Trypticon Medical Bay

Several operating tables are set in a row here, and long benches line the walls. On these benches are assorted tools and equipment used in repairing damaged Decepticons. The benches near the door are for patients waiting their turn for treatment. Scattered throughout the room are various repair droids, awaiting the arrival of more wounded to repair. The room gives you the perception of being immaculately clean, with not a single tool out of place. Your olfactory sensors pick up the faint odor of the cleansing solutions used to keep the room clean and sanitary.

Contents:

Fulcrum

Sign

Gumby Medic

Obvious exits:

East <E> leads to Trypticon Laboratory.

West <W> leads to Trypticon Main Hallway.

Fulcrum is alone in medbay, asides from the bored looking duty medic leaning against one wall. The blacksmith has various schematics displayed on the monitors - on closer inspection, they appear to be the technical blueprints of a Seeker, in varying degrees of magnification and detail

The pastel seeker steps in and looks around quickly, trying to get a quick headcount on lime-green robots. None! Good, he's safe. The yellow seeker heads right for a recharge station and fuels up, not trying, as yet, to attract much attention to himself.

Yes, the Constructicons are absent - no doubt off doing something important. Or bickering. Probably bickering. "Increase the tollerance levels by 57 percent" Fulcrum mutters to himself, the rapidly scrolling schematics reflected in his yellow opics. "Bah! ..Still not enough."

Finished refueling, Fleet decides to wander over to Fulcrum because, well, he's got some free time, and Fulcrum's activities lately have vaguely aroused his curiosity. He's not being sneaky, because sneaking up on a Decepticon is generally a stupid idea, but he does wander near. "Fulcrum," he says, by way of greeting.

Fulcrum turns his head, obviously surprised by Fleet's greeting, too wrapped up in his work to notice his fellow Seeker's entrance. "Fleet" he replies. "Do you require assistance?"

Fleet shakes his head. "No, but I was wondering if perhaps you did. You were over here talking," well, grumbling, "to yourself."

Fulcrum frowns. Lots of people talk to themselves when they're working. That doesn't make him crazy or anything. Right? Of course not. "I am going over my schematics" he replies. "And looking at ways to improve my core motor functions."

Fleet's optics flicker. "Oh! That's great!" he starts. "Although not, I imagine, anything I can help with." Still, Fleet doesn't go away, instead leaning forward... staying far enough out of reach to not actually get in the way, but potentially annoying anyway. What technician really wants a layman looking over his shoulder, after all?

Fulcrum blinks. Oh... good. Fleet's watching him work. Which means that he can't really work at all. "Yes. My reaction time and optical refresh rate will also need to be upgraded to cope with maneuvers at high speed."

Fleet COULD leave Fulcrum alone, but then we wouldn't have a scene, now would we? So instead he stays and continues to make a pest of himself. "Makes sense." Fleet may be no technician, but it's not like the terminology being employed is particularly obscure. Wait... 'reaction time'? "Wait... so are you upgrading your velocity, your reflexes, or both?"

"Both" Fulcrum replies. "I am undertaking a full overhaul of my alt-mode's engines and installing afterburners - as well as increasing the efficiency of my neural connections and motion-servos. I have already mentioned the optical improvements." His frown returns. "That is, IF I can overcome certain... techinical difficulties."

Fleet grins. "Ah. Well, that's great!" And Fleet really does think so. Although he generally wouldn't say anything out loud, it can get rather annoying to have to slow down to match Fulcrum's speed... of course, techs like Fulcrum probably feel it's pretty annoying to have to constantly patch Fleet up, so it evens out. "Do you need me to leave, then?"

Fulcrum shrugs. "I have reached an impass" he admits. "I should probably take a break anyway. Often, an obvious solution is impossible to see after a certain amount of time."

"Ah, okay. Well, I can perhaps help with the break." Or maybe Fleet can just get broken. That's what he usually does. The yellow seeker takes a few steps away, so as to give Fulcrum room to stand up.

Fulcrum hits a few buttons on the console, the screens suddenly going dark, now displaying nothing more than a slowly spinning Decepticon insignia. "Help?" he asks, getting up. "What did you have in mind?"

Fleet shrugs, crossing his arms and thinking. "Actually, didn't have anything specific in mind. Storm tag is /not/ a good idea... not after Verdant got himself knocked out..." the yellow seeker trails off as he processes the available options. "And every time we go out for target practice we run into an absurd amount of Autobots..."

Yeah, strange isn't it? Almost as if they're just hanging around waiting for Decepticons to turn up. "The Empire can always use more supplies" Fulcrum replies. "Or there is always training.. or.. " he wracks his brain for what people do when they're off duty "..overenergizing and falling over."

Fleet chuckles, a grin remaining on his face even as the chuckle fades. "And it's been awhile since I've done the last one, but unfortunately, like I've mentioned, I'm currently being trained by one of the Sweeps. Even before that started, he got pretty irritated with me the one time he caught me in that state, and I'm not sure now is a good time for a repeat performance."

Fulcrum's frown deepens. Sweeps. Huh. Like it's any of /their/ business. "We would not want to upset your.. mentor" he drones. "Hmm."

Fleet doesn't want to upset his mentor! His mentor reports to Scourge, and Scourge reports to Galvatron! Upsetting him would be /bad/. "Well, then there's still training or supplies." Since really, Fleet and Fulcrum don't have that much in common, aside from them both being seekers. It's not like Fulcrum would likely be interested in watching a dance.

...Or Fleet overseeing the smelting pools, or lurking on the Moon, which is what Fulcrum does to relax. "I will require high-grade electronic parts and fibre-optic materials for my upgrade" he mentions. "And such parts can, of course, be used to repair the wounded."

"So it's a win-win situation all around... assuming we grab them." Amazing, really, that humans can actually manufacture components suitable for highly advanced alien robots. Hooray for flimsy plot devices! The yellow seeker leans back against the nearest med-table. "Do you already have a target in mind?"

Human technology is more advanced than you'd expect - especially their storage media, which is rumored to be able to store an ENTIRE cybertronian neural net in one 5 and 1/4 inch unit. "No" Fulcrum replies. "Though the region known as "Asia" is reported to house many manufacturers of electronic equipment."

Fleet's face takes on a considering expression before he pushes himself away from the med table and heads to a terminal, calling up a few files. "That's a continent that's seen better days," Fleet comments impassively, merely making an observation. It's not like he has any interest in the lives of the inhabitants. Strange that it's not even the Decepticons' fault, though! "But there do seem to be a few areas that are still in production... or back in production, as the case may be."

Fulcrum nods. "And no doubt they will be heavily guarded" he replies somewhat moreosely. "And we know what happened last time we attempted a lightning raid"

"After the Autobots showed up and caused a few problems, we got away with several energon nets full of the supplies we were after?" Fleet asks, giving the green seeker an almost amused look. "Sure, it wasn't an ideal raid by any means, but we still did rather well, all in all, even if half the Autobot forces managed to show up while we were retreating."

Fulcrum gives Fleet what can only be described as a Look. "I suppose the target is not in North America, so reaction times by the Autobots at least will be longer" he finally replies.

What? Fleet was giving an honest assessment of the affair! "Well, hopefully," he replies. Of course, there have been plenty of times in the past when that sort of logic should have applied, but didn't. Fleet pulls up a duty roster... unfortunately, as a mere trooper, all he can look at are the normal watch rotations for other MilOps types of his level or lower. "I don't think we have anyone else available at the moment, though."

<Decepticon> Fulcrum says, "All available Decepticon Units - Myself and Fleet are about to undertake a supplies raid for the Empire. If you wish to participate, assemble outside Trypticon in 5 astropulseunittrons."

Fleet looks up at... nothing as Fulcrum makes his announcement, and then nods to Fulcrum. "On my way out there."

* Spinny! *

Carbombya

The grassy hills and savannas in the east, bordered by ancient volcanos and sprawling lava fields, are the only part of Carbombya not made up of barren desert. Until recently, the country depended on meager livestock herding and subsistence agriculture, but upon the discovery of a huge reserve of very high-grade oil beneath the shifting desert sands, things changed radically. The struggling democracy weathered multiple coup attempts by greedy neighbors and other interested foreigners before finally succumbing to the tender mercies of a home-grown dictator. There are no refugees from war torn Ethiopia being taken in as slave labor, not here under the enlightened rule of President-for-Life Abdul Fakkaddi!

Contents:

Black S-37 XF

Trypticon <T>

Carbombyan Palace

Obvious exits:

East <E> leads to Red Sea.

West <W> leads to Nile River.

Fly <Up>

Fulcrum emerges from the city that is Trypticon.

Fulcrum has arrived.

Fleet walks out of Trypticon and looks around, obviously checking to see if anyone intends to assist.

Fulcrum trudges out of Trypticon, checking and double checking his weaponry and internal systems as he waits for.. well, anyone.

Bandit says, "Comrade Fulcrum.....you can count on me to assist....."

Fleet looks to Fulcrum, more or less the leader of this mission, to respond, but he seems rather pleased that it won't just be the two of them.

Fulcrum nods to Bandit. Good, another Seeker. Fulcrum was half-worried that one of Fleet's Sweep "friends" would decide to drop in. "Excellent" he states. "We might as well leave now. Any other units can intercept us later." He holds up his datapad. "The databanks have turned up a advanced computing facility on the island of Taiwan that should be suitable for our needs."

Bandit says, "Then lead us fulcrum.....we shall not fail"

Lead us? Fulcrum suddenly frowns, aware he's put himself into an unwelcome position of authority. But ah, what the slag. What could go wrong, right?

Fulcrum crouches, then leaps up, his joints screeching as he transforms into a grey and green MiG-29.

MiG-29 <Fulcrum> soars upward into the sky.

MiG-29 <Fulcrum> has left.

* Spinny! *

Beijing

Bicycle horns echo through the air amidst the ebb and flow of people making their way around this megalopolis of some 20 million people. Neon lights flash from platforms atop skyscrapers in the financial district in a display of modernity curiously at odds with the heart of the city, centered and focused on the 95 acres of Tiananmen Square and the ancient glory of the Forbidden City, once home to the Chinese Emperors. Fantastically coiled dragons glare down from the palace wall, the many-tiered black roof of an imperial pagoda rising up behind it.

Contents:

MiG-29 <Fulcrum>

Red Pagoda

Obvious exits:

East <E> leads to P'yongyang.

West <W> leads to Datong Coal Mines.

Black S-37 XF arrives from P'yongyang to the east.

Black S-37 XF has arrived.

Boy, it's amazing how much Taiwan looks like Beijing, isn't it? Almost as if the background artists had never been outside the US, and just drew some generically asian buildings, added some stereotypical market stalls, straw hats and rickshaws, and left it at that. The MiG-29 leads his mismatched trine towards the urbanized island, flying low across the waters as he zeros in on the manufacturing plant.

Pyramid Jet (Fleet), the most mismatched of the three, follows behind Fulcrum, skimming as low above the waters as he dares (since, after all, you can't actually skim the water unless you have the 'swim' ability). Once more the speed is almost annoyingly slow for the pyramid jet, but hopefully this raid will help to correct that!

Black S-37 XF maintains perfect formation with the others. His new improvements have made sure that he can do such a thing. He scans the area and transmits to his bretheren. "We should be nearing the target area .......what are our rules of engagement for this sortie?"

MiG-29 <Fulcrum> hmmms. "Usual operating procedure is to storm the facility, secure the parts, then leave, fighting our way through the inevitable Autobot or Human opposition. But.. I have been thinking. What if two of us were to create a diversion, while the third aquired the parts?" Whoa.. tactics? Well, Fulcrum has been leading a lot of raids over the past six months.

"Like what?" asks Fleet. "Two of us attack a power plant and then, /after/ they've called for help, the third one raid?"

"I am open to suggestions" Fulcrum replies. "But I was thinking that two of us cause obvious damage to human facilities, or in some way create a similar distraction. Shortly after, the third breaks into the plant and begins gathering the components. Because we are only gathering small, fragile electronic parts, one net should be sufficient.

Black S-37 XF returns "Yes....that seems to be sound.....it depends upon the amount of resistance we face. With little interference...we would not need much of a diversion....with staunch resistance...we would need to adjust." he performs a fingertip roll, while maintaining formation. "Who wants to do the infiltration?"

Isn't that what Fleet just asked? "Sounds good, Fulcrum." For his part, Fleet /does/ want to do the infiltration, but he doesn't want to seem to eager about these things. "Whoever's doing the actual raid shouldn't engage at all, so long as he has anything to get away with at all. It should be someone quick." All Fleet needs to do now is add, "And an inferior combatant" and we'd have our volunteer right here!

MiG-29 <Fulcrum> was thinking of Fleet anyway. "That rules me out" he adds dryly, a rare moment of self-depreciating humor. "Bandit and I will cause the diversion. Fleet, you gather the parts. These are the components the Empire requires." Fulcrum sends a quick bust of data to the pastel tetrajet. "We will radio you immediately should hostiles move to intercept you"

"Copy that," replies the pastel yellow jet as he heads off. "Radio once your 'raid' is well underway, so I know when I can start."

Black S-37 XF returns "As you wish........I will do as you ask." he seems a bit stoic, not his chipper self. He simply waits for the order to rain hell upon the hapless victims below.

MiG-29 <Fulcrum> ponders that for a moment. Bandit is.. hm. Yeah, stoic is the right word. And Fulcrum doesn't feel comfortable with giving him orders. "Very well" he finally replies. "On my mark, we will attack one of the human's electrical substations. While I cut the power and make it look as if we are draining it for energon, you..." he searches for the right terminology, "...you blow some stuff up." With a wingwave to Fleet, he peels away, now heading on a new vector to a new target

Pyramid Jet (Fleet) enters into an off-shore holding pattern, not getting too close to his target because, well, a yellow pyramid jet stands out, and waiting for the signal to begin attack.

Black S-37 XF follows after taking a few seconds to get the proper spacing. The ship peforms a barrel roll and lowers his nose, to accelerate. As he dives towards the ground, he notices a parking lot to the western side of the facility. As he prepares his weapons, he targets the rows of vehicles, and then opens up with disruptor fire. It sets off a chain reaction of explosions that is sure to gain some attention.

MiG-29 <Fulcrum> transforms as the first of the cars explode, touching down heavily outside the wire-fence surrounding the substation. With a burst of red energy from his heat rays, the blacksmith melts the fence to slag and steps in, another blast of heat severing the lines running from the dynamos - and cutting the power for blocks around. Already, citizens are panicing, and there's the sound of sirens in the distance - though what the human Police hope to achieve is anyone's guess.

The MiG-29 twists around and folds in on itself with a grinding sound, transforming into the robotic form of Fulcrum.

Pyramid Jet (Fleet) continues his holding pattern, waiting for a signal that will no doubt come shortly, although a cry for assistance over the terran frequencies would also serve for this purpose.

<Earth> Fulcrum's heat rays can be heard in the background, along with the explosions caused by Bandit's ordinance as Kun-hsien "Sam" Tsai, broadcasts a call for help from Taiwan. "...Giant robots attacking power-substation! Requesting urgant assistance!"

Black S-37 XF performs a perfect loop and then aims for a water tower. He opens up with his weapons and the tower explodes, sending gallons upon gallons of water falling over screaming humans. "Pitiful creatures....."

That's what Fleet was waiting for! He tilts, turns, and kicks his thrusters to max, speeding towards his target as quickly as he can. His first move is to fire anything on the building that even vaguely looks like an antenna, taking a round to circle the building and do this before commencing his raid proper.

It's okay folks! Those humans were just washed away! Everyone knows water can't hurt anyone? Just like all pilots parachute out of exploding jets when they're shot. Happens all the time. Face set in his Combat Scowl, Fulcrum pulls a broken and completely non-functional Cubulator 3000 from subspace, attaching it to the substation, making it look like they're rading it for energy, and not just creating a CUNNING DIVERSION.

Shuttle <Sky Lynx> arrives from P'yongyang to the east.

Shuttle <Sky Lynx> has arrived.

Black S-37 XF continues to rain hell on the hapless ones from below. A police chopper comes into range, trying to get a better look at the situation only to get a tail full of lead. The seeker blasts the thing out of the sky, and it falls helplessly to the terra firma. With that he transforms and lands on the ground approaching the station proper.

The nose bends forward as the wings flip and rotate backwards. The engines spilt and extend, as arms, fists and feet are revealed. A head flips upward and locks into place with a purple shimmer of the optics.

Shuttle <Sky Lynx> flies in at full speed, coming from east. From above it dives towards the huge city of Taiwan, "We are almost there Foxfire, I'll descend low enough to let you jump, as soon as I find those Decepticons, but I'm pretty sure they are around that large column of smoke... be ready."

The source of all the trouble is easily spotted from the air, a dense column of smoke rising from several burning cars.. and now a police chopper, a sleek black jet shooting everything in sight, while a bearded green mech attaches an alien device to a substation, occasionally turning to fire off a burst from his weaponry at random, not seeming to be aiming at much. The pale yellow form of Fleet is.. curiously absent from the disaster area.

Pyramid Jet (Fleet) is... in a completely different part of the city from the area where the attack has been reported and where the S-37 XF is currently creating very obvious explosions while a green seeker appears to be raiding for energy. In fact, he's not even in sight from where they are, especially not after he transforms into robot mode and blasts a hole in the roof of the building he had just spent a round blowing the antennas off of before diving in.

The yellow Cybertronian jet unfolds, revealing the robotic form of the seeker Fleet.

Fulcrum peers at the device he's just attached to the station, as if checking to see if it's working properly, before firing his boot jets and heading skyward, a beam of pure heat cutting across the path of two incoming police cars, who are forced to swerve and brake suddenly. Swivelling in mid air at the sound of approaching jet engines, he scowls. "Incoming" he broadcasts.

Bandit lands in the parking lot that is ablaze. He raises his arm and opens fire on the front door of the station. The blasts send explosions rocketing through the building. People are screaming for help. He looks nonchalant about what he is doing as, he moves methodically throught the madness.

Autobots wage your battle to...

Shuttle <Sky Lynx> zooms on the combat zone, "Yes...there they are... I see 2 of them, 2 seekers. It could be worst..." The shuttle descends towards the ground until it is just above TAIWAN's building. "Jump now Foxfire! They are about 200 meters in front of you. I'll deal with the one attacking the humans, stop the other one from stealing any energy!"

<From Sky Lynx> : Foxfire nods once, and exits Sky Lynx. He lands on his paws and takes off running.

Foxfire has arrived.

Decepticons.. FOREVER!

Fleet, still out of site, activates his energon net and adjusts the settings to allow him to carry very small things. Of course, he doesn't know one IC from another, but he figures that if /that/ little detail were important, Fulcrum would have given him a heads up. Instead, he just begins randomly scooping up components and, handling them as gently as he's capable, dumping them in the net.

Those white sleek lines.. the blocky red and blue undercarriage module.. Fulcrum knows that shape. Biting off a series of curses, he hastily diverts more power to his weaponry systems. "It's Sky Lynx!" he calls out, his mood plummetting. This is not good. Forget the distraction, this could end up a a demolition derby. Noting the small silver speck that drops from the large craft, Fulcrum lets off a volley of heat-beams. He'd add 'and Foxfire' to his call, but really.. who cares about a cassette?

Fulcrum strikes Foxfire with Heat Ray <Low>.

Bandit stands looking over his handiwork. It seems as if the diversion was well placed. There is total chaos going on all about him. Just then he picks up blaster fire, and hears his comrade telling him about Sky Lynx. "What......" he states evenly. He turns around to see the Autobot half-beast and he dashes for cover. As he does his optics glare and send twin purple beams towards the enemy.

Bandit strikes Shuttle <Sky Lynx> with Optic Beams.

Foxfire has disconnected.

Autobots... Um. AutoBOT? Crap.

Shuttle <Sky Lynx> is struck by the purples beams which leave a mark into his armor, but it also allow him to clearly see the Decepticon position. The shuttle transforms into a giant dinobird as Sky Lynx flies over Bandit swinging his tail at the Seeker. "You should not have come here Decepticons. I, the great Sky Lynx, will force you to run away once more!"

From his previous form, Sky Lynx transforms into his Dinobird mode.

Sky Lynx manages to hit Bandit with its Tail Whip.

Decepticons. For the horde!

Foxfire has connected.

Lots of people care about a cassette! Like Blaster. Yeah.

The fox winces at the attack, stopping in his tracks and scanning about for the one who assaulted him. Fulcrum in his sights, Foxfire darts closer, the compartments on his hips opening up, and launching a pair of rockets toward the Seeker. "Now to test my new weapon," he says to himself, a grin on his muzzle.

Foxfire strikes Fulcrum with Rocket.

Fleet can hear the explosions from where he is, out of sight, in an electronics plant, gathering up components into a net at more or less random. Of course, since Fulcrum didn't radio who his allies facing (which is for the best, because it would alert the enemy that he's over here), Fleet can only think that it sounds like they're having a blast. Not that he regrets missing out on it.

Bandit takes the shot full on his hip. He shakes his head clear as he rolls with the blow. He screetches to a halt, and stands back up. He calls to Fulcrum "Leave that plaything alone...and come assist me with this .....thing." he places his hands together, and they begin to glow. He points them both at Sky Lynx and he fires.

Bandit strikes Sky Lynx with Gravitic Pulse.

Fulcrum winces at Sky Lynx's attack. Ow. And then he winces a bit more as two mini-rockets come out of NOWHERE and strike him in mid air, blasting him back several feet and scorching his armor. Not to mention making him irritated. Firing his boot-jets in a breif burst, Fulcrum suddenly cuts his anti-gravs and DROPS towards Foxfire in an attempt to stomp the fox into the blacktop. Well it's worked before. As he drops, he mutters a single word into his radio, and calls out "Be there in a moment" to Bandit.

Fulcrum misses Foxfire with their STOMP attack.

Autobots.. your life for Aire!

Transmission from Fulcrum: Status?

Fulcrum transmits a message via radio.

The gravitation pulse hits SKy Lynx right in the middle of his chest, but the large autobot shurgs off the minor damage, "You will have to do much better than that Decepticon... and your friend will not save you. Surrendering now would avoid you more injuries..." Diving towards Bandit once again, Sky Lynx attemps to slice him with his talons.

Sky Lynx misses Bandit with its Talon Strike attack.

Foxfire seems overjoyed that his new weapon *does* work. "Gotta hand it to Briar," he says to no one in particular. As Fulcrum decends, he bolts out of the way, then whips around and fires off his optical lasers, almost without missing a beat.

Foxfire strikes Fulcrum with Laser.

Decepticons - Stop Drop And Roll!

Fleet grabs a few larger containers of components, dumping them into the net, when he gets a radio message. The yellow seeker looks around, looks at his net - the distraction was working marvelously, and he's been able to fill it up while the Autobots pay their attention elsewhere - and grabs one more container. He activates his own radio and then takes off through roof, possibly coming into view of the Autobots.

You transmit a message to Fulcrum: I've got a full net. That should be enough.

Fulcrum receives a radio transmission from Fleet.

Bandit flips backwards and away from the raking claw attack. It was good that he did, because the claw would have torn him in two! As he leaps and bounds backwards he readies himself for another attack. "You say....you want more......I guess I have to oblige you then autobot....." he snarls. He cirles the beast and raises one of his arms, this time the larger of the two weapons ignites and sends a beam of energy towards the beast. He notes that his comrade is busy getting blasted by Foxfire....he is not sure if he will be able to count on his help in this scenario, not because of ability, but because he knows it is hard to assist anyone when you are getting shot in the aft.

Bandit strikes Sky Lynx with Fusion Beam.

Fulcrum really wishes he could dedicate the time to ripping Foxfire's limbs from their sockets, as he lurches to the side, failing to avoid another one of the pesky tape's attacks. "You, I shall deal with LATER" he grinds, before firing his jets once more and hurtling towards the huge form of Sky Lynx, hammer swinging around as he does so, aiming to blindside the robo-turkey while it's distracted by Bandit, muttering a short phrase into his radio as he does so.

Fulcrum strikes Sky Lynx with Blacksmith's Hammer.

Transmission from Fulcrum: Excellent. It is vital you get away with the parts before the Autobots discover our ruse.

Fulcrum transmits a message via radio to Fleet.

Sky Lynx barely feels the hammer, but the fusion beam hurt much more, the dinobird roars in pain. It's time to stop playing nice, the Decepticon had his chance. In mid-air, SKy Lynx transforms into a giant lynx, he lands on the top of a building and he uses it to leap towards Bandit, all claws ready.

From his previous form, Sky Lynx transforms into his Lynx mode.

Cyber Lynx misses Bandit with its Pounce Slash attack.

Foxfire growls. "Get back here!" he calls after Fulcrum, and ponders actually pouncing at the Seeker, then decides that he probably wouldn't reach him, at least not right now. So instead he opens his mouth and releasese a stream of fire.

Foxfire strikes Fulcrum with Fire.

Fleet nods in response to whatever he's hearing in his head and transforms, catching the net with his trailing cable as he does. Then he flies away at top speed - away from both friend and foe, sending back one final radio signal as he departs. Lucky bastard! He never even realized just who it is the others are being forced to deal with!

Fleet transforms from robot to pyramid jet.

Fleet retreats from the area swiftly, outdistancing all pursuit and parting shots.

You transmit a message to Fulcrum: Copy. I'm away.

Fulcrum receives a radio transmission from Fleet.

Fulcrum is getting EXTREMELY irritated by Foxfire's needling attacks, but he must focus on Sky Lynx, or his comrade will be ripped in half. Ignoring the searing pain of Foxfire's... fire, Fulcrum summons his evil-looking sickle from subspace, lashing out at the now quadrapedal Sky Lynx. Ignore FULCRUM, will he? Once more, he mutters into his radio. Who IS he talking to? And why?

Fulcrum misses Cyber Lynx with their Burning Sickle <Low> attack.

Fulcrum transmits a message via radio.

Bandit receives a radio transmission.

Bandit watches as the huge autobot dives down towards his compact frame. His optics glare in defiance as he waits.....and waits....and waits.....until the last moment. He launches himself upwards and out of the way of the beasts attack. He transforms as he does and climbs upwards into the air. As he accelerates, he rolls wing over wing, and then pulls a tight loop and targets the beast. Once his systems triangulate the position, his weapons bay doors open and he fires. After he lets loose his payload, he climbs back upwards trying to get some space.

With a leap canards and wings begin to fold out and rotate into place. Arms retract and legs change into powerful engines. Out of what seems a flurry of motion streaks a sleek and powerful jet fighter.

Black S-37 XF misses Cyber Lynx with his Apocalypse Missile attack.

Autobots.. do your thang!

Maybe it's a GOOD thing that Fulcrum is ignoring Foxfire, but even so, the tape is only trying to help his comrade. Looking rather annoyed, he stalks closer to Sky Lynx and the Decepticons, then attacks again.

Foxfire strikes Fulcrum with Laser.

Cyber Lynx is pretty fast for someone who's so huge, he leaps fowards, avoiding both Fulcrum's sickle and Bandit's missile, so he will keeps ignoring Fulcrum, especially since Foxfire is doing a good job at beating him. The cyber lynx leaps into the air, transforming back into his dinobird mode. Chasing the jet, he tries to catch him with his claws.

From his previous form, Sky Lynx transforms into his Dinobird mode.

Sky Lynx misses Black S-37 XF with its Raking Claws attack.

Decepticons.. shake your bootay!

Alright.. that's IT! No more Mr Nice Fulcrum! Seeing that his attacks are just being shrugged off by Sky Lynx, and certainly not deterring him from attacking his comrade, Fulcrum takes the opportunity to exact some revenge. As the dinobird takes off, Fulcrum also transforms, swinging around and unleashing a torrent of pure heat at the silver cassette-fox.

Fulcrum crouches, then leaps up, his joints screeching as he transforms into a grey and green MiG-29.

MiG-29 <Fulcrum> strikes Foxfire with Heat Ray <High>.

There's a Mr. Nice Fulcrum?

The distraction having served its purpose, Fleet is able to make it away from the scene of the crime. With any luck, the Autobots won't realize what was really going on until they read about it in the papers tomorrow morning!

Black S-37 XF hits the air brakes as the bird rakes open air. He uses his thrust vectored gravotronic engines to almost hover there. He ignites the burners and accelerates again, spiraling around the Autobot beast, playing cat and mouse with him. Once he gets a good apsect angle on the Autobot he charges up his energy burst, this time only targeting Sky Lynx.

Bandit unleashes his Maelstrom Barrage attack on Sky Lynx, striking no one.

Autobots... Rock Rock Rock On!

Foxfire grunts in obvious pain, but he's not about to give in so easily. He bites back an insult, focusing on his opponent, as the Autobot twins had advised him to do, during that one time in the training chamber. He'll have to properly thank them one of these days. The compartments on the cassette's hips open again, and he fires two more rockets.

Foxfire strikes MiG-29 <Fulcrum> with Rocket.

Sky Lynx dives under the barrage, avoiding any damage and still paying to attention to Fulcrum! What a jerk! "You are slowing down Decepticon! You may be fast but you sure need to learn to aim!" The dinobord charges right towards Bandit, his jaw opens wide and something starts to glow down his throat...FIRE!

Sky Lynx misses Black S-37 XF with its Acetylene Blaster -- 2000 degrees attack.

#-1 FUNCTION (ANIS) NOT FOUND

Decepticons - Now is the winter of our discontent

MiG-29 <Fulcrum> has had enough of this. Fleet has had plenty of time to retreat - now it's time for them to do the same. "Comrade!" he broadcasts, "Retreat!" And with that, he pulls up, rocketing skywards... and leaving his device behind? Huh? And for that matter, upon closer inspection, there's no lights flashing on it, no energon cubes being produced... what's going on?

Fulcrum begins retreating, leaving themself vulnerable to parting shots from Sky Lynx, Black S-37 XF, Pyramid Jet (Fleet).

Black S-37 XF rolls out of the way of firey breath. "I do not think so Autobot....but as your limited brain may or may not comprehend....we have been victorious...." he lazilly rolls around the autobot as if he is in some sort of odd air show. As the call to retreat is made, he ignites his burners and accelerates out of sight. "Perhaps another time....I can finish the job I started on you.......for your sake...I hope not."

Bandit begins retreating, leaving himself vulnerable to parting shots from Pyramid Jet (Fleet).

Autobots.. well, Sky Lynx.. any parting shots

Sky Lynx just watches the Decepticons running away... no point in wasting energon in firing at them since they are retreating. The dinobord lands and stretch himself, "Nice job Foxfire. Time to go back home. I'll send Hot Spot and his boys to take care of things here." Switching to his shuttle mode, he emits, "Climb aboard!"

From his previous form, Sky Lynx transforms into his shuttle mode.

* Spinny! *

NCC Central Hub

This is the very center of New Crystal City, and serves as the gateway to the other areas of the base. A feeling of claustrophobia exists here despite the fact that this part of the city is open to the air. Now in Battle Station Mode, the Central Hub has far less buildings than usual, as many have transformed themselves into huge laser defense cannons and missile turrets. There are very few positions one can take to hide from the weapons without being forced to take evasive action. The roadways have laser point-defense systems protecting them. The important buildings, including the medical ward and the command center now have a huge layer of thick metal protecting them, covering up the facilities and protecting them from harm.

Contents:

MiG-29 <Fulcrum>

Decepticon Sensor #1792

The Powerbase

Obvious exits:

North <N> leads to Mount R'Lyeh.

Northeast <NE> leads to NCC Dungeon.

Northwest <NW> leads to NCC Medical Ward.

South <S> leads to NCC Coastline.

Southeast <SE> leads to NCC Residential Plaza.

Southwest <SW> leads to NCC Spaceport.

East <E> leads to NCC Arena.

West <W> leads to NCC Central Command.

Fly <Up>

Black S-37 XF arrives from the NCC Residential Plaza to the southeast.

Black S-37 XF has arrived.

The MiG-29 twists around and folds in on itself with a grinding sound, transforming into the robotic form of Fulcrum.

The nose bends forward as the wings flip and rotate backwards. The engines spilt and extend, as arms, fists and feet are revealed. A head flips upward and locks into place with a purple shimmer of the optics.

The yellow Cybertronian jet unfolds, revealing the robotic form of the seeker Fleet.

Fulcrum soars into NCC airspace, quickly transforming and hitting the tarmac of the Central Hub with a hollow booming sound, looking around for Fleet. Because they totally agreed to meet here previously. And not Carbomya. Yes.

And Fleet is already standing in the area, in robot form, holding a big old net full of components and wearing nothing more than a grin and his paint job. He nods to Fulcrum as he arrives. "Fulcrum."

Bandit lands in tandem with his fellow seekers. "Mission Accomplished I would say......" he looks at Fulcrum. "How are you holding up? That Autbot used Sky Lynx's distraction to get at you I think......" he grimaces. "Cheap and lucky shots...."

Fulcrum does look a bit worse for wear, but he'll be melted down for scrap before admitting he just got beaten by a cassette. "It is of no consequence" he lies. "We were successful. The components can now be sorted and distributed with ease. You are both to be commended - Fleet for your efficiency and speed in securing the components, Bandit for your courage and skill in going toe-to-toe with Sky Lynx." Wow.. Fulcrum actually sounds satisfied.

Of course, Fulcrum should be getting a nice little upgrade out of this, so hey. Fleet nods. "Thank you." He doesn't avoid recognition quite as actively as he used to, although that's really because he's given that tactic up as a lost cause. "Where would you like these deposited?"

Bandit nods his head "Your words are most appropriate comrade...." he crosses his arms. "But I think that we had a lot of things going for us. First we had a simple and solid plan. Second, we had the element of surprise. Third, it was an all seeker strike team. We know each other's capabilities...we know how each other thinks. We performed exactly as we were designed to. With deadly efficiency....." he bows his head a bit. "It was an honor.....though I wish the mission was to terminate that Autobot Sky Lynx instead......he is an abomination." He paces back and forth. "I believe that we should seek repairs and as Fleet so deflty put it....a place to deposit our spoils."

"Sector 7-G" Fulcrum replies to Fleet. "Deposit them with Safety Inspector Hammer", before giving Bandit a curious look. "Eliminating Sky Lynx is perhaps beyond our capabilities, since even if we gained the upper hand.." and Fulcrum sounds REALLY doubtful about THAT ever happening, "..he would use his superior speed to escape. But you are correct, we both require repairs."

"Very well," answers Fleet and heads off to /find/ Sector 7-G.

================================= Decepticon =================================

Message: 2/6 Posted Author

Success! Sat Mar 19 Fulcrum

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fulcrum appears on screen, broadcasting from New Crystal City.

"Myself, Bandit and Fleet have just undertaken a successful mission to gather vital components for the Empire. While I pretended to attach a broken Cubulator 3000 to an energy substation and Bandit caused havok by destroying the surrounds, Fleet made use of the distraction by storming a manufacturing facility and gathering components. Our activities attracted the attention of Sky Lynx and Foxfire, neither of which discovered our ruse, allowing Fleet to make a successful retreat with the supplies. Myself and Bandit stayed to ensure the Autobots did not pursue, then made our own gettaway. The mission was a complete success, and my commendations go to all units involved - Fleet for his speed and efficiency in aquiring the parts, and for Bandit's courage and skill in fighting a tightly focused Sky Lynx.

Fulcrum out."

Blip to Decepticon Spinny.

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