Exulant Subitus - B Side

Log Title: Exulant Subitus - B Side

Characters: Calyhex , Incognito , Dust Devil , Encore , Grimlock , Kodiak , Optimus Prime , Quickswitch , Sideswipe , Starlock , Windblade , Blast Off , Knock Out , Lugnut , Nightbird , Overlord , Ravage , Starscream , Soundwave , Valour , Vizier , Deathsaurus , Esmeral , Goth

Location: Autobot Starship <Valiant>, Entry Hall - Titan Calyhex

Date: June 15, 2021

TP: Peace In Our Time TP; Calyhex TP

Summary: Megatron wants the Titan Calyhex no matter the cost. The Autobots rally to stop him. B-Roll: Decepticon Warship <Corumkan> and Surface of Calyhex <Titan> for Peace In Our Time - Exulant Subitus

As logged by B-Roll

tfu4 - Tuesday, June 15, 2021

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Decepticon Warship <Corumkan>

<< Autobot >> Suicide JOCKEY! Encore says, "Jes' t' clarify. We're gonna let 'em get their lass back aye? Jes' not let 'em take Calyhex?"

<< Autobot >> Optimus Prime says, "We're at a diverging road, Encore. Our goal is to be on stand-by and aid Calyhex when she decides to make her departure. There is no hard nor confirmed data that.. their lass is even alive at this time. If anything, what we have heard points to that being less than likely. And allowing the Decepticons to gain entry into the deeper portions of the Titan without her permission could lead them to an attempted hostile takeover. So, no, if it comes down to aiding her in her bid for freedom or causing a delay while they search with observation, Calyhex' freedom comes first."

<< Autobot >> Suicide JOCKEY! Encore says, "I'm nae sure I can be fully a'board wit' that one boss."

<< Autobot >> Suicide JOCKEY! Encore says, "Because the lass is a wee bit... troubled, it's nae our place to sentence anyone to tha' one sir. And Ghost, aye sir, she's a shite like all of them, but she's an honourable shite, sir. I cannae say I feel comfortable obstructing them getting her back."

<< Autobot >> Optimus Prime says, "I can understand that, Encore. We're operating with an unknown timeline. If the Decepticons wish to perform a search and the titan allows it, we can only let her do as she wills and offer to observe them for any.. peculiar behaviors as it were."

<< Autobot >> Suicide JOCKEY! Encore says, "And if the big lass doesnae want to give her back, who's to say she's in her right mind at the time sir?"

<< Autobot >> Optimus Prime says, "If.. -If- there is a search, we will not interfere. If they do locate their missing one inside the titan, we will do our best to facilitate her retrieval if that is what she wishes. Too many ifs to be accurate, Encore."

<< Autobot >> Optimus Prime says, "But if they attack Calyhex, we will defend her. And prevent their intrusion."

<< Autobot >> Suicide JOCKEY! Encore says, "If Ghost has been in there a while sir, I doubt she'll be in her right mind, either."

<< Autobot >> Sideswipe says, "Yes, Sir."

<< Autobot >> Sideswipe says, "We have any sort of idea who the Cons might have present?"

<< Autobot >> Bumblebee says, "Sounds pretty tense out there"

<< Autobot >> Suicide JOCKEY! Encore says, "Understood. But sir. Before Calyhex departs, or before we depart her, we should get Ghost out. Consenting or nae that's..."

<< Autobot >> Suicide JOCKEY! Encore says, "I wouldnae sentence Megatron to that sir, not after what was done to her."

<< Autobot >> Optimus Prime says, "Our intel on anything surrounding this is oddly limited. We haven't seen much of goings in and out save for I believe Starlock was able to gain entry not soon after the transmission was picked up."

<< Autobot >> Suicide JOCKEY! Encore says, "Aye sir. It's an embuggerance is what it is."

<< Autobot >> Optimus Prime says, "And Windblade was able to talk to the titan not long ago. But details are limited to just that. Yes, Encore, it is a difficulty."

<< Autobot >> Suicide JOCKEY! Encore says, "A'reet..."

<< Autobot >> Bumblebee says, "I'm not even certain what we'd actually look for."

<< Autobot >> Optimus Prime says, "No, Sideswipe, we're limited on details. Ah.. Not sure myself, Bumblebee, not sure myself."

<< Autobot >> Optimus Prime says, "All we can do is stay with the alert schedule and those on-call be ready to deploy through the spacebridge to Moonbase Three and the ship waiting there to launch."

<< Autobot >> Suicide JOCKEY! Encore says, "Aye."

<< Autobot >> Sideswipe says, "Windblade going to be able to make it with us tonight?"

<< Autobot >> Optimus Prime says, "If at all possible. She has her on-call rotation among us but must remain ready for Metroplex' needs as well."

<< Autobot >> Dust Devil says, "Sir...she could literally be IN the walls of Calyhex...."

<< Autobot >> Optimus Prime says, "I am well versed in Ghost's oddities and abilities, Dust Devil."

<< Autobot >> Dust Devil says, "Uhhh I'm not talkin about that Prime! Calyhex sucked me INTO her walls"

<< Autobot >> Suicide JOCKEY! Encore says, "I just think... well... I ken if it's at all possible we should get the lass out of there. Kickin' an' screamin' if we must."

<< Autobot >> Kodiak says, "If what I saw is any indication, he could be talkin' literally, Prime... I saw someone get literally sucked into a wall."

<< Autobot >> Dust Devil says, "yeah that was me"

<< Autobot >> Optimus Prime says, "Wel.. that's.. unusual."

<< Autobot >> Kodiak says, "Unusual don't even begin to describe it as far as I'M concerned."

<< Autobot >> Dust Devil says, "And unpleasant!"

<< Autobot >> Bumblebee says, "I can imagine"

<< Autobot >> Dust Devil says, "If being held within metal that totally encases yer body is somethin you can imagine....I don't want ta know what yer fantasy life is like"

<< Autobot >> Bumblebee says, "I mean its not like what Scrapper did with Prowl and them that one time, but I can imagine. Problem is I don't think they'll be asking permission to board if they show."

<< Autobot >> Dust Devil says, "They might not need to ask permission if they use a cityspeaker. Calyhex seems to listen ta them"

<< Autobot >> Suicide JOCKEY! Encore says, "Far as I ken their Cityspeaker's all tied up wit' Trypticon right now... they foun' a second?"

<< Autobot >> Dust Devil says, "Calyhex's other thing seems ta be illusions or projections. Somethin ta be aware of"

<< Autobot >> Optimus Prime says, "As far as we are aware, there is 1 Cityspeaker fully trained in our area: Windblade. Banshee is in training for Trypticon."

<< Autobot >> Dust Devil says, "I found out if I kick Fortress Maximus he listens to me. Does that count?"

<< Autobot >> Optimus Prime says, ".. Not entirely, no."

<< Autobot >> Bumblebee says, "One of these days, Fortress Maximus is going to realize its bigger than you, and then it'll be all over, Dust Devil"

<< Autobot >> Dust Devil says, "I took a page from your book. Pretend to be more important than you are and maybe you'll survive."

<< Autobot >> Dust Devil says, "how does someone YELLOW manage to sneak around?"

<< Autobot >> Bumblebee says, "Aw gee Dust, I'm not sure how you could feel more important already."

<< Autobot >> Dust Devil says, "I have it on good authority that there are several Decepticons that want my body."

<< Autobot >> Bumblebee says, "Scrapper for one"

<< Autobot >> Dust Devil says, "After that last glitter incident? Megatron too..."

<<Broadband>> Calyhex says, "Prepared for liftoff. Goodbye, Cybertron. I love you and all of your people. I and mine...will miss you."

<<Broadband>> Starlock says, "heheh... don't worry, we'll meet again, and we can sing freely~"

<< Autobot >> Landline says, "Landline here. Moonbase Three is reporting atmospheric disturbance centered over Praxus."

<< Autobot >> Dust Devil says, "still think this ain't a good idea"

<< Decepticon >> Trypticon Station warning: Launch of unknown craft. Origin: Praxus.

<< Autobot >> Suicide JOCKEY! Encore says, "Go' a better one lad?"

<< Decepticon >> Emperor Megatron says, "Decepticons, it sounds like /our/ Calyhexian Titan is preparing for liftoff. It will surely head towards the warp gate. Be prepared to meet it. Nothing leaves Cybertron without my permission. We will bring the titan to heel."

<< Decepticon >> Ravage says, "Yes my Lord. All glory to the Empire!"

<< Autobot >> Bumblebee says, "Dust, we may not know what has happened to Ghost, but we do know what'll happen if Megatron gets ahold of Calyhex."

<< Autobot >> Dust Devil says, "She's damaged, she goes out there and gets caught by the quints? By any alien species and used against others? If she was fully operational and all it'd be different. Hell what if she was turned against Cybertron."

<< Decepticon >> Lugnut says, "AS YOU COMMAND, LORD MEGATRON!"

<< Decepticon >> Blast Off says, "Understood."

<< Decepticon >> Emperor Megatron says, "By the end of the night, we will have a new war machine at our command."

<< irc.dal.net >> <Voidwalker> >starts humming<

<< Autobot >> Sideswipe says, "It's what she wants to do."

<< Autobot >> Sideswipe says, "We gotta respect that."

<< Autobot >> Suicide JOCKEY! Encore says, "I come back te 'got a better idea lad?' I'm sorry."

<< Autobot >> Bumblebee says, "I'm concerned too, Dust Devil, but we can't force her to stay. If she wants to go, we have to hope that she will do well out there...and be ready to help her if we hear her call."

Those summoned aboard the Corumkan have been given the briefest of orders: Board and capture the Titan Calyhex. What Megatron wants, he will take and this ‘Neutral’ titan will be his or be destroyed. The ship is in full battle-mode, lights dimmed, consoles flashing telemetry from multiple sources: Trypticon, the orbital satellites, the Warp Gate, and the ship's own complement of sensors. The ship is moving to intercept the Titan fleeing the planet’s surface.

<< Decepticon >> Vizier says, "As you say, my lord."

<< Autobot >> Optimus Prime says, "We can't force ourselves on her, no matter the friendship, no matter our concern. She has. from my understanding, caretakers and has been growing better and better."

<< irc.dal.net >> <Inside> :hums along. "Preparing for liftoff in 3...2..."

Nightbird

Nightbird stays to one side, simply waiting for her Master's command, feeling no need to show any reaction as she is always ready to fulfill his command.

Ravage is scrambling to the launch room, going to take a few 'hops' to avoid digging his claws over in. Musing, "Time to put our methods to work.." Rapidly skimming over what files he had access to of the layout of Calyhex and what blueprints they had.

<< irc.dal.net >> <Voidwalker> >she'd start singing a somber, but happy melody<<

<<Broadband>> Imager says, "Slanar o'r naak, Calyhex"

<< Autobot >> Kodiak says, "Don't me we cain't give her a good escort and a send off."

<<Broadband>> Calyhex says, "Ret'urcye mhi Imager. And thank you for your assistance, Autobots."

<<Broadband>> Starlock says, "awlays my friend"

<<Broadband>> 55.5 Suicide Jockey FM DJ Encore says, "Calyhex... I understand there's a lass still on board..."

<<Broadband>> Calyhex says, "there are those of mine. and the ones in the wing. Who are you talking about?"

<<Broadband>> 55.5 Suicide Jockey FM DJ Encore says, "Ghost."

<<Broadband>> 55.5 Suicide Jockey FM DJ Encore says, "Aye, she's a Con shite, but she's our shite."

Valour is at the helm, helping pilot the Corumkan as it moves to intercept Calyhex. If Ravage is right, Ghost may still be aboard the crazed Titan, and that alone is reason enough to stop her from just running off with Ghost's captors or killers. << Calyhex, >> he radios down, using the ship's comm system. << As a duly designated representative of the Decepticon Empire, I order you to cease all attempts at leaving Cybertron's atmosphere and return forthwith to the Death Zone, where you will allow us to board, arrest, and interrogate your 'charges' until the fate of our intelligence operative Ghost can be properly ascertained. >> That oughta do it.

Valour sends a radio transmission.

(INTERCEPT): Valour radios Calyhex with "Calyhex. As a duly designated representative of the Decepticon Empire, I order you to cease all attempts at leaving Cybertron's atmosphere and return forthwith to the Death Zone, where you will allow us to board, arrest, and interrogate your 'charges' until the fate of our intelligence operative Ghost can be properly ascertained.".

<< Autobot >> Landline says, "We’re reporting an upper atmospheric breach of unknown craft. Running identification scans."

<< Decepticon >> Trypticon Station warning: Upper atmospheric breach of unknown craft. Running identification patterns.

(INTERCEPT): Valour receives " I apologize. Ghost is not within Calyhex. Nowhere. We cannot let you in the wing. It is too dangerous. They will eat you too." from Calyhex.

<<Broadband>> Calyhex says, "As I just told the Decepticon who radioed me... I do not have Ghost in me. Anywhere. We cannot let people in the wing its too dangerous. You will be eaten too."

<< Decepticon >> Ravage says, "Request mass and scale estimate of detected craft."

<< irc.dal.net >> <Voidwalker> Haa'taylir rada'nr olyaor miit'gaanar, gehat'ik olyaor bu'lyrea, vencuyot cuyir cuun aba'yer, Gotal'ur resa oyacyir.

Valour sends a radio transmission.

(INTERCEPT): Valour radios Calyhex with "You'll understand if I'd prefer to ascertain that myself, Calyhex.".

<<Broadband>> Overlord scoffs

<< Autobot >> Sideswipe says, "Moonbase Three, you have anything more than 'uh-oh something coming through atmosphere' to pass along?"

<< Autobot >> Dust Devil says, "oh god oh god we're all gonna die?"

<< Autobot >> Dust Devil says, "oh wait, I'm not driving, we're good."

<< Autobot >> Kodiak says, "You're here, that's all it takes. Yer like a bad luck charm, Dust Devil. <snerk>"

Vizier is curled in a ball in one of the seats, claws emerging and holding tight to the chair as he fumes.

(INTERCEPT): Valour receives " I... understand. You may search when I return. I need to get rid of this wing before it creates a catastrophe" from Calyhex.

Ravage would take a moment to speak to Vizier, "Calmness. We will be in the engagement zone soon. Follow orders and we will win the day."

Valour is at the helm, piloting the ship to intercept Calyhex.

<<Broadband>> Calyhex says, "She is eaten for sure. There is no body. I am sorry."

So Calyhex is trying to leave Cybertron? Well, that won't do. ...Apparently. Blast Off isn't really sure what he thinks about that. Stopping a fellow space-worthy mech, even a Titan, seems a bit.... ungentlemechly if you ask him. ....Which nobody has, and he isn't going to volunteer either. So, whatever his feelings on the matter are, orders are orders and thus the Combaticon shuttle is up in space to meet a... former friend. Sort of. He flies alongside the Decepticon Warship, waiting for further orders.

<< Autobot >> Landline says, "Moonbase Three updating initial telemetry. Identification scans return a 78 percent probability identifying the craft as the Titan Calyhex."

<< Decepticon >> Trypticon Station reporting telemetry projections for Titan-Craft. Flight path currently indicates a probable intersection with Space Gate - Alpha.

Valour sends a radio transmission.

(INTERCEPT): Valour radios Calyhex with "Your 'wing' has already created a catastrophe. Allow us to take it off your hands. Return to the surface. This is your final warning.".

(INTERCEPT): Valour recieves " do you intend to stop me? I am not one of yours." from Calyhex.

<<Broadband>> Calyhex says, "This..is not good."

<<Broadband>> Starlock says, "What's wrong?"

<<Broadband>> Calyhex says, "The Decepticons do not want me leaving to remove the wing. There may be retaliation if I do."

<<Broadband>> Overlord says, "Did you finish eating Ghost and now you need something else to snack on?"

Valour sends a radio transmission.

(INTERCEPT): Valour radios Calyhex with "We intend to stop you, but there does not have to be violence. Surrender peacefully and allow us to board.".

<<Broadband>> Starlock says, "...Don't listen to them"

<<Broadband>> Optimus Prime says, "Titan Calyhex, we are here for you, awaiting to escort you to your departure path. Do not let any owrds sent to you by the Decepticons siarupt the path you have chosen for -yourself-."

<<Broadband>> Calyhex says, "I didn't eat them the wing did. They..want to board me and search for something I do not have."

<<Broadband>> Optimus Prime says, "They had time enough to request your aid in their search, Titan Calyhex. Again. We are ready to aid you at the start of your journey."

<<Broadband>> Megatron says, "Titan Calyhex. This is Megatron. Leader of the Decepticons. You have taken one of ours. Your own freedom is forfeit. Land in the Death Zone and allow my soldiers to search and secure you. One soldier for another. A good exchange, don't you agree?"

<<Broadband>> Starlock says, "...I'm here for you too Caly, there is no need to be scared.."

<<Broadband>> Megatron says, "this is not your concern, Autobots. Leave us to securing what is ours."

<< Autobot >> Sideswipe says, "Permission to tell the Cons off?"

Vizier unfolds enough of himself to show his head, ruffles and hackles raised like a cat, "Winning the day isn't my concern. I'm more worried about my Commander."

<<Broadband>> Overlord says, "Unless the 'wing' is still hungry -- in that case, feel free to offer yourselves up as fodder."

<<Broadband>> Optimus Prime says, "Megatron, you had enough time to work with Praxus and calyhex for such a search. if she says that your soldier is not within, then they are no longer there. As for the optic for an optic, try again."

<<Broadband>> Dust Devil says, "Might not agree with everythin bein done but pretty sure grabbin one of Megatron's pawns doesn't automatically gives him an Titan. Besides, you took her city first Megatron."

<<Broadband>> Sideswipe says, "Hey Cons? Go slag yourselves and spare us the trouble."

<<Broadband>> Starlock says, "Resa gar gteditr bal hiibir gurher narir va sushir at megatronus ibac cuyir va megatronus." (Light your wings and take flight do not listen to the megatronus that is not megatronus.)

<<Broadband>> 55.5 Suicide Jockey FM DJ Encore says, "A Titan is no' yers to take, Megatron. It's... there's... och... bugger..."

<<Broadband>> 55.5 Suicide Jockey FM DJ Encore says, "Jes'... blow it out yer aft."

Ravage would nod at Vizier, "We'll get anything useful from the Titan. She can't hide behind and say her -wing- will keep anything locked away."

<<Broadband>> Kodiak says, "Listen here, Asshole in Chief. I sure don't see yer name on her, so you ain't got a claim. Though if yer itchin' for a good old fashioned ass kicking, we'll be happy to oblige ya while Calyhex does her thing."

<<Broadband>> Megatron says, "By the end of the day, my symbol will be on the titan. It is already mine. Do not interfere."

Nightbird simply continues to wait quietly in one corner.

<<Broadband>> Optimus Prime says, "By the end of the day, you'll have another loss added to the tally, Megatron. You will not 'claim' Calyhex. She is not a -thing- to be owned nor controlled."

<<Broadband>> Starlock says, "Gteda, viinir mav ner burc'ya. (Fly, run free my friend.)"

<<Broadband>> Sideswipe says, "Hey, Overlord! Gonna take another face of yours to put up on the wall just like last time!"

<<Broadband>> Megatron says, "We will see, Prime. We will see."

<<Broadband>> Kodiak says, "Faces, arms, legs, don' matter to me."

From Cybertron’s Inner orbit: Decepticon Warship <Corumkan> had been positioned in one of the lunar-supported stable Lagrange points, positioned a third of the planet away from Trypticon. The ship had been lurking amidst the debris of battles past and satellites from many an age past and present, emitting a passive level of energy, almost net-neutral against the scattered noise generated by the debris field. And now, the ship is 'coming to life' swinging the elongated prow about as sub-light engines flare to life. The vast predatory bird orients itself towards the Lagrange point where Trypticon Station... and the Warp gate lay. Running lights kindle along the elongated and sinister shape of Megatron's newest addition to his fleet surges forward into motion.

From Cybertron’s Inner orbit: Autobot Starship <Valiant> glides into a lower orbit from its launch from Luna 2, Moonbase 2. Hearkening back to an older age, the ship resembles nothing more than a hybridization of the old ARK-class starships and a battleship. Four engines in a horizontal plane are burning brightly, pushing the craft to intercept the Titan-craft, the hospital ship Calyhex. And loaded onto that ship are the Autobots who were on-deck to respond, to come to the titan’s aid.

<<Broadband>> Optimus Prime says, "So we shall, Megatron."

<<Broadband>> Calyhex says, "I understand now."

<<Broadband>> Calyhex says, "Why the Autobots do what they do."

Ravage is watching the console as the ships head along on an intercept course, optics locked over on data. He has taken a moment to perch himself over on the 'top' of the chair that Vizier is clinging to while he's rapidly reviewing data. Doing intercept trajectories, speed evaluations, and general processing as the courses of all the craft would be continuously changing ever so slightly.

Overlord is standing around, looking fixedly at nothing in particular, acting as if he's doing everyone a favor by being here. Which he is. Because he is just that freaking awesome.

Vizier's optics bulge at he listens to the Broadband chatter, "I'm honestly shocked it's taken something as large as Calyhex to bring this to a head, these two would fight over a single cube of energon."

<<Broadband>> Starlock says, "...yeah, its.. easier to understand when you see it.. isn't it?"

<<Broadband>> Dust Devil says, "You know if Megatron wants his time to shine again, I can always send over another glitter bomb. I still have the images from the last time."

"Moving to intercept," Valour reports grimly. The Corumkan, fancy and new as it is, might not be much against a Titan, but that's never slowed Valour from performing his duties. He does glance back at the others, before pushing thoughts of casualties and sacrifice from his mind. Emperor Megatron has spoken. When he says 'Jump,' Valour doesn't even ask how high. He simply leaps with maximum thrust.

Blast Off is MORE awesome, but he doesn't need to brag about. (Yes he does.) The shuttle remains flying outside, waiting for orders. Just a job, that's all. Feelings are irrelevant.

As the ship would accelerate, Ravage is automatically digging his claws over into the chair to 'brace' himself better, and then lightly adjusting his thrusters. This is designed to help minimize the 'kickback' from the acceleration and also make sure he looks -dignified- as opposed to hanging on for dear life.

<<Broadband>> Overlord says, "Why, is that Dust Devil I hear? I've been looking for you!"

<<Broadband>> Dust Devil says, "Told ya Overlord...if you want a signed print of Megatron covered in glitter, yer gonna need to buy one off my website like everyone else"

<<Broadband>> Overlord chuckles. "Ahh, but I appreciate art much better when I can take the artist's hands."

<<Broadband>> Ravage says, "I'm sure that you'll make a lovely sculpture of his corpse when you're finished, mighty Overlord."

<<Broadband>> Starlock says, "Gar liser narir ibic, Calyhex. <You can do this, Calyhex.>"

<<Broadband>> Incognito says, "I would say something about how the more things change, the more they stay the same... except nothing's really changed and remains as stagnant as ever."

From Cybertron’s Inner orbit: Decepticon Warship <Corumkan> drives in close against the Titan, as its broad side array of twin-mounted Fortress-class cannons lock into position. The fourteen guns fire ballistic shells in a regular pistoning fire pattern, hammering the recently repaired Titan with weapons fire.

Decepticon soldiers climb out onto the Corumkan hull, and anchor themselves to the ship’s launch spikes. Three large transport tubes fire off of the ship’s hull, piercing into Calyhex, as the two craft trade punishing blows to each other.

From Cybertron’s Inner orbit: Autobot Starship <Valiant> exposes weapons emplacements as it moves, plating splitting and sliding out of the way, missile pod housings rocking into place mere moments before an initial volley is sent outwards, announcing the Autobots’ arrival. The craft’s engines flare brightly as its captain pushes it to its edge of mobility, sliding itself closer to Calyhex, << Calyhex, we’ve got the cables. Pause fire for twelve astroseconds, and maintain course! >> The starship then drifts inward, between the two ships, its own mass pressing against the Corumkan’s cables, trying to break them free.

From Cybertron’s Inner orbit: Calyhex - Starcruiser’s primary rocket batteries are exposed as the housing plates pull back (Someones internal are aiding their home, their titan). A volley of a dozen long range missiles are launched, and almost immediately impact against the hull of the Corumkan. Her hull is rocked by the impacts from the boarding cables and chutes. The massive hospital-ship’s engines flicker and fade for a brief moment before re-engaging, pushing her towards her goal.

<<Broadband>> Megatron says, "Decepticons... board the titan. If it land. We will take it down."

Ravage would rock over on his perch as the two ships go to exchange fire, spasming over as the ship would rock as launch tubes would head towards the Titan, and the chaos of a boarding action so alike and yet so different than one fifty thousand vorn ago starts anew..

<< Autobot >> Bumblebee says, "Wait, Encore. Let me handle that"

<< Autobot >> Optimus Prime says, "Autobots we can't let Megatron breach the titan. Ready to jump ship and follow them down and engage."

Showtime! Blast Off is already in position, given that he is a space shuttle and obviously SO much better than everyone else, and makes his way quickly towards the other ship to transform and board it. Unless of course, some poor space-flightless- sap needs his assistance GETTING to the other ship, that is.

<< Autobot >> Bumblebee says, "We need our heavy hitters repelling boarders. I'm... well let's face it, a bit of a lightweight."

<< Autobot >> Optimus Prime says, "Right, Bumblebee I trust you to do as you do best."

<< Autobot >> Suicide JOCKEY! Encore says, "Aye, I can get on tha'"

<< Autobot >> Bumblebee says, "Leave it to me."

Valour locks the ship's controls and stands, drawing his sword. He strides to the nearest boarding tube, prepared to lead a team of Decepticon to capturing the biggest prize of all: a rogue Titan. Once the loose cannon is secured, not only will they have a new weapon to balance out the threat posed by Fortress Maximus, but also, they'll finally be able to determine for certain the final fate of Ghost.

Vizier unfolds completely and hovers in the air, "Ravage, I assume we're in this together?"

<< Autobot >> Sideswipe says, "Let's vent 'em to the Inferno!"

Overlord chuckles as he pushes off from the wall he's been leaning against and prepares to leave the ship. "We hear and obey," he says. "Since it's going to give us the chance to do what we already wanted to do in the first place. Kill Autobots."

<< Autobot >> Starlock says, "Understood sir.. what.. do you want me to do?"

Lugnut smashes his clamps together, his maw open in a toothy grin, "FINALLY, SOME ACTION. FORWARD, TO MAKE LORD MEGATRON'S WILL MADE MANIFEST!"

Nightbird still waits, letting the boarding tubes but moves towards a window so she can see directly towards Calyhex.

<< Autobot >> Optimus Prime says, "When I get the ship close, jump and follow the Decepticons. We don't want them inside the Titan, she needs to be allowed to fly free."

<< Autobot >> Starlock says, "Understood."

<< Autobot >> Suicide JOCKEY! Encore says, "A'reet."

<<Broadband>> Optimus Prime says, "Megatron you will be stopped."

<< Autobot >> Suicide JOCKEY! Encore says, "Ne'er mind the song lass."

<<Broadband>> Megatron says, "I'm sure you'll try, Prime."

<< Decepticon >> Emperor Megatron says, "Destroy any Autobots who oppose us!"

<<Broadband>> Optimus Prime says, "And like always, I will succeed. Unlike others, I am made of sterner stuff."

<< Autobot >> Starlock says, "It's okay.. i have one phrase."

<<Broadband>> Megatron says, "You should have left us to our business. Decepticons... ATTACK"

Surface of Calyhex <Titan>

<<Broadband>> Starlock says, "Caly, Our odds are slim,

The walls are thin, cavin' in

But there is still a way, you see -

In just one mere percent of chance there's possibility

I won't sit back, and accept the hand we are dealt

A fate that's thrown out by someone else..

There is still a future I can see

One I hope you'll share with me."

With a few acrobatics, Starlock transforms into her Robot Mode.

The shuttle uprights as the wings and stabilizer fin fall away and the engine cylinders fall forward. The top half of the shuttle breaks apart to reveal Blast Off.

The hood folds forward forming the chestplate with arms expanding out, tailend folds back with legs expanding downward.

Ravage fades into the shadows without a sound.

Vizier fades into the shadows without a sound.

Starlock sends a radio transmission.

(INTERCEPT): Starlock radio's Calyhex with "Do what you can my dear..".

Blast Off falls vertically, his arms folding over his head. His legs join together, his wings come forward and Blast Off becomes a shuttle.

<< Autobot >> Bumblebee says, "Phew, that is a lot of weapons fire."

<< Autobot >> Optimus Prime says, "Indeed."

<< Autobot >> Optimus Prime says, "Holding the valient steady."

<< Decepticon >> Lugnut says, "COMMANDER VALOUR, LET US CARVE A PATH!"

<< Decepticon >> Aerospace CO Valour says, "Do so, warrior! I will cover you!"

<< Autobot >> Starlock says, "Everyone, do your best!"

Starlock sends a radio transmission.

(INTERCEPT): Starlock radio's Calyhex with "...We'll do this, together".

(INTERCEPT): Starlock receives " I know. Until all are one." from Calyhex.

<< Autobot >> Dust Devil says, "So....Die well?"

<< Autobot >> Sideswipe says, "Make the Cons die for their empire."

<< Autobot >> Suicide JOCKEY! Encore says, "I dinna intend t' die."

<< Autobot >> Sideswipe says, "So let's make -them- all die today!"

<< Autobot >> Kodiak says, "If you mean the 'cons, hell with the well, just make 'em die!"

<< Decepticon >> Ravage says, "Will attempt to use the melee to flank."

<< Autobot >> Bumblebee says, "Dust Devil, make sure to throw up that forcefield to aid against those heavy hitters"

<< Decepticon >> Aerospace CO Valour says, "Be careful, Ravage. I trust you to inflict maximum damage if necessary."

<< Autobot >> Dust Devil says, "Thank you oh wise and powerful Bumblebee for reminding me how to utilize the one ability that makes people keep me around."

<< Autobot >> Bumblebee says, "That's no problem, Dust. Let's keep everyone as safe as we can."

<< Autobot >> Starlock snorts.

<< Decepticon >> Ravage says, "Appreciated."

The Autobots and Decepticons have both deployed troops: One to take over the titan, the other to defend. Here, on the surface of Calyhex, some -might- see the backsides of others that managed to drop deeper inside already while there are more on the surface to get your attention.

Scrambling off the boarding tube, Ravage is hitting the hull of the Titan at a slow run compared to the far faster Decepticons, including the ever-sleek Blast Off. As he does so, he's flickering over to his stealth mode, electromagnetic-cloak flickering around him as he vanishes from sight and sound, seemingly consumed by the void of space. Speaking along the mental link that Soundwave's cadre were linked ~We'll try and bypass the fight and see if we can locate a data port along the Titan to start getting information. The sooner we can finda way inside her data systems, the sooner we can get what she knows about the Commander~ Sent over to Vizier, and then Ravage is zooming along, taking quick 'hops' to maintain his speed.

Blast Off rockets into the area quickly, the space travel very much NOT an issue for him. And while others try to get inside, he's perfectly happy staying out IN SPACE where he is free to zoomzoom... I mean, fly in a totally dignified and regal manner all around, picking and choosing his targets with plenty of elbow.... er, wing room. This is the life. Even if there ARE a lot of gun and laser blasts everywhere- he's confident he can dodge, right? He glides along quickly, looking for a target. He spots... well, that's a shame, really, but if Starlock MUST be taken out, perhaps it's better if a fellow shuttle does it. "<< My apologies... >>" Pew pew!

>> Blast Off strikes Starlock with X-Ray-Laser <Low>. <<

Starlock locks her magnets onto the surface of Calyhex and hisses seeing a few get passed, however, she'd take note of those still there, can't let anymore get in... She then takes a /hard/ hit from Blast off and cries out in pain as Energon is already leaking into the void, she'd grit her denta and glare off, covering the wound.

"<< ..I protect my friends Blast off... And she's one of them. >>" Starlock radios with a heavy heave as she then starts into a sprint towards where the cons had entered before.

Starlock'd then spin around and flicks her space-grade headlights on to blind those facing her.

>> Starlock attacks Blast Off with Headlights, striking Blast Off. <<

Windblade floats across to Calyhex, kneeling down to touch the Titan's surface and whispers something before she stands up, both her blades shimmering and appearing in her hands as she scans around to see where she can best aid the Titan.

Encore launches himself from the Autobot ship, trusting in his math and Sir Isaac Newton to carry him aboard the asylum. He lands on the plating with heel-jets and settling on the hull. He looks around, standing protectively over Windblade with his bagpipes. Settling the drones up on his shoulder again the big bar-bot looks around for targets, focusing on Blast Off. "'Ey! Poncy!" Encore shouts. "Ge'ti'fu'! Pick on someone yer own size y' ungentlemanly feck!"

It's like watching a boulder charge. The acceleration starts slow but builds deceptively until Encore is moving at full bore, two of his engines blasting to aid the momentum.

At the last moment Encore jumps, all four engines powering up to send him upwards as he attempts to simply punch Blast Off out of the sky.

Chivalry is not, in fact, dead. Thanks to Starlock, it's unlikely Blast off will even see it coming.

>> Encore misses Blast Off with The Left One. <<

Starlock sends a radio transmission.

(INTERCEPT): Starlock radio's Calyhex with "Ahg.. We can do this..".

<< Autobot >> Bumblebee says, "alright most of the tow cables are broken. I've still got a demo pack left in case we get another boarding tube"

(INTERCEPT): Starlock recieves " Starlock! I'm....heading for the gate." from Calyhex.

<< Autobot >> Optimus Prime says, "Good work Bumblebee. Get clear, I'm going to give that warship a distraction in the shape of a broadside."

Starlock sends a radio transmission.

(INTERCEPT): Starlock radio's Calyhex with "Do it".

<< Autobot >> Bumblebee says, "Don't have to tell me twice."

<< Autobot >> Starlock says, "aaahg..Ram 'em good"

Dust Devil says, "It's a case of shuttle envy Encore, he can't help but hit on her!" He tries to maintain the decent so that he can see where to best engage his forcefields, even if it's to block any vents that Ravage might be trying to go down. "Let's go!""

<< Decepticon >> Pinpoint says, "The Corumkan's not responding. I've lost lateral controls."

<< Decepticon >> Mixmaster says, "Impossible! It can withstand more than a Titan attack. uh uh uh, no matter what they've got."

<< Decepticon >> Pinpoint says, "So why am I drifting towards the warp gate?!"

<< Decepticon >> Mixmaster says, "Couldn't tell ya. I'm more of a chemist than a astrophysicsmech."

<< Decepticon >> Emperor Megatron says, "NO! I WILL NOT BE DENIED!"

<< Autobot >> Dust Devil says, "Looks like we're walkin home huh..."

<< Autobot >> Starlock coughs roughtly. "I don't know, I don't care, just.. protect her."

<< Autobot >> Optimus Prime says, "The Valient is still flight capable, Autobots. Protect Calyhex. We'll get you home."

<< Decepticon >> Lugnut says, "HE IS A DANGEROUS ONE. BUT NONE ARE MORE DANGEROUS THAN THE DECEPTICON EMPIRE.....I MAY'VE USED MY PLURALS INCORRECTLY THERE!"

Overlord scans the area, looking for a suitable foe -- though, if he can't fight someone suitable, he'll settle for anyone in the general vicinity because today is an absolutely brilliant day for someone else to die.

Rapidly surveying the area, Ravage sees no immediate possibilities for vulnerabilities that could be exploited. And they'd have to breech to the interior to try and get to a position where there's a way to get a data connection. And anything internal will be locked down due to the breech. So that turns his tactics away from infiltration to that of ambush. Going to dart along in the shadows, he gives an alert to Vizier ~No immediate data ports available. Will search for targets of opportunity. Utilize your discretion to engage or try and find way to breech interior~

Not bothering to send out a radio message - too much chance of interception in this fracas. So Ravage is maneuvering along, looking for any-Bot isolated he could try and pick off or take a snap shot at.

From Cybertron’s Inner orbit: Decepticon Warship <Corumkan> is significantly damaged by a volley from The Valiant and has one of its main engines flame out. The shift in thrust causes the ship to list towards Calyhex. The two collide as the edge of the Corumkan rakes against the Titan, cleaving into the great Titan’s shell for several yalms before that fin of the Corumkan rips off and away. A secondary fuel depot ruptures from weapons fire, and goes up in an incinerating explosion that sheds some armor from the warship on the belly side. A plasma fire starts, burning that toxic purple and blue flame.

From Cybertron’s Inner orbit: Autobot Starship <Valiant> breaks away from the Corumkan after -unloading- its entire missile compliment, taking up a shadowing position over the titan as the Decepticon warship gouges a line across the titan and then veers away. Stray ballistic fire is peppered outwards, targeting any ‘unfriendlies’ that may be freely moving in space.

<< Autobot >> Bumblebee says, "Holy smokes!"

<< Autobot >> Starlock says, "KICK ASS!"

<< Autobot >> Sideswipe says, "Prime! Nice flying!"

<< Autobot >> Suicide JOCKEY! Encore says, "...well then. That's a nice crap in the Silver Shouter's morning energoodies."

<< Autobot >> Bumblebee says, "Don't talk too soon."

<< Autobot >> Sideswipe says, "How long before Megsie starts publicly whining?"

<< Autobot >> Bumblebee says, "Optimus! I see him! He's at the warp gate."

<< Autobot >> Optimus Prime says, "... On my way."

<< Autobot >> Bumblebee says, "I....I don't think I can get over there, boss."

<< Autobot >> Optimus Prime says, "Handing the Valiant over to secondary command. There are jetpacks in the rear, Bumblebee. Or Minus one in a moment."

Blast Off strikes- and honestly, it wasn't even at a high level, he's just got massive firepower. Alas. For his opponents, that is. Not that he enjoys attacking a fellow shuttle- nor does he enjoy her retaliation as she whips around and flashes him before he can dodge out of the way. "<< Gah! >>" Nearly blinded, he veers off to the side, where he hears someone taunting him. And that is their mistake - even though he can't see very well, he takes a guess and dodges ... whatever is coming, based off where he heard someone call him *ungentlemechly* ....*HUFFF HOW DARE*. "<< I can't help it if you all pick the *wrong side* to be on, now can I? If she *must* be struck down, better another shuttle does it! >>"

Still, the words sting. He's not UNGENTLEMECHLY! "<< Fine, if you insist, I suppose I can 'take it easy' on the smaller space craft.... you'll all still lose this fight. I'm in space, I'm nigh invincible! >>" And ego-riffic. Blast Off *hurrumphs* and suddenly rolls around to head straight towards Encore as his vision starts to clear. "<< You want something *different*? Here's *different*! >>" he dodges some of the stray rubble as their own ship ruptures an engine, then suddenly appears near Encore, transforming as he tries to just KICK the Autobot straight into Starlock! "Two turbobirds with one stone."

The shuttle uprights as the wings and stabilizer fin fall away and the engine cylinders fall forward. The top half of the shuttle breaks apart to reveal Blast Off.

>> Blast Off strikes Encore with Kick. <<

Starlock lets out a grunt of pain as Encore is practically /thrown/ onto her, which doesn't do good for her wounds as she struggles out from under encore, worsening them as her mesh stretches' and bends, widing the wound, bleeding energon onto Calyhex's hull. She'd grit her denta behind her mask, she pants out heavily, dark circles forming under her optics.

Starlock'd bring up one of her pistols and let loose a shot at Blast Off as she attempted to keep playing goalie. "<< DON'T LET HIM WIN CALY, HE HATES THAT, HE HATES LOSING AND /HATES/ KNOWING WHEN NO ONE NEEDED HIM! >> Starlock shouts out over the band.

>> Starlock strikes Blast Off with Pistol <Medium>. <<

<<Broadband>> Starlock says, "DON'T LET HIM WIN CALY, HE HATES THAT, HE HATES LOSING AND /HATES/ KNOWING WHEN NO ONE NEEDED HIM!"

<< Autobot >> Sideswipe says, "Save some of Megs for us, Prime! Watch his back Bee."

<<Broadband>> Megatron says, "Oh, Starlock..."

<<Broadband>> Megatron says, "We have a score to settle. But first. I have a titan to bring to submission."

<<Broadband>> Starlock Snorts. "Yeah we do, never did tell me if you found that phalis."

Encore takes the hit with a growl, attempting to bend out of the way of Starlock, but sadly not able. He snarls, righting himself and thumping back towards Boff. "I ken how t' fight yez fast ones." He snarls. He doesn't begin that locomotive charge again... it's too hard to change direction. Besides, with Blast Off on foot now, maybe he stands a chance of landing a punch.

Encore leads with the other side this time, a vicious hook that's ended many a bar fight, in its day...

>> Encore strikes Blast Off with The Right One. <<

Windblade is still near the entrance, a bright red Bot standing out and covers the entrance for the moment.. choosing to defend Calyhex instead of going on the offensive, at least for the moment.

<<Broadband>> Optimus Prime says, "Not on my watch, Megatron."

<<Broadband>> Starlock says, "or mine."

<<Broadband>> Incognito says, "If scores were like bar tabs, Megatron wouldn't be allowed remotely close to a distillery of any kind for the remainder of his existence, he'd owe so much."

Dust Devil having his forcefields primed and reaching out to feel for any hidden holes that calyhex might be hiding with her projections. He suddenly whips around realizing he's feeling more than what he's seeing. "Slaggit, it ain't just Blowhard 1 and 2....I'm pickin up two more!" He turns and points where he feels. Both hands stretched as if reaching while the field follows. HIs optics search, unable to SEE what he's feeling but he's trying to keep a bead on them!

<<Broadband>> Calyhex says, "This Megatronus that is not Megatronus.... is....quite..."

<<Broadband>> Calyhex says, "<Lockup> "We got it, sweetspark. Cram in your exhaust, Buckethead. She's got a mind of her own and you aren't changing that.""

<<Broadband>> Calyhex says, "Rude."

<<Broadband>> 55.5 Suicide Jockey FM DJ Encore says, "But appropriate, aye?"

<<Broadband>> Starlock says, "that's a nice way to put it. -she'd laugh weakly-"

Vizier shrugs and smiles with chagrin as he becomes noticeable with Dust Devil's sweep, his scales shimmering in the light of distant stars, "Oh, my dear Ambassador, I had hoped to leave you out of this. You even brought your Cityspeaker like I asked and everything."

From Cybertron’s Inner orbit: Decepticon Warship <Corumkan> continues to list as a line of explosions takes out the primary relay buffers, causing the navigation systems to falter as the secondary relays lag coming online, the back-up systems delayed in their response. Alarms activate on the gate-frame itself, beacons flashing patterns indicating activation and proximity alerts. The gate has been activated. With engines flaring and dimming, the massive warship fights the pull of the engaged warp gate, being drawn into the superstructure, towards the event horizon.

From Cybertron’s Inner orbit: The stress of the warp gate’s activation threatens the structural integrity of both large ships. Tertiary systems on both start to buckle and detonate as small explosions ripple across both Calyhex and the Corumkan. Pieces of debris broken off by the ship-to-ship assault are caught in the warp gate’s event horizon. They stop spinning in space, and beeline straight towards the active gate, and are sent off at light speed into the void, lost to the galaxy at large.

<<Broadband>> 55.5 Suicide Jockey FM DJ Encore sounding awed, says, "...bugger..."

And then Dust Devil's sensors are pinging him. Ravage is going to let out a hiss. But this is personal. Going to let out a mental call to Vizier ~Engaging. Engage or look for infiltration breaches at your discretion.~ Then Ravage is going to flicker in and out of existence, finally settling fully into view as he's going to take a flying leap through the air, launching himself at high speed to try and rapidly flank Dust Devil, going to slash at him in passing to try and skewer through the small Mini-Bot, trying to take out a small chunk of him and darting out of the way to let Overlord take a few smashes!

>> Ravage misses Dust Devil with Slice. <<

Ravage suddenly fades into sight without a sound.

Vizier suddenly fades into sight without a sound.

<< Autobot >> Bumblebee has left this channel.

<< Autobot >> Optimus Prime says, "BUMBLEBEE!"

<<Broadband>> Optimus Prime says, "BUMBLEBEE!"

<< Autobot >> Starlock says, "Bee?!"

<< Decepticon >> Ravage says, "Exterminate them!"

<< Decepticon >> Ravage says, "Blast Off, I believe this calls for your specialty."

<< Decepticon >> Blast Off says, "On my way..."

<< Autobot >> Starlock says, "...I'll get him!"

Blast Off is quickly reminded WHY he likes personal space and flying in shuttle mode rather than trying to engage the enemy up close and personal. He does land his kick, but then Starlock shoots him for a bit of damage and then Encore *wallops* him, causing an ugly dent in his frame and several heat shield ceramic tiles to go scattering to the cosmic winds like a smattering of stardust. "Ergh..."

The shuttleformer is knocked away, spinning into space like his tiles, when suddenly both the warship and the other ship get sucked into the space portal. What the frag happened? Getting radio summons, the shuttleformer is actually rather happy to transform at this point and rocket away. "<< Bah, I've had enough of *this* anyway... >>" he snoots as he speeds towards the gate to observe- and act, if needed.

Blast Off falls vertically, his arms folding over his head. His legs join together, his wings come forward and Blast Off becomes a shuttle.

Starlock pauses to watch the war torn ships list to the gate... It was kind of mesmerizing despite having seen such a thing many times before. Still Where Both megatron and Optimus on there...? It's... a bit startling to think about, then she remembers the mention of jet packs, no no they where not on the ships. "Damn.." Starlock murmurs. still a bit in awe of the wreckage.. Partly saving the image for a drawing later.

Starlock'd then get her mind back into the battle as her wound reminds her of just how much danger she's in, as well as the cries about Bumblebee..

Starlock'd knit her ridges and grit her denta and starts running across the titan's hull, pede boosters igniting, a brilliant neon purple lighting up and leaving trails behind her with streaks of energon, before she disengages the magnet locks on her pedes and Transforms, speeding towards the wreckages and gate, blasting music in her interior.

With a few acrobatics, Starlock transforms into her Space medical run-about mode!

<< Autobot >> Starlock says, "I'm coming..."

Windblade moves quickly as the two Tape-Cons show themselves, the Camien moving quickly to intercept Ravage and lashing out with a quick kick to try to knock him away from Dust Devil, the Camien not saying much as she tries to drive some distance between Ravage and Dust Devil. "Dust Devil, shield yourself!"

>> Windblade strikes Ravage with Kick. <<

Encore smirks as he watches Blast Off recoil from the punch... only to retreat. With the radio calls going on... he nods, stepping neatly into Starlock's path, dropping to one knee path with his wings extended and level to become a ramp for her to leap over a particularly large piece of debris, dragging its way across Calyhex's hull before it relinquishes its grip and vanishes into the portal. "Go, lass!"

Once Encore's over the debris, or the trench it's left, he begins to accelerate again, in the manner of a freight train, towards Ravage, Windblade, and the others. "I'm on mah way!"

Starlock sends a radio transmission.

(INTERCEPT): Starlock radio's Calyhex with "hang in there, i need to help a friend real quick".

<< Autobot >> Sideswipe says, "How you holding Kodiak?"

(INTERCEPT): Starlock receives " don't get killed" from Calyhex.

<<Broadband>> Calyhex says, "warp gate gaining intensity."

Dust Devil has his arms up still and barely manages to spin out of the way of Ravage. "Vizier, don't do this....go help those on your ship!" As Windblade comes to his aid he grins, "It's okay I know how ta dodge Ravage! How is Calyhex? Is the damage bad?" He looks toward where the damage has been done, ready to forcefield those openings to keep the cons out.

<< Autobot >> Dust Devil says, "Anyone know what's goin' on?"

Overlord hears that voice, that absolutely maddening, delightful voice and a slow smile begins to creep across his handsome, wicked face. "Ohhh, so there you are, my pet,' he murmurs, drawing his auto-cannon and preparing to fire in Dust Devil's general direction. "Time for a reckoning!"

>> Overlord misses Dust Devil with Auto-Cannon <Medium>. <<

Vizier's small form comes to a halt as Windblade strikes Ravage, wincing at the blow, "You can stop this now, Cityspeaker. Talk to the Asylum, find us what we need. Find us Ghost and we'll go."

<<Broadband>> Optimus Prime says, "MEGATRON!!"

And then Windblade is going to charge at him, Ravage pinballing away over from her kick as he's moving to hit the ground and tucking into a tight cat-ball as he would then be swinging back up and over to his clawed feet. "Come then, Camian. Let's carve off some chunks of you to leave to the Titan as a reminder!" Then he's going to charge over at her, going to launch himself through the air to try and pass her hard, trying to take a SLASH at her and if he can go for the upper half of a wing, trying to take a chunk of her aerileron off! Well aware of the void approaching the starships, but trying to focus on one thing at a time! Trusting Vizier to do what he has to.

>> Ravage strikes Windblade with Claw. <<

<< Autobot >> Sideswipe says, "Prime!"

<<Broadband>> Megatron says, "Ha. Bumblebee looked like he could use some ventilation. You're welcome, Prime."

<<Broadband>> Optimus Prime says, "And you're welcome for -"

<<Broadband>> Optimus Prime says, "That."

<<Broadband>> Megatron says, "Nice shot. I see you have the aim of a dockworker. Here. Let me show you how a soldier aims."

<<Broadband>> Optimus Prime says, "You're slipping, in more ways than-ACK"

Windblade moves to dodge Ravage but only manages to blunt some of the damage as he claws her, the blow landing on her shoulder. Her response? A quick swipe of her sword as she tries to smash it's hilt into the feline-type's side, "She is.. holding.. but getting very angry, Dust Devil."

>> Windblade misses Ravage with Slam. <<

<< Autobot >> Landline says, "Moon Base Two here. We're requesting military units for guarding the injured. Kodiak, are you free for redeployment?"

<< Autobot >> Kodiak says, "Roger that, things seems to be winding down in here."

Encore can be heard approaching Vizier and Ravage from behind. His loud, heavy footsteps are helped in heralding his approach by a loud yell of "I'mma comin' lass!"

As he gets close, the Scotsmech pulls back one huge fist, stopping right behind Vizier and channeling all of that momentum and inertia into his fist, aimed squarely at the back of the Decepticon's head. If it hits, all of that energy will be transferred to the Instigator.

...if it doesn't, Encore's going to have a very big problem - in the form of the frame of the doorway that he's going to be entirely unable to stop himself smashing into at considerable speed..

>> Encore strikes Vizier with Sixteen Tons. <<

Dust Devil YELPS! as suddenly an autocannon begins firing all about and around him. The young bot ducks weaves and finally gets a field to stop some of the hits. Of course while this is happening he's losing view of Vizier and turns to look but Encore has it in hand. But then he is then made to focus on the continued attack by Overlord. He raises his turrets and tries to fire at the frightful visage focused on him!

>> Dust Devil strikes Overlord with Plasma <Medium>. <<

From Cybertron’s Inner orbit: Decepticon Warship <Corumkan> ventures closer towards the gate, being piloted towards it, despite not having a warp key activated. The Corumken’s forward fin hits the ring, and snaps off. The tremors of the ship’s initial collision rocks the ring itself as it slowly is pulled inwards, crossing that threshold.

<<Broadband>> Megatron yells, "NO! I WILL NOT BE DENIED! AND THIS DAY I SHALL BE RID OF YOU AS WELL, PRIME. I’ll send you a billion lightyears away, Prime, and when you finally return to Cybertron. You’ll see the glory that we should’ve had eons ago, if not for your rebellion!"

<<Broadband>> Optimus Prime says, "Not today, Megatron!"

<<Broadband>> Megatron bellows, "OPTIMU.!" and.. there is nothing.

<< Decepticon >> Blast Off says, "Megatron... Megatron is... gone."

<< Decepticon >> Ravage says, "What!?"

<< Decepticon >> Blast Off says, "He was... he was... sucked into the gate. *he sounds dazed*"

<< Autobot >> Sideswipe says, "Prime! Bumblebee!"

<< Decepticon >> Blast Off says, "Before I could get there."

<< Decepticon >> Knock Out says, "Oh, that /is/ a shame."

<< Decepticon >> Esmeral says, "really now? Do you have a vid?"

<< Decepticon >> Blast Off says, "I... I have my onboard scans, yes... I..."

<< Decepticon >> Ravage says, "THen let us take this Titan in his name to grant to him when he returns!"

<< Decepticon >> Blast Off says, "Optimus Prime let him fall."

<< Decepticon >> Deathsaurus says, "Isn't that just a shame"

<< Decepticon >> Blast Off says, "....."

<< Decepticon >> Aerospace CO Valour says, "Decepticons! Retreat! Fall back to Trypticon. We must find a way to recover Emperor Megatron!"

Overlord is struck by Dust Devil's Plasma weapon and his handsome face becomes clouded with rage. "...ohhhhhhh," he says, almost laughing. "...boy, you are going to die. Perhaps not this day but one day, you will be in my hands and I will scatter you across the quadrant!" He fires again, switching to his laser for the moment.

>> Overlord strikes Dust Devil with Laser <Medium>. <<

<< Decepticon >> Aerospace CO Valour says, "Blast Off, can you recover those of us aboard Calyhex?"

Vizier screams in pain and fury as the metal gill-like fins which comprise his mane are crumpled and one of his pewter coloured horns shatter from Encore's blow. His entire body spasms like a whipcrack, the jagged metal running down his spine and tail tearing at Encore as the tiny dragon howls.

>> Vizier misses Encore with Slash. <<

The swipe of Windblade's sword at him has Ravage be deflected, him dodging through the air as her slice would take off the top of his tail. And then he would see Encore charging over at his fellow tape. "NO! You'll DIE FOR THAT AUTOBOT." Ravage's optics are glowing even as he's launching himself over at Encore in a near feral strike. Those two rockets over on his hips arming, a shriek coming from them that alerts to them both being readied for deployment, twisting and hooking about as they would go to SHRIEK over as both would be launched over at the big bully-Bot! The two missiles flying, hopefully striking Encore over in the gut and sending him sprawling! Right after his attack Blast Off's comment comes through the radio, and Ravage would let out a yelp of confusion! But for now, they still had their orders. And he has but those few seconds to strike for revenge..

>> Ravage strikes Encore with Missile. <<

<<Broadband>> Sideswipe says, "Slag off Megatron! Go jump in a singularity!"

<< Autobot >> Sideswipe says, "Prime, status?"

<< Autobot >> Optimus Prime says, "Precarious.. alive.. *tone distant*"

<<Broadband>> Incognito says, "...it sounds like he just did."

<<Broadband>> Starlock says, "..Can confirm"

<< Autobot >> Imager says, "wait what?"

Windblade turns quickly as Ravage turns his focus on someone else, the Camien reaching out quickly to grab at Ravage's tail and tries to spin if she can get a grip and bash the Tape-con into the ground while moving herself to try to give some cover to Dust Devil as he comes under heavy attack from the larger Con.

>> Windblade strikes Ravage with Slam. <<

<<Broadband>> Sideswipe says, "You got him and Bumblebee Starlock?"

<< Autobot >> Optimus Prime says, "Let.. the gate finish the cycle. You don't want to get pulled in without the codes."

<< Autobot >> Starlock says, "Right.."

<< Autobot >> Optimus Prime says, "How is the Titan? *tone still absently distant*"

<<Broadband>> Calyhex says, "Decepticons. I would leave. Or I will start shaking people off."

<< Autobot >> Starlock says, "Sassy."

<< Autobot >> Sideswipe says, "Starlock, you got Optimus and Bumblebee or they in a position you can recover them?"

<< Autobot >> Optimus Prime says, "Autobots.. get to the Valiant."

<< Autobot >> Optimus Prime says, "Starlock has Bumblebee and myself. Or will. In a moment."

<< Autobot >> Starlock says, "What he said!"

<<Broadband>> Starlock says, "...See you soon, Caly"

<<Broadband>> Calyhex says, "Yes. I am going through the gate. Thank you Autobots. Until. All. Are One."

Encore yelps, his barfight-honed instincts causing him to make a surprisingly graceful move, on one hand and one foot as he leans out of the way of the blade-tail, watching the tip scythe past his face. Unfortunately, that means he's distracted, one of the missiles smashing into his chestplate and knocking him to the ground.

Encore spits out a dental-plate, scowling softly and hauling himself back upright. He looks to Vizier, pointing at the Decepticonn. "Don't be here when I get back." He suggests, thumping towards Ravage. Before the cat can fully recover, Encore attempts to pick him up by the scruff of the neck and turn his head towards what's just happened to the Decepticon warship. "Y'see? Y'see tha?"

Encore adds a punch to the mix as punctuation. "That's yer boss. Get. Out. Of. Here!"

>> Encore strikes Ravage with Iron Fist. <<

Dust Devil is distracted by the radio messages. He catches a laser through his frame and is taken to his knees, hand going to his chest. He stares, focused on the shot for a second before visibly taking a swipe with his hand seeming to be trying to knock Overlord away if he can. While he's too far away to physically hit Overlord, his forcefield isn't. "Why dontcha go join yer master!" Hearing Calyhex, he grins faintly, "Here, let me help ya along..."

<<Broadband>> Starlock says, "til are all one little harmony"

>> Dust Devil strikes Overlord with Force Push <Medium>. <<

Overlord is pushed back! Not far, but any distance is enough for Overlord to take it as an insult - especially when accompanied by the suggestion he's anyone's lackey. "You dare!?" he demands. "You shove me?! Me?! I am Overlord! No one is my master, you insolent cur!"

>> Overlord strikes Dust Devil with Machine-Guns <Medium>. <<

Vizier stands shaking and looks to Encore, green fluid and fumes escaping the cracks and rents in the back of his head and shattered antler. "This is what you wanted is it?" He breathes deeply, pulling in the fumes and breathing back out at Encore.

>> Vizier misses Encore with Gas <Medium>. <<

There's a high pitched -shriek- from Ravage as he would engage, then hearing the siren song of retreat, the sudden slash from Windblade that bounces him off the surface of the Titan, then the yank and HURL of Encore that sends him flying out and over to space! And Ravage is going to just fly as fast as he can towards one of the fallback points, routing like the scaredy-cat he was!

>> Ravage retreats from the area, leaving himself open to Windblade, Dust Devil, Vizier, and Esmeral. <<

<< Autobot >> Sideswipe says, "Who needs a ride?"

<< Autobot >> Sideswipe says, "I'll grab 'em on the way out."

<< Autobot >> Suicide JOCKEY! Encore says, "Windy and I could do wit' pickup."

<< Autobot >> Landline says, "Moon Base Two here. We've got rescue drones out in the immediate area. Tag yourself with them, we'll get you safe."

<< Decepticon >> Aerospace CO Valour says, "Air Commander Starscream, we require you to take command until Emperor Megatron is recovered."

<< Autobot >> Sideswipe says, "Got it. Encore, will be after ya."

<< Decepticon >> Air Commander Starscream says, "Hmhmhm, Of course, I /am/ his second after all"

<< Decepticon >> Overlord says, "Only *you* would brag about being second, Starscream"

<< Decepticon >> Knock Out says, "<an audible cough can be heard>"

<< Decepticon >> Knock Out says, "If our dear Lord Megatron is truly lost to the cosmos, let us all hope you are up to the task of succession and ending this long war, Starscream."

<< Autobot >> Dust Devil YELPS, "slaggit....lucky shot."

<< Decepticon >> Esmeral says, "Ahh yes, his -second-, whereas I am second to -none-. And.. have my own accomplishments, my dear estemmed Air Commander."

<< Autobot >> Grimlock sounds less than pleased, "Stupid Decepticon fly not takin' hint, but me Grimlock gettin' out."

<< Decepticon >> Aerospace CO Valour says, "Emperor Megatron is not lost. I trust Decepticon Science will find a way to retreive him. This is a temporary setback at best. And I have every confidence in the Air Commander's ability to shepherd us through it."

<< Autobot >> Suicide JOCKEY! Encore says, "Dusty! Drop yer shield there's a line incoming, we're leaving!"

<< Decepticon >> Aerospace CO Valour says, "Blast Off, my team requires a pickup."

<< Autobot >> Sideswipe says, "Gonna try and grab Nightbird on our way out!"

<< Autobot >> Optimus Prime says, "Autobots pull back to the valiant. Bumblebee and I are with Starlock. Megatron is... has taken a trip."

<< Autobot >> Sideswipe says, "She's gonna keep on trying to kill anyone left here."

<< Autobot >> Suicide JOCKEY! Encore says, "I'mma workin on it."

<< Autobot >> Grimlock says, "Me think his favorite pet noticed."

<< Decepticon >> Blast Off says, "Uh... ah, yes. ...On my way."

<< Autobot >> Suicide JOCKEY! Encore says, "...be careful."

<< Autobot >> Dust Devil says, "No shield, somethin's broke."

<< Autobot >> Suicide JOCKEY! Encore says, "A'reet."

<< Autobot >> Grimlock says, "Don't get stuck with her, Sideswipe. Not worth--AWP!"

From Cybertron’s Inner orbit: Decepticon Warship <Corumkan>‘s mass completes its translocation through the warp gate, that event horizon surface rippling with a flash of brilliance before subsiding, still pulling in loose debris.

Valour emerges from a hole in Calyhex's side, with a ragged team of boarders who have definitely seen better days.

<< Decepticon >> Ravage is still in a state of panic, but fleeing now has brought to it its normal sense of focus. "We'll get them next time."

[ Destron ] Deathsaurus says, "So..."

[ Destron ] Esmeral says, "Yes, my sea?"

[ Destron ] Deathsaurus says, "Sounds like the Decepticons will be in disorder for a while."

[ Destron ] Esmeral says, "Indeed."

[ Destron ] Deathsaurus says, "how should we handle this?"

[ Destron ] Goth says, "Drink?"

<< Decepticon >> Comm Guy Soundwave says, "Megatron...."

<< Decepticon >> Air Commander Starscream says, "Oh I will certainly do so with our dear lord lost to space."

[ Destron ] Esmeral says, "Find out what the shuttle actually saw happen. Word of mouth and all. And get intel on that warp gate, how it works, is it locked, etc etc."

<< Decepticon >> Comm Guy Soundwave says, "He will return to us."

[ Destron ] Goth hums.

[ Destron ] Goth says, "I /may/ have helped build that gate"

[ Destron ] Goth says, "It is, after all, what we used to get you back."

<< Decepticon >> Knock Out says, "Let us all hope he does."

[ Destron ] Deathsaurus says, "Then you have the schematics? Excellent."

[ Destron ] Goth says, "Oh that and far more."

Windblade checks quickly, ensuring no one gets left behind before she shifts and changes forms, waiting long enough to offer a lift to any who might need it before she puts some distance from the Titan.

Encore gestures at Calyhex. "She is free. When she has healed enough, she will return to..." He steps back as he sniffs the gas, pulling down a re-breather over his face from his helmet, covering his intakes. With goggled optics, he looks back at Vizier, bringing his fists up in a boxer's guard. "Wha's yer name, lad?" He asks. "I'm Encore. If we keep fighting I figure we're gonna ha' a long time t' get to ken each other, if we dinna leg it right now, aye? Th' lass is gonna jump. If we dinnae jump, we'll be jumpin' with her, aye?"

Encore stops, looks thoughtful, then shrugs "Y'ken what? If y'want her, yez can keep her. I'm oot' here a'fore she goes through the gate! Jest... dinna go in the East Wing. Or Was it West? Oh, well, ye'll find oot. And tell Crabcakes I said helloo." He puts his hands on his hips adopting a suitably heroic pose, extends his wings, spools up his engines and, leaving himself wide open, just starts to rise towards the skies for easy pickup. As soon as he's climbed high enough to have risen out of frame, he reaches into his sporran and pulls out a magnetic harpoon launcher. "Dusty! Drop yer shield there's a line incoming, we're leaving!"

The magnetic harpoon is launched at the back of Dust Devil's head. As soon as it's made contact, Encore turns on the power as he heads towards the nearest collection of rescue drones, and/or Sideswipe, whichever's closest.

Dust Devil is finding it hard to focus after the first laser. And that's when the additional shots tear through him. THe young mech cries out and staggers backwards trying to focus on the con. "Awww truth hurts. Does it hurt worse that ya can't even take down little ol' me or that ya know that You'll always play underling... Maybe we should call ya UNDERLORD....Or just Underling." He reaches out to snag the towline that Encore sends in his direction, though the magnet pretty much means he's snagged no matter what. Now to just escape without additional damage from Mr. Happyface.

<< Autobot >> Optimus Prime says, "Autobots, sound off!"

Overlord's lips pull back in a snarl that wouldn't be out of place on the face of a devil. The snarl shifts to a sneer as Overlord tries to come back under some level of control. "Impudent as well as foolish," he says. "I'll destroy you at my convenience, not your request, Dust Devil. I'll let you scurry back to your betters now, but know that I will bring you the most exquisite suffering I can imagine."

<< Autobot >> Grimlock says, "Me Grimlock clear."

<< Autobot >> Suicide JOCKEY! Encore says, "Encore clear."

Vizier shakes his head again, trying to clear it, "I don't care about the city, I'm here for Ghost, you fools, and now she's lost," he sighs and flaps his wings hard, taking a moment to get airbourne before fleeing back towards Cybertron.

<< Autobot >> Windblade says, "Windblade clear.. but am not leaving til she is fully gone."

<< Autobot >> Optimus Prime says, "Understood, remain and observe her departure."

<< Autobot >> Suicide JOCKEY! Encore says, "You want I should pipe her departure, lass?"

<< Autobot >> Dust Devil says, "'Core...ain't maintainin'"

<< Autobot >> Sideswipe says, "On way out."

<< Autobot >> Starlock says, "Bleeding badly.. but I likely wont pass out till I stabilize Bee."

<< Autobot >> Optimus Prime says, "Just get us to the Valiant, Starlock. We can patch there and get to Iacon for medical treatment for all."

<< Decepticon >> Aerospace CO Valour says, "Blast Off, once we're back, I want a full report on what happened to Emperor Megatron."

Ravage is zooming out and along, speaking to Vizier "We will find her, I swear on my spark and may it be committed to the Inferno for eternity if I fail."

<< Autobot >> Dust Devil says, "maintainin' energy...shot. don't let go..."

<< Decepticon >> Blast Off says, "Um... yes, of course."

<< Autobot >> Sideswipe says, "I'll grab you 'an Encore on the way out Dust."

<< Decepticon >> Comm Guy Soundwave says, "Full report on situation: Required."

Sideswipe is boosting out along on his jet pack, flying up and out at his best speed as th Titan continues heading towards the warp gate. He's going to look for any tethers of Autobots, intent on grabbing them and taking a burn back towards the waiting starship.

<< Decepticon >> Blast Off says, "...*slight gulp* ....Yes, Sir."

Valour floats with his team in space outside of Calyhex, slowly pulling away from the Titan as she heads for the warp gate.

Blast Off makes his way back from the gate at full speed, all business now and totally NOT frazzled by what just happened, of COURSE NOT and STOP ASKING. ...*ahem* The shuttle comes in to where Valour's signal emitted from, cargo bay door opening as he greets the cluster of Cons. "<< All aboard. >>"

<< Decepticon >> Comm Guy Soundwave says, "Megatron /will/ be retrieved. The empire will /not/ fall into anarchy."

Windblade follows Calyhex, keeping a safe distance but giving her as best of a escort as she can. As well as filing away everything so she can pass it along directly to Solus.

<< Decepticon >> Air Commander Starscream scoffs. "Oh settle down, all act like this is the /first time/ he's vanished.

Overlord doesn't flee...but he does leave at speed.

<< Decepticon >> Knock Out says, "Perhaps some remember the last time well."

Dust Devil slumps in encores secure line. At least he'll get home safely.

<< Decepticon >> Comm Guy Soundwave says, "Let us not have a repeat performance."

<< Decepticon >> Air Commander Starscream says, "Now then, since Blast Off was the only one to see, a full report is needed ASAP."

Valour gets his troops to safety, ensuring all get aboard Blast Off and sending someone to retrieve Lugnut.

<< Decepticon >> Air Commander Starscream says, "retreat back to the repair bays"

[ Destron ] Deathsaurus says, "So the thing is"

[ Destron ] Deathsaurus says, "Our contract is with Megatron."

<< Decepticon >> Air Commander Starscream says, "Oh believe me, a repeat of last time will not end so foolishly again."

[ Destron ] Esmeral says, "Is it? Or was it with his empire?"

[ Destron ] Goth says, "Mmmhm"

[ Destron ] Goth says, "It was megatron"

[ Destron ] Deathsaurus says, "Strictly verbal."

<< Decepticon >> Knock Out says, "You heard Herr Kommandant. As always, I shall be prepared to repair those who are in need."

From Cybertron’s Inner orbit: Smoking and damaged, plasma fires on decks three and five, the great Titan lumbers forwards on half power towards the gate. Her warp key accessed without any trouble, the material of spacetime opens up for her, revealing a tunnel of black on black that extends out infinitely, a tranquil darkness, and one that she enters freely, with no regrets. The gate winks out with a sigh as the fabric of reality seals back up.

[ Destron ] Deathsaurus says, "Perhaps...we should renegotiate."

[ Destron ] Esmeral purrs, "Well.. that is -interesting-."

[ Destron ] Goth says, "Hmm and it seems with him gone.. you wont be payed."

[ Destron ] Esmeral says, "We are paying ourselves. We hold Polyhex.. And.. well.. another site."

[ Destron ] Goth says, "Hmmm Starscream won't be pleased with that, will he?"

[ Destron ] Deathsaurus says, "And our fortress."

<< irc.dal.net >> <Cybertronian Babysitter> well.

[ Destron ] Deathsaurus says, "So crazy leader and titan are both gone. Win/win?"

[ Destron ] Esmeral says, "Sit back and roast some copper crisps over the fire that's going to kick up?"

[ Destron ] Deathsaurus says, "Time to change the calendar."

[ Destron ] Esmeral says, "0 days since the last dumpster-fire."

[ Destron ] Esmeral says, "We may need to reset it to hours, my sea."

[ Destron ] Deathsaurus says, "Minutes, my stars..."

[ Destron ] Goth says, "This should be interesting, wonder who'll defect."

<< Decepticon >> Ravage says, "... Did someone retrieve Lugnut and Nightbird?"

<< Decepticon >> Aerospace CO Valour says, "Both have been recovered."

[ Destron ] Esmeral says, "Lets be aminiable and supportive - apparently their Megatron has a history of disappearing."

<< Decepticon >> Knock Out says, "Blast Off, a few words of advice. When you immediately begin a report by stating something that happened is not your fault, this is how suspicions get raised."

<< Decepticon >> Blast Off coughs.

<< Decepticon >> Blast Off says, "I just... wanted to be clear, is all."

<< Decepticon >> Ravage says, "... So Starscream, as our new leader, what are your instructions?"

<< Decepticon >> Knock Out says, "More resources for the repairs you all will inevitably require would be a fine place to start."