

'''"I ssssstill hear them, yesss. Their lasssssst wordssss. Their... dying.... ssscreams. The lassssst transssmisssions from Chryssss-TAHL Cssssity assss the defenssssesss fell." She leaned over just a little - every time she did this, she loomed with menacing air, even if it was unintentional. "I sssstill hear.... thossssse who sssssuccumbed from their... woundssss... those who passsssed from.... sssstarva-SHUN, bidding me... sssssurvive, for... oncsssse upon a millennia, I wassss asssss ssssmall asss you, Sssscalessss. Ssssurvive I did, but the cosssst... Wasss high." A pause punctuated the next admission, and it may be one to cause concern, "I ssssstill sssssee them, too. Occasssssionally. They sssscream for vengeancsssse..." Dust Devil was examined under the weight of those ghoulish optics. She knew he meant nothing by it, for nothing from an innocent question could be construed as malicious. "It issssss.... fine. I wassss.. sssssimply not ready to... field a quessssstion few bother to asssk." That gaze turned away, the pale and ghostly lamps in search of the broken force field generators and emitters. "Oncsssse upon a turn, I sssssserviced The Guardiansssss and the defenssssessss of my home. What issssss... wrong with theeessse?"'''

'''Scales ohs quietly. "I guess if you've managed this long, it's okay.. kinda rough, but okay." She shivers a bit.'''

'''Crosscut hurries into the Decagon, making a beeline for the Space Bridge. That is, of course, until he encounters the frightening visage that is Trojan. Crosscut's optics widen and for the moment the experienced diplomat of visibly thrown off his game. He quickly recovers, however, and glances around, belatedly noticing Trojan is not alone. "Hello, everyone," he says politely, his voice betraying none of the shock in his optics. "Is everything alright?"'''

'''It is seldom okay, but some mechs simply deal with their quirks better than others. The sibilant hiss comprised of dozens of modulators, both male and female, more the latter, made a thoughtful, rumbling noise from somewhere deep within the upper chassis. By now, the unintentional hurt had cooled, and the brightness of the illumination back-lighting the ghastly vapor that was a constant presence around her optics had returned to as normal as could be expected. Crosscut's arrival caused the colossal terror to turn about, to pivot a few degrees at the torso, while her lower body remained as still as a spider awaiting its prey. This point was punctuated by grating steel and a complaint of gears whose din was only amplified by the chamber in which the gathering stood. She leaned forward too, just enough to observe the smaller, dashing Autobot from over the sculpt of her own contours. The optics widened a little behind her own mask. "I... do not believe.... I have had... the pleassssure," said she, off the cuff.'''

'''Scales is sitting on Dust Devil's shoulders, and Dust Devil has found a nice spot up on the wall of the chamber where he's on level with Trojan's optics. She waves down at Crosscut past the giant, terrifying femme.'''

'''Crosscut bows slightly. "I am called Crosscut. I'm Optimus Prime's ambassador at large to other races. I regret I am on the way to a funeral. You could only be Trojan." Crosscut straightens up. His face is masked, but he's recovered enough that the warmth projected from his optics matches his voice at last. "I am extremely pleased to make your acquaintance." Breaking his formal stance, Crosscut gives Scales a cheerful little wave.'''

'''The objective of his mission prompted Trojan to move away from the platform, and this slow skitter of arachnidian legs made the metal floor tremor. Each step sounded more painful than it should, what with all the grinding and scraping of strained gears and substructure. Once clear of the transporter, she offered a courtley, slight curtsy, like the Victorian Gothic femme she aspired to be, and then grew still. She offered in that eerie, hissing cacophony of voices, "Tasssssinia Tro-JAHN, at your... sssservicssse. The pleasssssure isssss mine, Crossscut. Offer my... condolencsssessss to the... family of the... deceased."'''

'''Scales blinks down at Crosscut. "Which.. which one?" she asks, thinking of all the people who've died recently.'''

'''Crosscut nods appreciatively to Trojan. "I will indeed. Thank you." Crosscut looks up at Scales. "Four Autobots," he explains, "who before their deaths had asked to have their remains interred on Earth -- Skids, Bluestreak, Outback, and Tracks. You're all welcome to attend if you knew the deceased. I know Optimus Prime would appreciate the turnout, to say nothing of those of us close to those who died."'''

<> Fortress Maximus says, "Entering Earth's orbit"

'''This was one of those times of which she was painfully self conscious, and felt that her presence would be... inappropriate. One does not want the ghastly apparition of death attending a funeral, and since her other form was only more terrifying...? Good grace and common courtesy were to win the day. "I knew them not," Trojan began, that noise of modulations roiling up like a banshee's wail, "But they were ssssstill.... brothersss. I feel that I... sssshall mourn their... passsssing when the ritesssss are over."'''

'''Scales ohs and hops down, spreading her wings to glide the long way down to where Crosscut is. "I didn't even know! Nobody put up an announcement or anything."'''

'''Crosscut nods again, almost as if intuiting Trojan's feelings on the matter. "I will bring your grief and respect with me as I go." He looks up at Scales. "There have been so many ceremonies," he sadly acknowledges. "There may not have been a general announcement. You are welcome, however," he repeats. "I'm heading there now."'''

<> Optimus Prime says, "Directing you to the landing site now."

<> Starlock says, "Good luck!"

Taking a word from the archaic speech of humanity, Trojan again proffers a kindly courtesy, much to the complaint of the forelegs, "Godsssspeed."

'''Scales nods. "I'll come. It'll be good to see Earth again, even if it is for a funeral. And... I should be there."'''

'''"Thank you again, Trojan. It was a pleasure meeting you." Crosscut nods to Scales. "Your presence will be welcome and appreciated."'''

Grand Canyon

'The Grand Canyon is a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River in the United States in the state of Arizona. It is largely contained within the Grand Canyon National Park, one of the first national parks in the United States. President Theodore Roosevelt was a major proponent of preservation of the Grand Canyon area, and visited it on numerous occasions to hunt and enjoy the scenery.'

'The Grand Canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide and attains a depth of over a mile (1.83 km) (6000 feet). Nearly two billion years of the Earth's geological history have been exposed as the Colorado River and its tributaries cut their channels through layer after layer of rock while the Colorado Plateau was uplifted. While the specific geologic processes and timing that formed the Grand Canyon are the subject of debate by geologists, recent evidence suggests the Colorado River established its course through the canyon at least 17 million years ago. Since that time, the Colorado River continued to erode and form the canyon to the point we see it at today.'

'Before European immigration, the area was inhabited by Native Americans who built settlements within the canyon and its many caves. The Pueblo people considered the Grand Canyon ("Ongtupqa" in Hopi language) a holy site and made pilgrimages to it. The first European known to have viewed the Grand Canyon was Garc?a L?pez de C?rdenas from Spain, who arrived in 1540.'

'''The ominous figure of Fortress Maximus begins his descent near the Grand Canyon. Locking into the coordinates set by Optimus Prime, the massive city-like battlestation slowly hovers down. The passengers have had a fairly unremarkable journey up to this point. Within one of the rooms of Fortress Maximus, the bodies the fallen Autobots rest, each bearer draped with the Autobot insignia.'''

<> Fortress Maximus says, "All occupants prepare for landing. Touchdown in 60 seconds."

'''Optimus Prime has brought the Autobots to the Grand Canyon on Earth for a funeral. A stage of sorts has been erected, with a well-lit platform for the deceased, space for both human and Transformer mourners, and a small podium for Optimus Prime and others to speak. The fallen Autobots are being brought from Cybertron aboard Fortress Maximus. Others have taken the Space Bridge to Metroplex and ground transport out to the canyon.'''

'''Raoul's blush isn't as evident with his tan skin, but it's there. "Thank you, sir," he says respectfully. He gestures, and once Sparkplug sits, pushes his chair to the transport that takes them and other human mourners to the funeral site. He positions Sparkplug's chair on the human witness platform and stands close by, keeping his old boss company and trying not to think about what happened to his old friend Tracks.'''

'''Crosscut arrives on Earth via the Space Bridge with Scales in tow - one of the few Autobots that wouldn't feel cramped in his tiny Honda City R altmode. For once, the usually friendly Autobot ambassador doesn't talk much, although he seems to appreciate the company during the long drive out to the canyon. Upon arrival, he transforms and makes his way to the platform for Transformer mourners, although he arranges himself close to the podium as if one of the people gathered to speak.'''

'''Spike gives a somber smile as he sees Crosscut arrive. He hasn't seen his mentor in ages (and it's probably shown, based on a few flubs he's made on the diplomatic end). He walks over to Crosscut to exchange some plesantries. Given Crosscut's size, he's able to give him a brief bro-hug. "Good to see you."'''

Springer arrives at some time via the Space Bridge as well, the Wrecker taking his time as he moves towards the proper platform while his head turns from side to side scanning those there as well as the enviroment.

'''Crosscut looks down as Spike and stoops slightly to return the not-really-much-smaller human's bro hug. "It's good to see you, Spike. Has Prime asked you to speak?"'''

'''Scales Trots to the platform, sticking close to Crosscut as they arrive. She spreads her wings slightly to catch the sunlight- she hasn't been on Earth in a while, and she's both happy to be here and a bit somber at the reason why.'''

'''First Aid arrives quietly, lowering his head. The ambulance stays by himself, as his brothers aren't here yet. Maybe they're on assignment. He folds his hands in front of himself, wearing a black armband for the occasion.'''

'''Sparkplug smiles as he's wheeled toward the human seating area. Carly, Daniel, and Megan are already there. All dressed in their respectable bests. Sparkplug looks back at Raoul and gestures, pointing out the Autobots he may not have met. "And that's Springer...you'll like him. And that's Crosscut, he's like the main diplomat for the Autobots, and that's First Aid over there..." He beams with pride and says "I think you might have met Daniel, but he was just a baby, and then there's my granddaugher...M.Megan."'''

'''Raoul crosses over and greats the other Witwickys. Raoul is dressed in a muted silver suit with a blast dress shirt, and seems genuinely pleased to see the other members of Sparkplug's family. "Wow, man!" he says to Spike, looking over his little family. "You've done well," he grins.'''

'''Spike nods to Crosscut. "He asked me to say a few words." He looks back at Fortress Maximus and leans in, whispering to Crosscut "I know we got a lot to talk about...we'll talk later if you have time time, if that's OK?"'''

'''Crosscut leans down to Spike. "Absolutely. We have a lot on which to catch up."'''

'''Swindle is in the area because he's scouting for hidey holes, either for himself or for the Combaticon, he's not entirely sure. it'll depend if Onslaught finds out what he's up to.'''

'''Fortress Maximus' ramp descends, and about 16 Autobots walk up the ramp, leading in. After a few moments, four Autobots bring out the Autobot insignia-draped coffin of Bluestreak. The process is slow and reverential.'''

'''Scales brightens upon seeing the extended Witwicky clan. She slips over to go headbump Daniel in greeting. It's been a lot longer since she last saw him than Earth.'''

Optimus Prime stands at the podium, patiently waiting for the coffins and mourners to get into place before speaking.

'''Daniel, looking every bit the grad student he is, rests his hand on Scale's head. "Heyah, Scales." He looks down at Megan, who hides behind her big brother. Daniel looks down. "It's ok, Megan..."'''

'''The other Autobots slowly bring out the caskets of Skids, Tracks, and Outback. Each Autobot takes a few steps and pauses, then repeats. Soft, mournful music begins to play as the Autobots and human delegates in attendance begin to take their place.'''

Springer moves to one corner of the viewing area so he can see clearly and not block the view while a handful of the lesser known Wreckers arrive as well, for if there is a unit that knows what it is to feel what it is like to love comrades the Wreckers would definitely be it, all moving to differnt areas, offering small words to any of those they see who might look like they need a shoulder or hand but fall quiet as the musc starts.

'''Spike looks up at the podium. He walks over and gives Carly a hug, then pats his son on his shoulder. He smiles at Scales. "Heyah, glad you can make it."'''

'''In a remote region of the Grand Canyon, Optimus Prime stands before a small gathering of Autobots and supporters. Before Prime are four Transformer-sized coffins, each emblazoned with the symbol of the Autobots. Discretely off to the side stand several members of the Autobot Construction Operations sub-division, ready to dig graves once the ceremony is over. For now, though, the spotlight is on those who lost their lives against the Fallen.'''

Optimus Prime intones in his gravest voice, "Honored guests, local government officials, and especially the friends of our lost Autobots: I would like to thank you for inviting me to join you today as we remember and honor the mechs who paid the ultimate cost in defense of our home planet of Cybertron. Were it not for their sacrifice, we may not be standing here today to memorialize them.

"While many died recently on Cybertron," Prime indicates, "these four had previously indicated their wish to return here, to their adopted home: Earth. It is a rare opportunity to speak at a memorial service here and I am honored and humbled to be with you. Today at we come together to remember and to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who paid the true cost of freedom - our fallen comrades."

'''Optimus Prime straightens his stance to somehow stand even taller. "Today is personal to me. It is a day of remembrance. Not a day to remember battles or wars, but a day to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our worlds. When the Fallen attacked Iacon, these heroes didn't hesitate to defend the citizens and non-combatants living in the city. They acted, fought, and ultimately died so the rest of us may live."'''

'''Optimus pauses a long moment before gesturing respectfully to the four coffins before him. '''

"Skids, our theoretician, who never forgot that beneath our skin, be it organic or metal, we are all far more alike than not. Bluestreak, who never let the horrors of war dissuade him from fighting to defend the innocent. Outback, whose love of the wilds of Earth echoed even at home on Cybertron. Tracks, whose love of Earth's cities equaled Outback's love of the great outdoors. All of them wished ultimately to return here, the place they accepted as their new home."

'''Optimus looks over those who have joined him for the small ceremony. "I would like to ..." He pauses a moment, frowning and glances as something interrupts his speech....'''

'''Scales nods to Spike. "Me, too," she says quietly. She sits down among the humans since she's small enough to fit there, watching the ceremony.'''

Swindle hears the sad, mournful music begin to play and starts moving toward it, drawn by his innate curiosity and inadquate levels of impulse control.

'''The bright shades of sand in the Arizona landscape begin to grey and darken. Clouds begin to roll in quickly - heavy, black, and pendulous. There's a crunch of metal boots on gravel as a shrouded figure stalks toward the gathering. A raspy voice growls, "Well... ain't this a tender sight. Gathering to mourn fallen comrades."'''

'''There's an icey feeling cloying at the back of your mind, whispering dark impulses to your subconscious as something can be heard stirring. The coffins suddenly begin to rock. The newcomer reaches up a mangled hand and draws back his hood, revealing a face torn by battle - all exposed framework and a rat's nest of wiring. "See, the thing is..." He throws off the cloak, revealing the beaten and weathered frame of an ancient (and probably exhumed) Autobot, "On my side, we don't have to worry about fallin' for long."'''

There's a tearing of metal as a fist breaks through the hull of the coffin containing it, followed quickly by the rest of the bodies rebelling against the devices of their interment.

'''Raoul...it's like he never left the Autobots. Years ago, this is when Sparkplug would have sprung into action. But today, he looks back at Raoul, giving a look of confusion. A total sitting duck. "What...what's happening?!"'''

'''A spiked hover-ATV flies in to the area, arcing around before landing and transforming into a tall, lanky femme. Her peeling armour may have once been tan, but it now scarred and mostly faded to a dull grey. Her optics are dark and hollow but there is glee in her jagged smile. Her long arms end in frightful claws, each one jagged and covered in blood-red rust.'''

Spike looks over at his family from the podium, but Carly and Daniel have already hopped into action, protecting Megan from the menace that is appearing.

'''Raoul grabs Sparkplug's chair and immediately begins wheeling him towards cover. "I don't know what's happening, man, but it ain't good!"'''

'''Bad Mort raises a small device that looks like a medieval remote control, "But wait! We can't start the party until all the guests have arrived!" He presses a button and a swirling vortex of darkness begins to form behind him, collapsing the barrier between this world and that of the living dead. As the four dead Autobots begin ripping themselves free of their coffins, legions of undead begin pouring through the breach. Stalking among them is a titanic figure, a mismatched fusion of the Predacons and Protectobots.'''

'''Crosscut shakes his arms, activating little-used defensive weaponry. He leaps down off the Transformers platform, trying to cross over to the side with Spike and his family. Between Crosscut and his human friends (and Scales!) are the animated remains of the recently-deceased Autobots, and then the massive portal opens....'''

GAME: Crosscut PASSES a COURAGE roll of Average difficulty.

GAME: First Aid FAILS a COURAGE roll of Very High difficulty.

<> Doctor First Aid says, "Guys...."

GAME: Scales PASSES a COURAGE roll of Average difficulty.

GAME: Spike PASSES a COURAGE roll of High difficulty.

<> Doctor First Aid says, "No. No no no. Not again. Not THEM."

GAME: Swindle FAILS a COURAGE roll of Extreme difficulty.

'''Scales jumps forward to crouch in front of the humans, crest and wings half-spread protectively. "Find someplace safe for Megan! I'll watch your backs!"'''

'''Spike takes shelter behind Crosscut with Carly, Daniel and Megan. He looks over at Cerebros, then looks back up at Crosscut. "Uh...I think I'm going to have to make a break..." He looks at Carly and Carly merely nods.'''

Spike radioes Cerebros and says "OK, remember the rule of not using your firepower...this may be the time to break it!"

'''Optimus Prime reacts immediately, jumping off the platform and drawing his Pathblaster. "Autobots!" he yells. "Find cover! Protect the humans!" He races forward, arming his rifle. "Mortar!" he addresses the figure who interrupted his speech. "Don't do this! Today is a time for mourning. Do not sully it with your twisted presense!"'''

GAME: Spike PASSES a COURAGE roll of High difficulty.

'''Spike gives a nod to Crosscut and pats him on his shoulder. "Be careful!" He then runs, making a beeline toward Cerebros. Cerebros, not one at ALL for combat, picks Spike up and places him, exo-suit-less in his cranial unit. He then proceeds to run into Fortress Maximus.'''

'''Springer growls just a bit as the chaos springs forth and it gets a bit deeper when the fallen Autobots start to move, a few of the other Wreckers hesitate just a moment but soon are moving forward, each moving to cover some of the weaker Bots as well as the humans while Springer himself jumps forward and lands infront of the Human group, sword appearing in one hand as the other brings out his pistol. He looks at Tyla and shakes his head a bit, "Damn... I try to see beauty in anything, especially the Femmes, but lady, you redefine 'Ugly'."'''

'''Raoul wheels Sparkplug down beneath the human mourner platform, out of sight and he hopes out of immediate danger. "It'll be OK, Mr. Witwicky," the record producer says, voice shaking. "Optimus Prime is here. He'll protect us. He'll protect your family." Raoul peeks out from behind cover. Even if the undead weren't several times his size, Raoul doesn't have a weapon - not even a wrench. But he'll be damned if he lets anyone hurt the man who in many ways saved his life.'''

'''Fortress Maximus isn't the swiftest of Autobots. The transforming process takes a lumbering 30 seconds, but once it happens, Fortress Maximus stretches, perhaps in relief that he finally gets some mobility after his lengthy trek from Cybertron. In the vicinity of the massive combiner, he growls "Fortress...MAXIMUS!"'''

'''Sparkplug freezes and merely nods, along with the few other human diplomats and guests who are under the platform for protection. Sparkplug, feeling every bit of his helplessness looks on in confusion and fear at Raoul. He reaches out and squeezes Raoul's arm. "We..gotta...stay together."'''

'''Bad Mort turns to glare at Optimus Prime, his lifeless black optics seeming to tug at the Autobot leader's very life force. He sneers as he's addressed, "I ain't that goody little two-shoes. I'm Bad Mort." He draws a fusion shotgun from his pack, leveling it at Optimus, "And I'm the guy with the gun."'''

'''>> Bad Mort misses Optimus Prime with Fusion Shotgun . <<'''

<> Starlock says, "huh?"

<> Doctor First Aid says, "Deadites.."

'''From within Fortress Maximus, Spike says to Cerebros in a rapidfire tone "All right buddy this is 'real world' shit, whatever we're going to do, we gotta do it in unison. No arguments from any of us." Cerebros calls back "Affirmative."'''

'''Swindle arrives just in time to see all hell break loose. The dead are walking and they appear to be unhappy. Swindle would be the first to say that he's not a superstitious mech -- but, well, Swindle *lies*. Like, a lot. Like, constantly. To everyone. Including himself. He freezes in place as he sees the abomination that is a mix of the Predacons and Protectobots appear, but his scatterblaster whines loudly into life and seems almost to target on its own, firing blindly at the merged gestalt.'''

'''>> Swindle strikes Predafensor with Scatter-Blaster . <<'''

'''Crosscut scooches around the zombie Autobots, hands out in front of him protectively. "St-tay back," he calls to the humans on the platform. "We-we'll handle this." He glances down at Scales at his side, nodding, gaining some strength from the even-smaller Autobot's bravery. As Skids's animated body lurches towards them, however, Crosscut pauses. "Please," he whispers. "Brother..." But when the former theoretician continues to advance, Crosscut turns his head away, and fires...'''

'''>> Crosscut strikes Zombie Autobots with Laser . <<'''

'''Springer moves forward quick enough, a quick command going out over the Wrecker comms sending the handful there towards the zombie hordes, his gun rising up as he fires off a few quick random shots at the horde himself, his focus on those closest to the humans as he keeps muttering, "Did Blot have a daughter?" His path turns just a bit as he see's Tyla moving forward and sets his path towards her with his sword rising up in a sweep as a challenge towards ger, "Lady, you need a serious scaping done on those fingers of yours."'''

'''>> Springer misses Zombie Autobots with Laser . <<'''

'''Optimus Prime stares down Bad Mort as they advance towards each other, twisting slightly to dodge the spread of Mort's fusion shotgun blast. "You'll find I have a gun as well," Prime says dryly, raising his rifle and firing from the hip at the shoulder of Bad Mort's gun arm - specifically, the connector between the arm and body. "And in this case, I'm not afraid to use it. Send your monstrosity home, Mort - or our friends won't be the only ones buried today."'''

'''>> Optimus Prime misses Bad Mort with Disarm . <<'''

'''There's been much hand-wringing over the past two months about the nature of pacificism. Weighing one's role in the never-ending civil war between Autobots and Decepticons with Cerebros. But right now, good ol'-fashioned 'fight or flight' instincts are kicking in for all three occupants. Fortress Maximus lumbers toward Predafensor, in hopes of drawing the massive form away from the humans...by...using his sword as a sort of bat to bash him away from the innocents.'''

'''>> Fortress Maximus strikes Predafensor with Master Sword. <<'''

'''Tyla gives off a shrieking cackle at Springer's insult. She leaps from rock to rock, rapidly approaching the Wrecker leader. Dropping before him, she looks up at him with empty black optics. "You found me beautiful, once," she replies, giving him a frightening, broken-dentae grin. Up close, she looks almost familiar, even through the stench. The flaking brown paint... the remnants of a Weatherbot logo on her rusted chest.... "Perhaps you're a little too pretty yourself," she comments, slashing her claws down at Springer's handsome face.'''

'''>> Tyla strikes Springer with Claws. <<'''

'''First Aid sees Tyla go after the absolutely beautiful wre.. SPRINGER. And he goes into protective mode. "It's time for you to stop this. Lay down and find peace." with that, he fires his pistol at her, trying to blind her!'''

'''>> First Aid misses Tyla with Blinding . <<'''

'''Scales sets her little claws next to Crosscut, doing her best to be brave like Grimlock would. Also, she's not about to let Daniel or Megan get hurt if she can help it. The little dragon huffs and puffs as the zombies approach, breathing out a stream of fire to ward them off as they get nearer.'''

'''>> Scales strikes Zombie Autobots with Fire . <<'''

'''Predafensor doesn't have much in the way of formal thinking anymore, let alone the capacity to verbalize its emotions. Instead, the mismatched creature just unleashes an unholy roar of hunger, leaning forward into a stalking lumber as it moves toward Fortress Maximus. It fails to notice the scatterblast that punctures its armor, opting instead to take out the greater prey. The sword takes him in the arm formed of Blades, biting deep and leaving it hanging from several cables. However, as the other arm is raised with an X-Ray cannon, the damaged parts begin to reach out shadows toward each other and knit themselves back together.'''

'''>> Predafensor strikes Fortress Maximus with Cannon . <<'''

'''Skids's lurching body staggers back from the force of Crosscut's blast. Bluestreak falters, looking slightly confused, as Scales sets him on fire. The others continue to lurch towards the humans. That is, until firepower starts pouring in from Springer and his Wreckers. Successfully somewhat diverted, Outback and Tracks turn to attack Springer even as Tyla slashes at his face. The zombie Autobots are ghastly silent, devoid of anything but naked hunger.'''

'''>> Zombie Autobots strikes Springer with Bite. <<'''

'''Raoul nods, moving back to stay with Sparkplug and the other human guests at the aborted funeral. "OK," he gasps, breathing heavily as he tries to keep calm. "We'll be OK. We'll stay together. Optimus Prime will protect us." He looks around for something - anything - that can be used as a weapon. Eventually he comes up with a spare piece of metal from the rafters, and he holds it before him protectively like a club.'''

GAME: Sparkplug PASSES a COURAGE roll of High difficulty.

'''Bad Mort grabs one of his own minions, hoisting it up into the path of Optimus' blast. "Thanks, pal," he says, dropping the lifeless corpse to the ground. "You're in luck, Optimus. When I'm done, we won't need to bury anyone!" He locks optics with Optimus and reaches out with his own dark thoughts before looking down at the corpse. "Pick yourself up, you miserable bag of bones!"'''

'''As the legions of the dead continue to pour from the swirling vortex, a howl of rage can be heard. Another monstrous creature lunges through the rift, a hideous merger of the Terrorcons and the Combaticons. Abrutibominus takes a moment to survey the scene before charging headlong toward the largest target it can see, moving in with widely spread claws.'''

'''>> Bad Mort misses Optimus Prime with Mindfire <Medium>. <<'''

'''Sparkplug rests his thin hand on Raoul's shoulder. "Get down son..." He weakly gets up from his wheelchair, and weakly pulls on Raoul's arm to get down on the ground.'''

GAME: Swindle FAILS a COURAGE roll of Extreme difficulty.

'''Swindle has seen his brothers dead before but seeing them dead and merged with the Terrorcons is just a biiiiit beyond the pale for him. It pushes him so far into fear he gets angry. Angry enough to fire on purpose this time.'''

'''>> Swindle strikes Abrutibominus with Rocket. <<'''

'''Crosscut flinches, taking an emotional toll as he battles his former friends. "It's working!" he yells encouragingly to Scales. "Keep it up!" As his wrist-lasers start to overheat, Crosscut rotates them out, replacing them with built-in miniguns. Wait, this guy is a diplomat? With determination set in his optics, he opens fire on the zombie Autobots again. "Skids, I won't leave you like this," he breathes almost silently.'''

'''>> Crosscut misses Zombie Autobots with Ballistic <Medium>. <<'''

'''Springer doesnt let the twin attacks from Tyla and the zombie attacks slow him down or stagger him much since he intentionally put himself forward to draw the zombies attention while his Wreckers do what they can to keep the unliving contained. His hand shoots up to grab at Tyla's attacks, her claws sinking into his hand and his fingers drop his rifle then wrap around hers as reality of who she is suppose to be /finally/ dawns on the Wrecker... and something somewhat rare for him shows up, his darker and far more angry then he has shown most before, "No.. you are not, nor ever have been my Typhoon." A flick of his hand and he slams his sword at the Deadite's chest, the whine of the motors in his sword arm making it clear he is putting as much strength into his blow as he can.'''

'''>> Springer strikes Tyla with Sword. <<'''

'''Optimus Prime halts a moment as Bad Mort's dark thoughts reach out to him, trying to corrupt him. "No!" Optimus yells, shaking his head. "NO!" Optics narrowing, Prime straightens up and fires at Mortar again and again and again, rapidly unloading his rifle's entire clip at the undead leader. When the rifle is empty, he simply drops it and retracts his fist, deploying his energy axe in its place. "Your evil ends here, Mortar," he intones roughly. "I've had ENOUGH!" He slashes at Mort with his axe.'''

'''>> Optimus Prime critically strikes Bad Mort with Energy-Axe! <<'''

'''Tyla jerks sharply and gasps as Springer's sword slams right through her chest, piercing her spark. As black ichor runs from the corner of her mouth. She shudders, and her empty optic cavities open wide. "But... I thought... I thought you loved me! The rose...." Something with her seems to go out, and she falls to the ground, crumpling with a soft sigh....'''

'''But only for a moment before her head snaps back up and she shrieks in laughter. "Ha!" she yells, and from the ground kicks hard at Springer's shin.'''

'''>> Tyla misses Springer with Blow. <<'''

'''From inside Fortress Maximus, Spike looks on frantically. "I would have loved to have maybe have spent a day testing out these weapons instead of debating about the nature of violence, Cerebros. But here we are..." Fortress Maximus stumbles back from the cannon shot from Predafensor. He still sees the massive formation is out of weapon range from the humans. He begins to lock on his cannons on the menace. It's a process that takes absolute concentration, so much concentration that Fortress Maximus has no idea another combiner (Abrutibominus) has entered the scene. He locks on his cannons at Predafensor.'''

'''>> Fortress Maximus strikes Predafensor with Laser Blasters <Medium>. <<'''

*Zap!* *Brap!* *Brap* *Pew* *Pew!*

'''Abrutibominus growls as the rocket impacts its leg, but is determined to take down the biggest meal. Moreover, it's determined to beat Predafensor to the kill. Its own fellow deadites make a clear path, and those that are too slow are crushed under its advance. It suddenly leaps up, slashing with its claws.'''

'''>> Abrutibominus strikes Fortress Maximus with Slash. <<'''

'''First Aid turns away from Tyla and stares down the giant mess that is Predafensor. His brothers- even if they are not from his universe, fighting like that. He stares at the undead Blades hanging there and something snaps. "Hot Spot. Blades. Groove. Streetwise." He says, his optic band flashing. "I'll put you to rest." with that he fires his laser at the creature trying to distract him. What kinda suicide mission is he on?7'''

'''>> First Aid strikes Predafensor with Laser <Medium>. <<'''

Predafensor is overcome by injuries, losing consciousness.

'''Scales takes a half step forward as Crosscut encourages. She takes deep breaths, drawing in more air as she raises her internal temperature, and uses that to breathe out a hotter wave of flame.'''

'''>> Scales strikes Zombie Autobots with Fire Breath <Medium>. <<'''

'''Crosscut's bullets tear through Skids's body but the undead scientist doesn't seem to notice. Skids lurches forward, reaching out with cold steel hands to grab at Crosscut and pull him down to the ground for the others to feast. Bluestreak staggers forward, still on fire. He burns brightly, the flames doing far more damage than Crosscut's bullets. The former gunner relies completely on brute strength now, staggering forward and trying to smash young Scales with fiery fists. '''

Outback and Tracks stumble off towards Springer's Wrecking crew, advancing slowly on Scoop and Flattop.

'''>> Zombie Autobots succeeds with its generic combat roll on Springer. <<'''

'''>> Zombie Autobots misses Crosscut with Grab. <<'''

'''>> Zombie Autobots misses Scales with Smash. <<'''

'''Raoul nods again to Sparkplug. "OK. OK," he tries to reassure Sparkplug. "It'll be OK. I'm laying down." He moves Sparkplug's chair to form a sort of shield from flying debris, and then lays down on the ground next to the Witwicky patriarch. "We're gonna get through this, man," he assures Sparkplug. "We're not going to die here tonight. I plan to attend your 100th birthday party."'''

'''Bad Mort yowls as the axe imbeds itself in his chestplate. However, he doesn't let it get him down. He withdraws his own hand back inside his arm, "I'll spoil those good looks!" A chainsaw suddenly extends from the arm, spraying acid as it screams to life. Bad Mort moves to rake it straight up the middle of Optimus' body.'''

'''As the Autobot forces seem to be stemming the tide, the greatest horror has finally chosen to unveil itself. This titan is a wholly new site, not a mismatched hotch-potch like the previous combiners. This one is new - created solely by the Deadites for their own evil ends. Monstructor has arrived.'''

'''>> Bad Mort strikes Optimus Prime with Acid-Chainsaw. <<'''

'''Sparkplug 's breathing gets labored. He then laughs, wheezing under the protection of Raoul. "Damnit..*cough* son...*cough* Now's not the time to joke!"'''

GAME: Crosscut FAILS an AGILITY roll of Average difficulty.

'''Swindle moves closer to the fight, mouth pulled back into a snarl as he fires on the freaks. He's glad to see one of the amalgamations disappear, though he wishes it was the one made up of his team that was gone. "Well, then, see hat you can do about it," he tells himself.'''

'''>> Swindle strikes Abrutibominus with Gyro-Gun <Medium>. <<'''

'''>> Abrutibominus temporarily loses motor functions from the attack! <<'''

'''Crosscut panics and throws himself backward as Skids lurches forward. Catching the edge of the platform at the back of his knees, he falls on his aft, horror in his optics. "No no no no no no!" repeats, scrabbling back away from the zombies. "Stay back!" He reaches into a subspace pocket and pulls out an actual rifle, turning his body slightly as he fires it pointblank at the face of his former friend. "Get back!"'''

'''>> Crosscut misses Zombie Autobots with EMP Rifle <Medium>. <<'''

'''Springer's face retains that same anger even as he bats away the kick with one arm as he releases his sword, leaving it there as he lifts his foot up and stomps down on the hilt of his sword as he tries to drive it deeper as well as forcing it to the side, his voice ice-cold,"Love you? Not even the darkest of the dark would love a creature like you.. you are a pale hideous shadow of her." He then shifts a bit and lifts his knee up, hitting the hilt of his sword to force it out before grabbing it mid-air with his hand again as he looks down at Tyla, a command going out to the Wreckers as he waits to see what the hag does next, "Wreckers... do your fragging jobs and WRECK THOSE HUSKS!"'''

'''>> Springer strikes Tyla with Stomp. <<'''

'''Optimus Prime arghs! As the acid chainsaw rips through his armor down to the endoskeleton. For a moment he staggers, falling to one knee as the acid continues to burn deeper into his frame. "You'll find..." Prime gasps, "I've never..." he struggles, "... gotten by...." he twists. "On my looks!" Putting his entire body into the effort, Optimus slams upward with a massive double-uppercut at the undead leader.'''

'''>> Optimus Prime strikes Bad Mort with Double Uppercut. <<'''

'''>> Springer strikes Zombie Autobots with Bash. <<'''

As they are trained to, the Wreckers shift from their more defensive movements and dive into the middle of the horde, still trying to keep them grouped up and away from the humans but instead of using their ranged weapons revert to their fists and melee weapons as they all give the Wrecker battlecry, "WRECK 'N RULE!", giving up defending themselves to do what damage they can.

'''Tyla erks and then laughs at the damage and pain dealt to her by her former lover. "Oh, sweetheart," she purrs drippingly. "Words hurt, you know." With a sickening shriek of tearing steel, Tyla transforms back into her hover ATV mode. "You're just mad I didn't return your last gift. Here," she offers. "Have these." He raises her rocket rack and unloads a missile directly at Springer's beautiful face.'''

Typhoon transforms into a Land Rover SUV.

'''>> Tyla critically strikes Springer with Rocket! <<'''

'''The tangle, from the ungodly merging of the Protectobots and the Predacons, and the claw slash of Abrutibominus, it looks like a massive dryer cycle of destruction, zombified metal parts falling around. Fortress Maximus stumbles and trips over Predafensor (thanks to First Aid's knockout punch) -causing him to crush Predafensor's faceplate with his boot. Fortress Maximus turns around, grappling with Abrutibominus. As he stammers backward, stepping over Predafensor's body, he grabs ahold of Abrutibominus's neck, and tries to faceplant the gargantuan harbinger of destruction into the ground as he falls himself (Jake the Snake DDT-style). "I shall never....FADE!"'''

'''>> Fortress Maximus strikes Abrutibominus with Bash. <<'''

'''Abrutibominus is moving in for a second attack when the gyro-gun strikes it, causing it to pause in its tracks. Disorientation swirls in its head as Fortress Maximus' attack connects. With a scream of rage, Abrutibominus opens fire with every weapon it has.'''

'''>> Abrutibominus misses Fortress Maximus with Cannon <Medium>. <<'''

'''First Aid blinks in surprise as the abomination made up of predacons and his brothers goes down. He turns his laser towards the second one made of Combaticons, Terrorcons and pure evil. "I'm not going to let you take him down."'''

'''>> First Aid misses Abrutibominus with Laser <Medium>. <<'''

'''Scales ducks to one side from the flaming fist that flails her way, and feels as well as sees the empty space beside her when Crosscut gives ground. The little dragon turns and slashes a claw in the direction of zombie Skids, sparing a glance back to make sure the humans are alright.'''

'''>> Scales strikes Zombie Autobots with Claw. <<'''

Daniel and Carly do double-work, shielding a freaking out Megan, and trying to keep the other handful of human visitors down and protected.

<<Autobot>> Doctor First Aid says, "Make a path to the humans. Keep the monsters awya from them so the emergency crews an get through."

<<Autobot>> Scales says, "Come on, Crosscut! We've got to hold this spot."

'''<<Autobot>> Trojan stirs. Static pops and hisses as silibantly as she. "...Isss... sssomething amissss...?"'''

<<Autobot>> Scales says, "Zombies!"

<<Autobot>> Spike says, "Ifyou'reonEarth,pleaseheadtotheGrandCanyon!"

'''Skids lurches forward suddenly, throwing off Crosscut's attack. He turns slightly as Scales claws him, and slashes down at her in return, blocking burning Bluestreak and giving Crosscut a moment to recover. '''

'''Outback and Tracks fall back from the Wreckers' combined assault, successfully driven back. Between Crosscut, Scales, and the Wreckers, the humans beneath the deck seem safe for now.'''

'''>> Zombie Autobots strikes Scales with Slash. <<'''

<<Autobot>> Trojan says, "Asssss you command."

'''Monstructor's voices echo across the battlefield, "Ah, the living - such a succulent dish." It takes a moment to realize, but the creature never actually spoke. The voices were all in your head. And the more you look at it, the more it seems to be casting too many shadows - shadows which reach out toward you with clawed hands!'''

<<Autobot>> Doctor First Aid says, "you..might say that."

<<Autobot>> Scales says, "Augh!"

'''>> Monstructor attacks Crosscut, Springer, Optimus Prime, Fortress Maximus, First Aid, Scales, and Swindle with Drain Life, striking Swindle, Scales, and Optimus Prime. <<'''

'''Raoul looks over, panicked, as Sparkplug has trouble breathing. "You're right. You're right. Are you OK? Do we need to make a break for it?" he asks worriedly. He and several other humans are hiding under a deck that had been built for a funeral here in the Grand Canyon. The four caskets, however, have been broken open from inside, and the dead walk, bolstered by several undead combiners. It's... not good.'''

'''Bad Mort grunts as the twin fists catch his jaw, dislocating it. The deadite gurgles as he attempts to reply to Optimus, finally reaching up and forcing the mandible back into place. "You're gonna pay for that." Black lightning begins to crackle across his form as he taps into his Sith roots, arcing the dark forces across the battlefield.'''

'''>> Bad Mort misses Optimus Prime with Lightning <High>. <<'''

'''Sparkplug shakes his head and grabs his chest. "No...I'm fine...I'm fine..." He looks on and pats Raoul weakly. "You forgot...I've been though these things before." But his weakened hand continues to grasp Raoul's, hoping Raoul won't go, but understanding if he needs to help others.'''

'''Swindle feels the life being sucked out of him and he doesn't like it, no sir. Not one damn bit. "Slag this," he says to himself, falling back on the wisdom of The Gambler and turning to run, not walk, away from this fight. Let the Autobots take care of it, there's more of them here anyway.'''

'''>> Swindle retreats from the area, leaving himself open to Trojan, Monstructor, Tyla, Bad Mort, First Aid, Crosscut, Springer, Fortress Maximus, Optimus Prime, and Starlock. <<'''

GAME: Crosscut PASSES an ENDURANCE roll of Average difficulty.

'''Crosscut is next to Scales in front of the deck under which the humans are hiding. Together with a couple of NPC Wreckers, they are holding back the resurrected remains of Skids, Bluestreak, Outback and Tracks. Crosscut is sitting on the deck awkwardly, holding a rifle. He winces and nods to Scales. "I got -" Then Monstructor does... something... and Crosscut feels like he just lost several million years of his life. "I -" he gasps. "I got this." He flips out a holdout gun built into his wrist, and fires into the small group of animated Autobots.'''

'''>> Crosscut strikes Zombie Autobots with Vertigo Gun <Medium>. <<'''

'''Springer steps into the attack, his arms coming up in a crossing fashion as he takes the rocket volley directly and slaps of his armor are dented, cratered or just outright blown off, "No gift was even given to you, whatever you may think, whatever you may /want/... you are not her, never have been, never will be. And if words hurt? Then may sticks and stones.. and swords hurt even more!" After the last of rockets land he moves his hands back into a fighting position, clasping his sword tightly as he crouches down just a bit and springs forward, swinging at Tyla in a swing that any golfer would be proud of.'''

'''>> Springer misses Tyla with Light-Saber. <<'''

'''Black lightning lances over Optimus Prime's frame, but after being drained by Monstructor, it only seems to fuel his anger. "The deaths of those who serve under me has been payment enough. This ends here, Mortar. No longer will you threaten this world or any other with your undead armies." Prime bends down and retrieves his Pathblaster. "It's over, Mort," he says finally. Prime aims his rifle and attempts to simply execute his nemesis.'''

'''>> Optimus Prime misses Bad Mort with Pathblaster <High>. <<'''

'''Tyla laughs and flips around as Springer attacks, transforming back into robot mode and dropping under his swing. "Swords?" she asks tauntingly. "How about claws?" Remaining crouched, she slashes up at Springer with rusty nails, attempting to rake across his broad chest and possibly infect his energon with something bad as well. After this he'll definitely need his shots.'''

The boxy brown Land Rover folds up into the equally boxy form of the Weatherbot Typhoon.

'''>> Tyla misses Springer with Slash. <<'''

'''Fortress Maximus lumbers to his feet, narrowly missing Abrutibominus's attack. He grasps his energy sword again, quickly becoming Fortress Maximus' go-to weapon of choice. He swings it, intent on slashing right at Abrutibominus's chest. "No more cheap shots!"'''

'''>> Fortress Maximus critically strikes Abrutibominus with Master Sword! <<'''

'''Abrutibominus screams in pain as the sword slices through armor and framework. Balling up a fist, the mismatched combiner levels a plasma cannon at Fortress Maximus. Black shadows begin to weave a latice over the sword wound, pulling armor plates back together...'''

'''>> Abrutibominus misses Fortress Maximus with Plasma <High>. <<'''

'''>> Abrutibominus takes a step back and starts to put its pieces back together. <<'''

'''>> Abrutibominus quickly patches itself back up. <<'''

<<Autobot>> Starlock says, "Where am I needed?"

<<Autobot>> Optimus Prime says, "Trojan -- engage the combiners! Starlock -- help Crosscut and Scales protect the humans!"

<<Autobot>> Spike says, "Uh...Earth...if you're around! Otherwise..."

<<Autobot>> Spike says, "On Earth...the Grand Canyon!"

'''It cometh. '''

'''A mechanical bellow from beyond splits the sky in a terrifying clamor. Somewhere out there,  ancient metal grated and groaned. Antediluvian servos and sprockets whined and pitched. Whatever came this way, was coming fast, and the dust cloud that blotted out the horizon was immense. And when it finally came to a literal screeching halt, the colossal shadow shrouded in earthy debris lanced up like the great Leviathan, arced to strike, eerie, narrowed optics bleeding an irradiated green. Her massive maw distended.'''

<<Autobot>> Trojan says, "Assss you command."

'''Starlock comes blitzing in to the scene behind Trojan, seeing the dead walking /very/ much angers her, not to mention at a funeral to her fallen comrades! but she doesn't express it. (That and in shuttle mode, no one can really see her face) She takes a deep vent though, knowing the best thing to do right now, is attempt to properly put them down. '''

'''Scared though? Maybe a little, she's always had to deal with injury and death in her field of work on the field and in the medical bay.. Her first thought was to bust out her staves scythe blade function, but that was... Well, a little bit to on the nose for this situation, however given orders... She nods internally to herself, and transforms from her run-about space mode to a familiar, small, purple mini-bot medic who is blitzing a cross the ground with the help of her purple colored pede boosters, she quickdraws a beton from her belt, pressing a button as it extends out as a stave, and an electrical energy made scythe blade. '''

She wings it forward to those harassing the humans with as much force as she can, medica-battle mask in place, but golden optics blazing.

'''>> Starlock strikes Zombie Autobots with Novapole. <<'''

'''>> Zombie Autobots temporarily loses motor functions from the attack! <<'''

'''First Aid Sees backup arrive and turns to fire on the zombie Autobots. "Make a path away from the humans. We have to let rescue teams through!"'''

'''>> First Aid strikes Zombie Autobots with Laser <Medium>. <<'''

'''Scales finds herself paying for the look back as zombie Skids tears open armor, and then it's followed by an icy chill through her frame as energy is just leached away. She staggers under the double attack- there's no way she can hold this position now. The little tape scrambles away from the zombies, darting through the humans to carefully snag Megan and bolt with the smallest, most vulnerable Witwicky towards the closest safe hiding place. "C'mon!" she calls to Daniel and Carly. Time to go.'''

'''>> Scales retreats from the area, leaving herself open to Starlock, Trojan, Monstructor, Abrutibominus, Tyla, Bad Mort, First Aid, Crosscut, Springer, Fortress Maximus, Optimus Prime, and Dust Devil. <<'''

'''Carly yells at Daniel "Go with Scales, I'll get the others!" Daniel turns around and says "But mom -" Carly then yells back "Do as I say! Protect your sister!" She then runs back and helps the others into the rescue vehicles. She's determined to be the last human to leave.'''

'''The zombie Autobots, never very steady on their feet in the first place, weave even more unsteadily after Crosscut blasts them with his Vertigo Gun. Skids turns back to Crosscut, raising a foot to bring it down on the Autobot ambassador before he can get back up. In the meantime, Bluestreak, still on fire, turns to pound Scales again now that Skids is out of the way. Behind them, Tracks and Outback continue to tangle with Scoop and Flattop.'''

'''However, before they can act, the Autobot reinforcements tear into them, giving Crosscut a moment to recover and Scales a chance to escape with Megan in tow. As First Aid's laser burns into the zombies, Flattop and Scoop press the attack, driving them further from the humans.'''

'''Monstructor inhales deeply as it absorbs the life force of several of the Transformers. It speaks again in that mentally jarring way. "Delicious," its five voices echo through the backs of everyone's minds where the shadows lie. "Who's next?" Its optics focus on the other abominable horror on the battlefield... no, not Abrutibominus. Monstructor doesn't take kindly to another eldritch horror on the field, and the shadows reach out to engulf her.'''

'''>> Monstructor strikes Trojan with Madness <Medium>. <<'''

'''Dust Devil is definately not sure about the mode of transport but it got him here quickly and well...it doesn't smell too bad. He peeks his head out of the container and his optics widen, "Holy slag...." He is pretty much just a parasite on the side of Trojan. But this parasite is all for commensalism, seeing Monstructor attacking Trojan, he fires on him and holds onto Trojan for dearlife with his other hand.'''

'''>> Dust Devil strikes Monstructor with Plasma-Turrets <Medium>. <<'''

'''Raoul is under a deck that was built for the funeral of Outback, Tracks, Skids, and Bluestreak. Now, however, those recently deceased Autobots have risen again and are attacking Raoul, Sparkplug, and the other humans who had attended the ceremony. Raoul stays with Sparkplug, holding his aged hand in encouragement. "You're right," he says to Sparkplug with a smile. "You got this," he grins.'''

'''Bad Mort would be honored to be thought of as Prime's nemesis. Take that, Megatron! But for now, he's just interested in devouring the Autobot leader's soul. "Nice try, Prime, but I'm not going out that easy. I like it here!" The undead ruler's jaw unhinges again, but intentionally this time. Tendrils of darkness arc between his jaws as wind begins to be drawn into Bad Mort's gaping maw. The black tendrils reach out toward Optimus as Bad Mort draws closer.'''

'''Sparkplug turns his head, from where he's laying, he can see the small cluster of humans run toward the emergency vehicles. He looks back at Raoul and pats his arm. "Go...son...I'm fine..." He nods. "Get to safety."'''

'''>> Bad Mort misses Optimus Prime with Soul-Swallow. <<'''

'''"OK!" Crosscut yells, jumping to his feet. "OK! OK! You go, Scales! I'll cover you!" Crosscut stands on the deck and brings both wrist weapons together. "You leave my friends alone!" he shouts, losing his legendary calm. "You are not Skids. YOU ARE NOT SKIDS!" Crosscut opens fire with both wristguns, pouring firepower into the collection of reanimated zombies.'''

'''>> Crosscut strikes Zombie Autobots with Double-Blaster <Medium>. <<'''

'''>> Springer misses Tyla with Leap-Attack. <<'''

'''Springer shifts as Tyla attacks with her claws again one moving just quick enough to knock her blow up and away from his chest, "Claws? Those overgrown fingernails? Seen real claws, felt real claws... those things are not claws." He moves quickly, his blocking hand shifting as he tries to grab her wrist as he half leans to the side, jumping up and spinning in place just enough to try land a solid kick at her shoulder.'''

The handful of Wreckers continue their attmepts to keep the undead minions corraled, putting themselves in line to be hit if and when necessary.

'''Optimus Prime scrambles back as the Evil attempts to overwhelm him. "You may like it here, Mortar, but you are decidedly unwelcome. We'll fight you, and your abominations, and whatever else you throw at us!" Optimus Prime gestures and from out of subspace rolls his trailer. With another motion, the trailer flips open, becoming a mobile base. Finally, the mounted Plasma Cannon rises from the center of the base. "You've overstayed your welcome, Mortar," Prime says simply, and fires the cannon.'''

'''>> Optimus Prime strikes Bad Mort with Plasma Cannon <Medium>. <<'''

'''Tyla's wrist is grabbed and for a moment she's held in place while Springer does his leap spinning kick. At the last moment, however, Tyla simply detaches her arm, letting Springer have it and moving back out of range of her attack. "Ha!" she laughs tauntingly. "You've disarmed me!" With the other hand she reaches over her shoulder and draws her old Whirlwind Gun, now spiked and held together with riveted bands of metal. She pulls it down and aims it at the triplechanger's chest. "Hey, Springer," she says. "Blow."'''

'''>> Tyla misses Springer with Whirlwind-Gun. <<'''

'''From inside Fortress Maximus, Cerebros looks on in confusion as Abrutibominus seems to be doing this weird 'Liquid Terminator' thing, forming and repatching after their attack. "How is this even possible?" Spike looks on in dread. "I don't know, buddy, just keep hitting him!" Fortress Maximus' shoulder and shin panels open, pointing its laser cannons at the monstrosity. Fortress Maximus says "Try patching this up - "'''

'''>> Fortress Maximus strikes Abrutibominus with Plasma <Medium>. <<'''

'''Abrutibominus is not down yet, and is far too hungry to give up. With a scream of rage, the hotch-potch beast lunges up into the air, anti-gravity systems assisting as it leaps up and over Fortress Maximus. As the flight systems cut out, the creature plumets toward that triple-occupancy head, mismatched feet pointed straight down.'''

'''>> Abrutibominus strikes Fortress Maximus with Stomp. <<'''

'''Hold on for Dear Life, Dusty. For the Night is Dark and Full of Terrors, and falling while Trojan came to battle might not be good for his health. The avalanche of sand and suet cascaded well beyond Trojan's halt. Prime had given her the objective, and without hesitation, the colossal serpent of mechanical corpses gives charge... directly at the other monstrous horror on the battlefield. She does not bother with evading the lance of energy that struck along her ancient scales; there was no register of pain, nor fear - nor any of those things an average Cybertronian might feel. Instead, there was another mechanical banshee's wail from beyond the pale. She whipped that armored, spiked noggin of hers about like a morning star, completely intent on smashing the combiner's knee out from under him.'''

'''>> Trojan strikes Monstructor with Smashing-Ram. <<'''

'''Starlock's finials twitch hearing Crosscut, and takes a vent, calling back. "That's right! This isn't Skids! Skids died, and this is just some /monster/ controlling his body!" She'd call, trying to give him sort of comfort, and will to fight, as she swaps weapons, disengaging her scythe and quickdrawing her twin pistols, opening fire on the Zombies, as the purple-blur attempting to keep their attention from the humans, and on her.'''

'''>> Starlock strikes Zombie Autobots with Dual Starburst <Medium>. <<'''

'''First Aid nods "Right, Starlock." he says. "These aren't our friends. These arent..what they look like." he says firing into the zombie horde. "Those wren't my brothers." He says. "Just keep them from the humans. Keep the smallest ones safe." He sees Scales moving Megan. "Thank Primus she's on it."'''

'''>> First Aid strikes Zombie Autobots with Laser <Medium>. <<'''

'''The zombie Autobots are surrounded and penned in by the Autobots, and for Crosscut it's like shooting Seacons in a barrel. His twin blasters tear into them in a most undiplomatic manner. Starlock and the Wreckers help, tearing into the undead Autobots with fire and fury. The burning Bluesteak starts to fall, while Skids, Outback, and Tracks lunge at Crosscut, First Aid, and Starlock.'''

'''>> Zombie Autobots misses Crosscut with Bite. <<'''

'''>> Zombie Autobots strikes First Aid with Bite. <<'''

'''>> Zombie Autobots strikes Starlock with Bite. <<'''

'''Monstructor's knee withstands the strike like an uncaring reality, and the pale face spreads into a grin. Monstructor's voices echo only for Trojan to hear, "Small creature, full of such life and sorrow..." It raises both hands, arms spread out wide as its too-many-shadows reach forward, "Join us in the darkness!"'''

<<Autobot>> Dust Devil says, "Anyone wanna mention what the slag happened here?! And give a shout if we need a forcefield somewhere. Figure I can give the nice big femme a bit of OW! A bit of help but I can probably jump off if I need ta"

'''>> Monstructor strikes Trojan with Darkness <High>. <<'''

'''>> Trojan temporarily loses motor functions from the attack! <<'''

<<Autobot>> Doctor First Aid says, "We were having a funeral for those who died fighting the Fallen. Bad mort and his crew showed up to make things special. Theres humans here. We need to get them to safety"

<<Autobot>> Spike says, "*sounds like he just get his clock absolutely cleaned* "Would...love...to...but...let's...get all of these...effin' army of the dead forces handled first!""

<<Autobot>> Scales says, "*huff* I got Megan out. *huff* Oww...."

<<Autobot>> Optimus Prime says, "Crosscut's team seems to be sufficiently protecting the humans' escape. Focus on helping Fortress Maximus and Trojan take down those combiners!"

<<Autobot>> Spike says, "Thank you so much, Scales!"

'''Dust Devil is rattled around like a penny in a can for a moment as Trojan makes her presence known on the battlefield in a more impactful way. He stifles a Yelp and pops out of the container he's in. But that's just as Monstructor hits Trojan with the inkblot from Unicron. He isn't struck by it but the hit was jarring. He focuses his energy on Monstructor again, using both turrets this time. "Lay off her slagger!"'''

'''>> Dust Devil strikes Monstructor with Plasma <Medium>. <<'''

'''"I'm not leaving you, anciano," Raoul insists with a smile. "We both stay, or we both go. Now come on." Scrabbling to his feet, Raoul attempts to get Sparkplug up and moving, trying to get them both to safety.'''

'''>> Raoul retreats from the area, leaving himself open to Starlock, Trojan, Monstructor, Abrutibominus, Tyla, Bad Mort, First Aid, Scales, Crosscut, Springer, Sparkplug, Fortress Maximus,  Spike, Optimus Prime, and Dust Devil. <<'''

'''>> Sparkplug retreats from the area, leaving himself open to Starlock, Trojan, Monstructor, Abrutibominus, Tyla, Bad Mort, First Aid, Scales, Crosscut, Springer, Raoul, Fortress Maximus, Spike, Optimus Prime, and Dust Devil. <<'''

'''Bad Mort's frame is bathed in plasma fire. He staggers to a knee, reaching into a hip compartment. He draws the dimensional controller, "You might have won this battle, Prime... but I'll be back!" With that said, he clicks a button on the Dimensional Channel Changer. With a hideous groan, the swirl of the vortex slows and begins to reverse itself. Wind and debris swirl into the rift as it begins to pull the nearest Deadites into it. Bad Mort surrenders himself to the pull, cackling as he joins his minions in retreating to his own undead world.'''

>> Bad Mort retreats from the area, leaving himself open to Trojan, Monstructor, Abrutibominus,

'''Tyla, First Aid, Scales, Springer, Fortress Maximus, Optimus Prime, and Dust Devil. <<'''

'''Sparkplug slowly pulls himself up. It's definitely a moving target scenario. He's weakly holding on to Raoul. But as they make their way out, he grabs Raoul and says "I'm too slow! We need someone to pick us up!"'''

'''From his raised position on stage, Crosscut sees the zombies swarm the other Autobots. "No no no no no!" he repeats, and dives in among them, swinging his fists and trying to drive the zombies back away from the medics.'''

'''>> Crosscut misses Zombie Autobots with Punch. <<'''

'''Springer continues his spin and manages to avoid Tyla's follow up attack by keeping himself in the air just long enough for it to pass under him and lands crouched on his feet, he darts to the side to recover from his attack before he smirks, "That's cute... your falling all apart over me." He glances down at the Dead Hag's arm in his hand.. at the Hag.. at the hand then back at her.. then simply shifts it in his hand till he is holding it behind the wrist and takes a step forward before he puts all he can into it and throws the clawed end back at her, "You dropped this."'''

'''>> Springer strikes Tyla with Throw. <<'''

'''"No! You will not escape again!" As Bad Mort flees, Prime fires one last shot from his laser cannon...'''

'''>> Optimus Prime strikes Bad Mort with Laser Cannon. <<'''

Bad Mort is overcome by injuries, losing consciousness.

'''Tyla's arm is violently returned to her and she uses the momentum to jump backward, activating her anti-gravity and flying back towards the portal. "I take my arm with me, Springer, but my spark will always remain with you... Just remember... this is our future..." She blows Springer a kiss, and begins to disappear through the rift...'''

>> Tyla retreats from the area, leaving herself open to Trojan, Monstructor, Bad Mort, First Aid,

'''Springer, Fortress Maximus, Optimus Prime, and Dust Devil. <<'''

'''*BASH!* Abrutibominus' brutal stomp on Fortress Maximus jars the link-up between Spike, Cerebros and Fortress Maximus right from its casing. Spike is jarred from his position, Cerebros is flown from his, leaving Fortress Maximus open, but now in full control - for better or worse. He instinctively grabs his sword. Now, free from Cerebros' filter of sparing ones enemies. He grabs his energon sword and goes for one, lethal slice, right at Abrutibominus' juggular.'''

'''>> Fortress Maximus strikes Abrutibominus with Master Sword. <<'''

Abrutibominus is overcome by injuries, losing consciousness.

'''Abrutibominus's armor panels begin to unknit themselves as the sword strikes home, constituent parts disconnecting. However, they don't hit the ground. The otherworldly wind catches the limbs, drawing them back toward the world of the Deadites to an unknown fate, but surely one devoid of any hope.'''

'''Starlock grits her denta as she's bitten into, and wrenches herself out of their jaws. Good, their going down and returning, better late than never in arriving, at least in her mind. "Exactly Aid! Their trying to mess with your heads and your spark!" She'd call, stowing her pistols and drawing two hilts, pressing a button and igniting the energon blades of a pair of dual blades, and going into a spin to slash at the zombies surrounding her.'''

'''>> Starlock strikes Zombie Autobots with Dual Starstrike. <<'''

'''First Aid nods and looks to Scales. "Okay she's got the more vulnerable humans out. Lets get the rest out and call this done." with that he moves awya from the zombies towards the humans. He transforms. "They're too busy with the warriors. I can drive you to safety."'''

'''Even as Bad Mort and his Evil retreat, the newly formed Autobot Zombies are left behind. They turn on Crosscut as he ineffectually leaps in to fight him, but before they can devour him piecemeal Starlock starts slashing into them. They move to swarm the medic... and then one by one they fall as the Evil abandons them, reverting them back to simply dead Autobots.'''

'''Monstructor roars aloud as the evil energy turns, gouging a hand into the soil. It speaks with its actual voice, which is little better than the five voices of the Horrorcons echoing through your mind. "NO! I don't want to go! It's so tasty here!" However, even its mighty grip can't withstand the pull of the vortex. A huge trench is dug into the ground as the combiner is drawn back toward its lifeless world.'''

'''>> Monstructor retreats from the area, leaving itself open to Springer, and First Aid. <<'''

'''Dust Devil manages to not get killed by Monstructor despite being in the middle of a monster battle...with real monsters. He turns to aim his weapons on Monstructor again but the ground starts swallowing him up. Dropping his weapon he moves to Trojan's head and places a hand on it, reciting some of the protection prayers that he picked up, unsure if it will help but at this point it couldn't hurt right? "Come on trojan...wake up...Please?!"'''

'''Crosscut realizes too late that leaping in among rapid zombies was probably a bad idea. Just before he's ripped to pieces, however, he's saved by Starlock's judicious use of her Dual Starstrike. He looks up with a mixture of appreciation and fear, flinching away from incoming counterattack. His optics widen, however, as instead of pressing their attack, his former friends fall to the ground, lifeless once more. He crawls to his feet, and turns to Starlock. "Thanks," he says simply.'''

'''Springer watches her retreat through the portal, a look of disgust at the blow kiss, "Retreat… run... hide. I will find you and end the horror show that you are." After she is a good distance away he turns back towards the fight but stops as the risen fall back down, watching them for a few moments to see if they rise again before he looks to his Wreckers and points at the newly fallen dead, "Gather them up and get them ready for burial.. what just happened cannot be ignored but they are still our fallen and will be shown proper respect." He pauses and glances at Prime, "With your permission?"'''

'''Optimus Prime lowers his weapon, looking around at the damaged, but living, Autobots around him. "Permission granted, Springer. The rest of you, excellent work. The Evil is gone for now, but we must stay vigilant because one day... it will return."'''

'''One by one, the Deadites are drawn back through the vortex. Loose dirt and blasted debris as sucked through as well. As the final zombie is sucked through, the swirling darkness begins to disipate. The shadows disolve into the ether as sun breaks through the clouds overhead.'''

'''Fortress Maximus takes a few breaths. The adrenaline is still pumping through Spike, and Crosscut is plenty freaked out. Now that things have slowed, Fortress Maximus transforms back to his battlestation mode. Him needing his first combat repair.'''

'''Cerebros climbs out of the panel and climbs down to one of the ramps. Once on the ground, he activates his head panel and gets Spike out.'''

'''Starlock pants as she comes to a stop and looks down at the corpses, just now silently taking in the mess that was the area as she extinguished the energy blades of her dual blades, and slipped the hilts back to their place on her belt, she looks down at the bite wound she received and slaps a field patch over it... Right first off, she goes to see to the injured, she looks to Crosscut and nods. "Course.." She'd pant heavily, trying to ignore the anxiety mounting form the bite.'''

'''She'd start taking count of injuries on her readout monitor panel in her left forearm. "Right! Those injured I'll get to ya'." She'd call, glancing down at the dead, giving a respectful nod.. she can't stop to tend to them just yet, needed to be sure not more were added to their numbers.'''

'''First Aid retunrs from making sure the humans are driven someplace safe. Its only then that the ambulance trnasforms. "Okay..anyone critical?" His hands are shaking but hes trying to compose himself.'''

Fortress Maximus groans from his interior.

'''>> Starlock finishes the repairs on Fortress Maximus. <<'''

'''From the lower platform where it may just be him and Raoul, Sparkplug waves his hand and calls out weakly "Over here, First Aid!" Sparkplug is uninjured, but his elderly form has been through a lot today.'''

'''Dust Devil is still staying by poor Trojan, not sure what's going on with her. He looks her over and looks back at the others.'''

'''Scales sits with Megan and Daniel, quietly distracting Megan with games and songs while they wait to see if it's over. She did stop long enough to wrap where she was slashed, but she's too drained to really move much more right now.'''

<<Autobot>> Dust Devil says, "Trojan got hit by some of that dark energy and went down"

<<Autobot>> Starlock says, "working my way over."

<<Autobot>> Doctor First Aid says, "Im on it!"

<<Autobot>> Starlock says, "THaank you Aid."

'''<<Autobot>> Spike says, "I'm gonna get my dad to safety, then I'll be over to help as well." First Aid hears Sparkplug calling out. "Sparkplug! Allright i on my way. Stay still." he gets to Sparkplug's side. "Sir, take some deep breaths. I'll get a couple readings and get you to the hospital.'''

<<Autobot>> Scales says, "Hey, Fort Max? Mind if I just move in for the night?"

'''Springer moves closer to the fallen ones as his Wreckers start to move them into proper resting positions as well as returning any pieces that might of fallen off. Soon enough the fallen are lined up again in proper positions of rest and as the Wreckers gather around him, none of them are remotely in good condition, armor rent, some fluids of various types leaking from the damage as Springer looks around "We need to find new caskets for them." He flicks a hand and a pair of the Wreckers move off and head towards the City to find proper ones. He smiles a bit, utterly lacking of his normal happy attitude, at Starlock, "See to the others first.. we've lasted this long, we'll last a bit longer."'''

<<Autobot>> Doctor First Aid says, "Im gonna get mr. Witwicky to the hospital. Im worried about him."

<<Autobot>> Starlock says, "Alright Aid."

<<Autobot>> Dust Devil says, "Aww man"

'''Starlock's moving to tend to those critically wounded first, making her way around the field almost like an automatic, she does give Springer a nod though as she keeps moving around and slaps a patch on First Aid's bite wound. "Alright Aid!" She'd call to her partner. '''

'''>> Starlock finishes the repairs on First Aid. <<'''

'''Raoul and a few others help Sparkplug onto a stretcher in preparation for loading him into First Aid. He waves a hand and says gruffly "I'm okay...I'm all right..." he takes a few breaths.'''

'''Spike runs over to help with his father. Sparkplug looks at his son and nods. Spike recognizes the nod. He'll be okay. Sparkplug holds his son's hand and points to a few of the injured Autobots. "You're not a doctor...but you can help patch up these guys...stay here...help. I'll be fine."'''

'''First Aid pauses. "We just wanna make sure okay?" he says, staying still for the patch looking for other injured humans while he load Sparkplug. "We'll get you back on your feet in no time. Mr. Witwicky." he says.'''

'''Sparkplug waves his thin hand as he's getting loaded into First Aid. "Bah..." He frowns, but allows it, waiting for First Aid to patch him up. He grins weakly at his son, who doesn't want to leave his side. "Go...help the others, son."'''

'''Dust Devil frowns. It's not like they can move Trojan somewhere else. He stays with her, trying to fix some of the damage done to her form....if he could figure what was wrong compared to what is normal on her.'''

GAME: Spike PASSES a COURAGE roll of High difficulty.

'''Scales staggers to her feet and starts nudging humans towards Fortress Maximus. In his battlestation mode, there's lots of room and he's a freakin' battlestation. Should be relatively safe to stay in for a little while. Plus, she needs some place to recharge soon.'''

'''First Aid runs some of his scanners, checking Sparkplug's heart and stress levels to see how he has handled the situation. He's concerned for the oldest and youngest as well "Anyone seen Megan?" he asks.'''

'''Spike nods and says "I'll see you when I get done here..." to Sparkplug. He then heads back into Fortress Maximus. He runs into the repair bay to get some tools he can carry. He puts his tool belt on and runs back over to Trojan.'''

'''Daniel hears First Aid mention Megan as he and a few other humans are sheparded into Fortress Maximus. Daniel calls out 'she's with me, First Aid!'"'''

'''Sparkplug waits for the scans to finish...scanning. His heart rate is elevated. His stress levels are elevated. But his heart is stable. But he looks absolutely exhausted. He gulps "Thanks...First Aid...but why don't you check...on the others?"'''

'''Spike stands by Dust Devil, ready to assist in repairing Trojan. But his mind can't help but focus on his dad. He looks up at Dust Devil. "Looks like you stabalized her, good job."'''

'''Scales also has her optics on Megan, but she's slightly leaning against Daniel without realizing it and really not paying attention to much beyond immediate goals right now. Humans. Safety. Recharge. "Ugh," she quietly complains. "I feel like I haven't slept for three days."'''

'''Once he sees Megan going ahead of him into the safety that is Fortress Maximus, the college grad student gives a hug to Scales. "Thanks for protecting us."'''

Dust Devil frowns, "she wasn't so much damaged as knocked out...I...I don't know what ta do with her now though...or if that...black stuff did any other damage besides not lettin her wake up."

'''Starlock's been running around the field getting repairs done, she'd mumble to herself, keeping focus. "This everyone?" She'd call, soon joining to look over those moving to Fort-Max, she'd note scales and move over to make some quick repairs. She also notes Dust Devil and hems. "We'll need to monitor her."'''

'''First Aid pauses. "I gotta make sure you're okay, Sparkplug. I think We can get you some electrolytes and bedrest and you should be fine." He says. "The others are safe, and we'll keep a good eye on then." when he hears Daniel he relaxes. "Thank you, Daniel. We have any criticals?"'''

'''Spike looks up at Dust Devil and says sadly "I...don't have the tools here." He sighs "This was supposed to be a funeral." He adds "But if we can get her transported...either into Metroplex or into Fort Max, we should be able to do a better evluation."'''

'''Scales returns Daniel's hug as best she can, then lies down to let Starlock patch up her more obvious wound. She's just going to recharge here at Fort Max's doorstep. Unless somebody decides to pick her up and move her while she snoozes.'''

'''Daniel releases his hug from Scales and looks over at First Aid. "Not that I THINK...just everyone's kinda shook up." He looks over in concern at his grandfather, who is taking things in stride. '''

Sparkplug frowns and says "If I have to pay for another damn overnight hospital stay, First Aid,  I'll make sure to send the bill to you" he teases.

'''First Aid pauses. "And I'd gladly pay it to make sure you're safe." he says. "I'm gonna drive him to the hospital to get checked on and I'll be bakck to help allright?" he asks.'''

Dust Devil says, "We can fit 140 feet of....Scorpede? inta anywhere? SPike...go help yer dad. There's plenty of medics around and I'm not sure what else we can do fer Trojan."

'''Sparkplug waves a hand and grouses, but lets the few remaining humans load him into First Aid. Once inside, Sparkplug reluctantly says "Thanks...First Aid."'''

'''First Aid chuckles. "You're my friend, SParkplug. Im gonna take care of you." he says softly as he drives him to get checked out.'''

GAME: Spike FAILS an INTELLIGENCE roll of High difficulty.

'''Spike looks at Trojan and frowns. "I wish...maybe we can bring a mobile unit." He adds "Otherwise, Metroplex is a few hundred miles away. The repair bay there is probably best suited for her."'''

Dust Devil frowns, "I...I guess I should stay with her until someone can move her? She's so big but right now she's so vulnerable."

'''Starlock nods slowly. "Yeah.. for now.. I couldn't really move her even if I tried." She'd admit with a sigh. The troubles of being a mini-bot!'''

'''Spike nods sympathetically to Dust Devil. He looks as First Aid drives his dad off to the hospital. "I..." he sighs. "I'll make sure dad's ok, but then I'll head back as soon as I can, okay?"'''

'''Dust Devil nods to Spike, "It's okay...uhhh...does Cerebros need some help?" He frowns. "not a great way to start his trip ta earth."'''

'''Spike nods. "I think he's okay..." He looks at Dust Devil. "I'll get back here as soon as I can." He then heads off to check on his dad, but not before looking in on Crosscut.'''

'''Daniel sees his dad go, and he walks over to Dust Devil. He looks down at Trojan and says "Anything I can help out with?"'''

'''Cerebros has been making some internal repairs to Fortress Maximus. For two reasons - one, because Fort Max needed them. Secondly, it was to get away from the others, and give him some moments to process just what happened over the past few hours. He finally walks out of Fortress Maximus.'''

Starlock looks over spotting Cerebros and waves, once she's sure the last of the repairs are done, she makes her way over too him.

'''Cerebros slowly raises a hand and gives a nod to Starlock. He begins to walk toward the group.'''

<<Autobot>> Doctor First Aid says, "he's...doing okay. I think he just needs a checkup by human doctors."

'''Dust Devil looks at Daniel, "I don't know what exactly we can do right now. Maybe see if anyone else needs help? I guess I'm gonna look over Trojan." He frowns, "This really suckjs."'''

<<Autobot>> Spike says, "I'm en route...Thanks for the update, First Aid."

<<Autobot>> Starlock says, "Thanks Aid"

'''Daniel frowns as he sees the remains of the Autobots who should have been memoralized. He says bitterly "They didn't deserve this. This was supposed to be about them today. They were supposed to have been laid to rest here."'''

''' "How are you doing Cerebros?" She'd ask, looking him over, looking fairly tired herself, thankfully her hands are clean as she goes her fretting over the larger bot... Her finials move backward. "I know.." she'd say softly.'''

'''Cerebros looks at Dust Devil, then looks back at Starlock. "I'm fine..." he looks at Starlock and nods. "Really, I am." He sighs "I suppose...if I was going to have my first full-fledged combat, it might has well been the army of the undead, right?"'''

<<Autobot>> Doctor First Aid says, "Im coming back once the crew has him in a room."

'''Spike arrives at the hospital. He spots First Aid and gets out of his pickup. He walks over to First Aid and gives an appreciative nod. "Heyah...thanks..." He adds "I heard you on the channel, I can take it from here." He looks at First Aid, "I owe you...big time. Thank you..."'''

'''Dust Devil nods to Cerebros. "I didn't get ta see all that happened. I was gettin jostled around by Trojan and all. Ya sure yer okay? I'm just glad everyone seems alright fer the most part. And sorry yer first time here was marred this way."'''

Log session ending at 00:23:05 on Monday, 28 October 2019.