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:

Soundwave

Hardshell

CPT

Trypticon <T>

Carbombyan Palace

Obvious exits:

East <E> leads to Red Sea.

West <W> leads to Nile River.

Fly <Up>

Soundwave stands outside Trypticon, his cold gaze glancing upwards. His sensors are picking up some Autobot activity, but it could be nothing.

Hardshell is on guard duty in the city. The joy of being a low rank grunt! He is just staying at an intersection, ignoring all the scared humans around him. He doesn't like to have to share the place with the fleshies, but when the guy with the canon command, those who wants to live obey.

Long Haul is probably working on rebuilding the refinery that not-Wildrider destroyed a couple of days ago, since that's been made high priority recently. Of course, since he's back to a 90% strength level, rather than welding or actually building or what-have-you, he's back to... hauling! It's been a good two weeks, what with fighting with Jazz, menacing a Stunticon, and NOT HAULING, but now it's back to business as usual.

It's a lot simpler for Soundwave. All of these flesh beings are walking around creating their energon. And doing a pretty good job of it too. That makes their existance that much more tolerable. And who would be creating the energon if we didn't have the human slaves? That's right; the Grunts. Soundwave decides to survey the devastation from the bomb site. "Long Haul. Have you recovered the remains of the explosive device." he intones.

If Hardshell was making energon, at least he could steal some foe himself! The middle of a desert isn't exactly the favorite place of the aquacon... Walking down a street, the large robot eventually arrive near the bomb site. He quickly notices Soundwave's presence and he's suddenly glad he was not on duty when the Autobots attacked... he would not like to have to response to Soundwave's questions...

Long Haul was supposed to recover the remains of the explosive device?! How come no one tells him these things! He thought that he was supposed to be, you know, constructing, what with being a /Construct/icon and all. Specifically, he thought he was supposed to be hauling, what with being Long /Haul/ and all. Besides, demolitions is Bonecrusher's specialty. "Erm... not yet," he replies, leaving the possibility of recovering it in the future open so that he doesn't seem like a TOTAL failure.

If Soundwave acknowledges the Constructicon's response, it's too subtle to tell. He has a theory about the person who blew up the factory.. there can't be too many disguise agents who are competant with detonation devices after all, and finding out what kind of bomb it was will be a huge hand in establishing in whether or not both abilities were required.

Hardshell stops near the bomb site and looks around. He didn't have enough time to take a look earlier. Who ever did that knew what he was doing. The aquacon would bet the the big bosses are not happy about this... not happy at all

Cybertronian Jet <Jetfire> soars down into view from the skies above.

Cybertronian Jet <Jetfire> has arrived.

Gee, like the big bosses are /ever/ happy about /any/ set back. Get used to it. Long Haul is, for his part, still hauling, although at the moment that involves getting the rubble out of the way so that the refinery can be rebuilt. He's not yet back up to full strength, but close enough to it that he can get back to his normal chores, rather than the more interesting jobs he's been doing for the last couple of weeks. Yay. With any luck, he'll be able to find an excuse to get into another fight soon and get back onto the light limited duty list.

<Earth> Smokescreen isn't really talking on this channel. Though for those with sensors about the area of Carbombya, they might be able to note a single blip coming in low over the country. And fast.

Cybertronian Jet <Jetfire> slowly descends from orbit towards Carbomya "Allright Smokescreen, where do you plan on dropping those crates? Got any precise coordinates for me?" Jetfire activates his radar in passive mode to check if any interceptors are launched.

Even if Soundwave doesn't have a radar sensor, he has incredibly enhanced audio input units. The sound of jet engines roaring through the sky is nothing for him. He casts his gaze upward to identify the jet. He doesn't know of any extra troops arriving.. it doesn't sound like any F-15 or Cybertronian Tetra-Jet anyway. "Decepticons..." The Tape Commander intones to those around him. "Prepare for combat."

Hardshell remains motionless for only a second before turning back and looking up in the sky. As soon as he spots the Autobot Jet, he summons his rifle from a subspace and waits for more orders.

Combat! Conflict! Hitting! Those are the words that Long Haul is always pleased to hear. He transforms, the load of rubble dropping where he stands, and looks about him, as alert as he ever gets. His brothers aren't around, which deprives him of the ability of forming the ultimate warrior, but on the other hand, gives him the chance to prove himself on his own.

<<Inside Jetfire>>: Smokescreen stands inside of Jetfire, hanging onto an overhead railing, a grin on his face. He glances back at the other Autobots present, and then to the real reason they're all here; the large, plasteel crates that're loaded high in Jetfire's hold. "We're approaching the coordinates as we speak, Jetfire...granted, at the rate we're going, they'll be spread out over several miles...but I think it should get through. Ready to commence the supply drop?"

<<Inside Jetfire>>: "So we're just droppin' dis off?" Twin Twist asks as he studies Jetfire's visual scanners. "Jus' like, tossin' it out an' goin'?"

As the roar of space capable jet engines echo in the sky you see a small shiny dot which seems to be diving towards the ground almost to crash but at about an altitude of 300' the jet straightens up horizontal and slowly reduces his altitude while opening the hatch. "I think this will be quite the fast drop Twin Twist as we were spotted. Prepare for evasive maneuvers should we encounter some AA fire.

Soundwave decides to play this by the rules - even though what he is overhearing on Autobot broadband seems to be coming from nearby. "I will submit an official warning. Then prepare for airborne combat." He drones.

<Earth> Soundwave transmits a warning on all known Carbombyan air traffic frequencies. "Attention unidentified aircraft. You are tresspassing in Airspace of the Decepticon Empire. Turn and leave or else we will treat you as hostile and open fire."

<<Inside Jetfire>>: Foxfire is just sitting there, being a good little fox. Well, as good as he *can* be, anyway. He smirks to himself and makes himself more comfortable, recalling his last trip to Carbombya.

<<Inside Jetfire>>: Twin Twist folds his fingers into a mighty fist. "Duhceptikon airspace, huh?"

<<Inside Jetfire>>: Twin Twist says, "Why, ah oughta.."

<Earth> Galvatron says, "WHAT?!~"

Hardshell mutters, "airborne combat... always airborne combat... Most Autobots' can't fly, why am I always forced to fight them in the air!!!" But the large Decepticon remains motionless, keeping his optics on the large jet, waiting for the attack signal.

Airborne combat? But Long Haul SUCKS at airborne combat! Ah, well. That's life sometimes. He draws his laser rifle (which conveniently doubles as a welding torch!) and waits to take off into the wild blue yonder, or whatever is asked of him. Which is pretty much his idea of preparing for airborne combat.

<Earth> Twin Twist presses the transmit button. "Uhtenshun Duhceptikon Empiyah.."

<Earth> Twin Twist says, "Youse stink!"

<<Inside Jetfire>>: Smokescreen gives a grin as the hatchway opens; and without further ado, he rears up with one large foot, and gives one of the crates a hearty *PUNT!* And down, down down it goes, until an unmarked parachute unfurls from the canvas pack strapped to the side of the crate, allowing it to drift down to the ground...right inside of a Carbombyan village. The peasants rejoice.

Smokescreen, however, isn't too happy. "I don't like the sound of that..." he muses. "Twin Twist!" he glances over at the Jumpstarter. "Might want to haul that Ion Blaster of yours out- want to play tailgunner?"

<<Inside Jetfire>>: Twin Twist chortles. "Heh heh heh! Howzzat fo' a reply!?"

<<Inside Jetfire>>: Foxfire erupts into a fit of snickers. "I like you already, Twin Twist."

<Earth> Soundwave says, "Your olfactory senses may require adjustment. As do your guidance processors. You are in Decepticon Territory."

<Earth> Galvatron says, "Soundwave. Last I checked, Autobots didn't allow idiots to speak. I guess Rodimus is splipping. Oh, and you realize that any attack on Carb...is a violation of UN policy, right? We will see you in international court."

<Earth> Twin Twist says, "Yew can talk ta my lawyuh! He's from thuh offices of Youse Suck Lugnuts!"

<Earth> Jetfire says, "This is FedEx Transport J-01A we are simply passing by to make a small delivery our intentions are peaceful."

<Earth> Smokescreen takes up the mike, it seems, and the sound of wind roaring by at some several hundred miles an hour can be heard in the background. "To tell the truth, Galvatron, I almost look forward to seeing you in international court. Mainly because I know your lawyer already. It's been too long since I've gotten to talk to Swindle. How is he, anyway?"

Cybertronian Jet <Jetfire> steers away from the general directions of the Decepticons to carry on with the delivery. "How many crates to go Smokescreen and what do you suggest we do about ol' grumpy?" Out of sheer precaution the cybertronian craft powers it's weapons and cycles the missile launcher.

<<Inside Jetfire>>: Foxfire perks his ears, and hisses at the mention of Swindle, but says nothing.

<Earth> Soundwave says, "Negative. We are within all rights to defend our borders. Your flight into airspace was unauthorized."

<Earth> Galvatron says, "Swindle? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. He's not my lawyer. Abdul Fakkadi is. And I left this country, other than military, in control of him...per our treaty. And I fear...he has every claim to soverignty that you can imagine."

<Earth> Galvatron says, "And you currently just violated soverignty. Stop. Now."

Oh, you don't like aerial combat? Okay, let's just ask Jetfire to land.

Any takers? None? Huh.

Guess we'll fight him in the air then. Soundwave retrieves his own Concussion Blaster-Gun from subspace and activates his anti-gravity units, soaring himself up into the sky, ready to intercept the Autobots.

<<Inside Jetfire>>: "Ah might hafta," Twin Twist says to Smokescreen. "An' its a good thing ah like ta carry two of everythin'!" He reaches back, his fingers seeming to fold around something. Pulling both arms back, it comes evident that he's equipped himself with two oversized Semi-Automatic Rifle-Cannons complete with shiny chrome finish. "Ho ho!"

<Earth> Abdul Fakkadi stammers as he considers whether or not to comment. "Er... yes! It is as my superior has instructed! You must depart from my.. from the good and fair lands of Carbombya! Back to whichever infidel nation is feeding you with the oil they purchased from this desert paradise!"

Hardshell sighs, "Finally some action..." The aquacon activates his anti-gravity system and follows Soundwave into the sky. He probably sucks as much as Long Haul at aerial combat but it's still better than guard duty.

<Earth> Abdul Fakkadi: President For Life, King Of Kings, Supreme Military Commander... and Attourny-At-Law it would seem too.

Okay. Soundwave has taken off, but has issued no particular orders on what to do next. Still, the Constructicon takes to the air, figuring this falls under the whole 'prepare for aerial combat' directive. He follows Big, Blue, and Creepy, not because he wants to, but because he realizes that the other has a better idea where the enemy is than he does. But you can bet that the moment he has an excuse to touch ground, he will!

<<Inside Jetfire>>: *SHOVE!* And out tumbles another crate...and another- Smokescreen had many of them tethered together, it looks like. A domino effect, it'd seem. To those watching (or pursuing) there's just a steady line of crates coming out of Jetfire's hold, each tumbling some distance before a parachute unfurls, allowing it to drift harmlessly to the ground.

"We've got company..." he says, catching sight of the blips following them. "At least it's not a seeker patrol..."

<Earth> Smokescreen says, "I'll be waiting on your summons, President Fakkadi. *CLICK!*"

<Earth> Galvatron says, "Thank you, Fair Abdul. They think I own you. But the truth lies in that you own your nation. We just oversee your military protection."

<Earth> Twin Twist says, "And ah'll be waiting on yer.. uh.. ah dunno, wottayagot?"

<Earth> Galvatron says, "All Decepticon wings, they have been warned. Open fire. As per the UN's provisions? We have met our obligations.,"

<Earth> Abdul Fakkadi says, "Ah.. of course!"

<<Inside Jetfire>>: Twin Twist's optics blink-flicker at the blue speck that begins to get larger as it approaches the speeding Jetfire. "'Ey, izzat wot ah think it is?" He motions with the barrel of his weapons, shrugging his shoulder to catch Smokescreen's attention. "Looks like ol' noize-head is comin' aftah us! Yew'd think dat aftah the umpteenth time dey tried dis junk, dey'd get some bettah hardware!"

<<Inside Jetfire>>: Foxfire is busy twitching at Abdul's voice. Such an irritating human...

Cybertronian Jet <Jetfire> accelerates in order to toy with the pursuing patrol "Considering I am the only one to fly I suppose we will turn this into ground combat or shall we simply dust them while flipping them the transistor?" Jetfire closes the hatch and prepares for evasive maneuvers. "Well boss it's your mission and your call how do you want us to handle this?"

<Earth> Galvatron says, "Abdul, I have you on open channel with the UN. If you wish to file a grievance for them violating your land...the Decepticon Military, per our agreement, is ready to defend you until it is filed."

<Earth> Kenya Momesa says, "Feel free to do it Mr "President". I'm more than willing to lead the UN troops into Carbombya to ensure the security of the human population."

<Earth> Galvatron says, "You will violate your own laws. The UN has yet to rule on our treaty. Until it rightfully does...you have no right."

<Earth> Galvatron says, "Oh, and I hate to break it to you, our treaty is MORE than fair. Abdul retains control of his nation, entirely."

<Earth> Abdul Fakkadi sighs. He wonders why Galvatron is wheeling him out for display like this. "You will address my by my full and correct title, So-called Momesa-General of the EDC!"

<Earth> Galvatron says, "Good point. Address him properly."

<Decepticon> Soundwave says, "The human is serving as a disruption to the Autobots. His talking is causing their cranial processors to malfunction."

<Decepticon> Galvatron says, "Good."

Flipping transistors is a good way to destroy one's own processing abilities, but that's neither here nor there. For Long Haul's part, he'd be glad if things became a ground battle, but for the moment he's just following Soundwave, closing in on the EVIL, TREATY VIOLATING invaders and waiting to draw close enough to actually do some hurting, or something along those lines.

<Earth> Kenya Momesa says, "Until the UN rules on your "treaty" Mr Galvatron, I will still consider the Carbombyans population as being your hostage since we're still at war with your empire."

<<Inside Jetfire>>: Smokescreen hmms, and squints. "Hmm. Soundwave. They're really stuck in here...but keep up the evasive manuevers, Jetfire! We're just here to drop off the supplies and run...Twin Twist, if they start shooting at us, give 'em hell. Foxfire? I hope you're taping all this. We can use it for refrence later."

And so, the last few crates tumble out of Jetfire...though Smokescreen does make it a note to rummage out one last little surprise from subspace...he rears back and THROWS a little metal sphere right at the Communications Officer.

<Earth> Galvatron says, "Unfortunately, the law doesn't see it as such. Innocent until proven guilty."

<Earth> Galvatron says, "You invade, I have your head."

<Earth> Galvatron says, "Are you my hostage, Abdul? Or do you have control?"

Soundwave, on the other hand, is /not/ interested in awaiting on Smokescreen's order. He decides that the time to remove this foreign invader is now. "Obliterate the invading aircraft. Protect the nation." he drones, leading the salvo with a blast from his rifle.

Soundwave strikes Cybertronian Jet <Jetfire> with Concussion Blaster-Gun! (Low).

<Earth> Kenya Momesa laughs, "A Decepticon calling himself innocent? That's a first for me."

<Earth> Galvatron says, "Regardless, bylaws are in my favor."

<Earth> Jetfire says, "Actually...We are innocent until you can prove we invade which you cannot do since to invade you have to be within your rights which you cannot really say until the UN rules on your treaty."

<Earth> Abdul Fakkadi is now completely befuddled by why he is being dragged out! What, is he /that/ good an actor? "I am... a servant to the empire, as detailed in a treaty I signed under my own convicions."

<Earth> Galvatron says, "Violate, and you violate UN policy. We made a LEGAL treaty. Abdul controls his people. We control his military."

<Earth> Galvatron says, "Do you rule your people, Abdul?"

<Earth> Kenya Momesa says, "People tends to say what you want when you have a canon aimed at their head."

<Earth> Michael Briar says, "Galvatron, the UN will never respect any treaty you 'force' upon a country."

<Earth> Abdul Fakkadi says nothing.

<Earth> Galvatron says, "Funny, I am inside Trypticon. Abdul is not. Is my cannon transdimensional now?"

Hardshell is flying right towards the Cybertronian jet, he's even flying at full speed which means really really slowly. He raises his gun and fires a quicj shot at Jetfire, "Get out of there you cowards!"

Hardshell misses Cybertronian Jet <Jetfire> with his Photon Rifle<low setting> attack.

<Earth> Galvatron says, "THen I guess every treaty the US ever made is hereby null and void, Briar?"

Well, he has his orders... but he's still in the firkin' air, dammit! Since the Constructicon cannot close and use his proper Decepticon strength against the EVIL invaders, he instead employs his puny laser, firing upon the only real target, Jetfire, as he continues his clumsy flight.

You strike Cybertronian Jet <Jetfire> with Pathetic Laser.

<Earth> Galvatron says, "Let's start with all the Treaties of Paris. I swear they weren't made by a victor to a loser."

<Earth> Kenya Momesa says, "since that was way before the creation of the UN... your point is...pointless"

<Earth> Michael Briar says, "The US is a recognized country of earth. As you have no country, any treaty you make with any country on earth is null and void."

<Earth> Galvatron says, "The 2004 invasion of Iraq. Done by the US, without UN approval. Do you consider it any less valid?"

<Earth> Galvatron says, "Also, since it happened before the UN's creation, that make's it ok?"

<<Inside Jetfire>>: Smokescreen shakes with the the force of the blast. Even still, he gives a shove to the last of the crates. "That's it!" and down goes the last of the humanitarian crates. "Do whatever the hell you want, Jetfire!" Smokescreen himself sets loose with a pair of his own chaff rockets, straight out the back of Jetfire...though at the rate they're going, even Smokescreen's own accuracy does him little good, and so they explode about the approaching cons, putting on a bit of a show...yet failing to do much else. "Give 'em hell, and let's get gone!"

Cybertronian Jet <Jetfire> feels a small hit on one of the tailfins...Another beam sails far off and a third one hits near the hatch door. "My apologies but basic rules of engagement will force me to try and scare off our pursuers for our own safety. Buckle up this will be a bumpy ride for the next 40 seconds or." The cybertronian craft kicks in the thrusters and pulls up in a immelman twist (half-loop, half-barrel which is as close to a 180 you can do in a jet. However it causes massive Gs). The wings bend slightly as the G force presses upon them but cybertronian alloy can pretty much resist normal earth atmospheric pressure and conditions. "Hey Soundwave you were always the smart one right? What's the sound of 7000 plus pounds of metal hitting the ground?" With that the Cybertronian craft opens fire on the communication officer...Yes cut off the head and see how the drones handle themselves.

Cybertronian Jet <Jetfire> strikes Soundwave with his Null-Ray attack.

<Earth> Kenya Momesa says, "All the country involved in that treaty are now allied and members of the UN. None of the wish to protest about that treaty. So yes, it makes it ok."

<Earth> Galvatron says, "Ahhhh, but Abdul gets the shaft. I see."

<Earth> Galvatron says, "Funny, Earth politics. Unless he kisses your ass, he gets the shaft. I wonder how the public will feel about that."

<Earth> Abdul Fakkadi lets his own feelings towards the UN burst forth. "Bah! These slaves to the so-called United Nations! All you care for is interfering and meddling where it is not required!"

<Earth> Galvatron says, "Amen."

<Earth> Kenya Momesa says, "I guess that is why you asked me to kick the Decepticons out of Carbombya Mr President..."

<Earth> Galvatron says, "Nice try, Momesa. He would never ask that. He has his dream. He controls his own country. His own people, and his own economy. All we take is a energy deposit and we protect it."

<Earth> Galvatron says, "Yes. He's hurting so bad."

<Earth> Twin Twist says, "Heh heh! Wot's dat statement them kids use these days when dey hear sumfin' funny? El-oh-el! Heh heh!"

<Earth> Abdul Fakkadi says, "Perhaps that is one of my prior requests, yes. But before then I asked that you leave my beautiful and fair land alone."

<Earth> Galvatron says, "Need I remind you, if Abdul wishes it? We will support him raising oil prices worldwide?"

<Earth> Jetfire says, "By violating the soveringty of other country and attacking their oil installations?"

<Earth> Abdul Fakkadi says, "I am increasingly growing accustomed to the organization you represent to be full of lies and those who would be self-serving. Or perhaps you would be interested in handling a so-called trouble nation that did /not/ have such bountiful oil reserves!"

<Earth> Galvatron says, "No. Carb has the highest oil production of any other nation. You do the math."

<Earth> Kenya Momesa says, "Even Carbombya alone doesn't produce enough oil to do that. So feel free to try."

Standing within the opened hatch of Jetfire's underbelly, Twin Twist makes his presence known with his oversized chromed weapons. "Hullo, noizehead!" He wiggles the barrels of his rifles at Soundwave. "Fancy seein' yew heah! Too bad ya ain't welcome on dis flight!" Twin Twist's finger clenches around the trigger of his weapon, discharging several shots at the airborne Decepticon.

Twin Twist strikes Soundwave with Semi-Automatic Burst.

Smokescreen hangs on next to Twin Twist, pulling his own lightning rifle from subspace- he takes a few pot-shots of his own...though again, nothing too accurate. He's just trying to make the decepticons keep their heads down. "How you doing there, Jetfire?" he asks over the roar of jet engines and discharged weaponry

Hardshell quickly maneuvers to get a clear line of fire on the Autobots. Jetfire isn't a real warrior, the Aquacon needs a better target. That little jumpstarter will do the job. "I think you need to check your language processor Autobot... here's some help" Hardhsell raises his photon rifle and fires it at Twin Twist.

Hardshell strikes Twin Twist with Photon Rifle<high setting>.

Why is everyone aiming at Soundwave? It's not like he's the only guy out here, and 'cutting off the head' in Long Haul's case just means that there's no one around to order a retreat! The dump-truck-former is cut off by one of Smokescreen's shots (might as well give the uncoded attacks an acknowledgement) and he's forced to land. No matter, he feels more comfortable on the ground anyway, but from here his attack choices are rather limited. Either he can fire his pathetic laser again, or he can... transform!

Long Haul folds in on himself and transforms into a dump truck.

Cybertronian Jet <Jetfire> evades your Rocket attack.

Soundwave would be flattered, if he wasn't being shot at so many times. "AAAAAAH." Is the closest his limited vocalizer can come to emoting the pain from Jetfire's blast, and Twin Twist's follow-up assault riddling small holes in his frame. Since there is an apparent leader to the group, from his prior snoopings on the Autobt frequency, Soundwave decides to make the assault on morale more than anything. Remaining in the air (after a moment of disorientation, thank you, Chaff,) Soundwave fires an audio assault at the Diversionary Tactician.

Soundwave strikes Smokescreen with Sound Waves!.

Cybertronian Jet <Jetfire> executes two barrel rolls which let Long Haul's rocket sail by harmlessly. Yeah surplus rockets have crappy guidance. The jet dives towards the dump druck. The targeting reticule lines up on the said truck and the jet begins a strafing run with it's nosecone lasers. "This is ridiculous, we are only here to make a small delivery to the people of Carbomya do we really have to go through this?"

Cybertronian Jet <Jetfire> strikes you with Nosecone Lasers for 9 points of damage.

"Whoof!" Twin Twist wheezes as he catches a bullet to his mid-section. The ludicrous velocity of the shot puts a clean hole through him before its caught by the interior plating of Jetfire's cabin. Given the extreme distance between he and Snaptra-- er, Hardshell, he can't quite hear the Decepticon's remark! "Ah dunno which ah don't like mo'! Galvuhtron havin' diarrhea of thuh mouf.. or their latest weapon systums!" Twin Twist waves down Soundwave once more, as he is clearly the closest Decepticon for him to make any of a difference with. "Taste summah dis, fool!"

Twin Twist misses Soundwave with his Semi-Automatic Rifle Cannon attack.

"Gah!" Smokescreen raises one hand to his audio sensors...unfortunately, it's the hand he was holding on with...and so Smokescreen tumbles all about in Jetfire's cargo hold, battered about- until he finally takes hold of an errant cargo strap to stop his possible doom "Ooop!" feet dangling out the hold, he takes aim at...Soundwave! Yeah, get him! "Our work here's done, Jetfire! Everything else at this point is just..." he aligns his sights on the blue Decepticon, and then, *KRA-KOW!* goes the blue lightning. "recreation!"

Smokescreen misses Soundwave with his Electro Disruptor Rifle attack.

Hardshell grunts, "I do not like to be ignored Autobot... fight may of suffers the consequences!" The large Decepticon fires his rifle at the jumpstarter once again and then flies right towards him, trying to come close enough to force him into a fist fight.

Hardshell misses Twin Twist with his Photon Rifle<medium setting> attack.

Dump Truck <Long Haul> is hit! Long Haul is... well, really that doesn't hurt that much. How is he supposed to stay on the light limited duty list (and therefore off the hauling list) if the Autbots keep hitting him like that, slaggit! The lasers strike along his hood, singing his fresh paint job but doing little else. In response the dump truck transforms and... once more fires his lasers! Because he's not really close enough to do what he really wants to do, which would be employing his black Constructi-fists.

The dump truck stretches out and unfolds into Long Haul.

Cybertronian Jet <Jetfire> evades your Pathetic Laser attack.

Soundwave: wanted by Autobot one and all! Well, at least to shoot at. Perhaps it's Jetfire's erratic flight pattern that is causing both Autobots to fail to connect with their target, because Soundwave isn't /that/ fast. Regardless, he sails past both assualts as they soar past his way. The Tape Lord continues his assault with a follow-up blast from his rifle, aimed at the vessel they all travel in. This time a much higher level-blast, hopefully to encourage the jet to land.

Soundwave strikes Cybertronian Jet <Jetfire> with Concussion Blaster-Gun! (High).

"It's time ta blow dis popstand, Smokey!" Twin Twist declares, ignoring Hardshell once more in favor of his friend. He leaps for Smokescreen, crashing into him to knock him safely within the Jetfire's cabin. "Close thuh hatch an' lets zip on outta heah, Jetfiyah!"

Smokescreen scrambles back into Jetfire's hold. "Couldn't have said it better myself, Twin Twist...let's get the hell out of here and let the Lawyers sort it out!" of course, worse comes to worse, Smokescreen -IS- the Lawyers...but that's alright.

Cybertronian Jet <Jetfire> pulls up and spins sideways to avoid Long Haul's laser. Jetfire quickly turns around unfortunatly Soundwave's blast nails the craft on the underside which rocks the craft during it's turn. Luckily no serious damage is reported to the engines but the missile port might be jammed in closed position. The hatch closes up "Everybody strap on your seatbelt. We are hauling out of here big time." The jet's engines fire away at full power in the blink of an optic the jet turns into a small dot on the horizon...the echo of the engines is heard fading off into the atmosphere.

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

<Decepticon> Soundwave says, "The Autobots have chosen to retreat. They are already beyond the borders."

Hardshell has disconnected.

Soundwave, who drew the most attention of the assault, simply remains in the air ensuring that the ship does not decide to change course at the last minute. He doesn't waste firepower on a target that outmatches him in terms of pure speed, he simply makes sure that he is not needed.

Long Haul fires after Jetfire, anyway! Of course, because Jetfire's too fast for him, it doesn't make any difference. Dammit! He watches the others leave and then shrugs. Figuring just what they were up to is beyond him... at least there weren't any grand explosions he has to clean up after this time! And speaking of such... without awaiting further orders, the Constructicon takes to the air, heading back towards the previously destroyed refinery.

Cybertronian Jet <Jetfire> soars upward into the sky.

Cybertronian Jet <Jetfire> has left.

Soundwave slowly lowers himself to the ground, examining his damage. "Status report." He intones. Well, Hardshell has already wandered off, so it's down to Long Haul for that.

Long Haul shrugs. "Took a bit of damage," the dump truck rumbles, "But not much. I'm pretty sure I gave more than I got. What the frag were they up to, anyway?"

"Depositing boxes. They did not appear hostile." Soundwave intones. "Send Bonecrusher out to examine."

Since Bonecrusher is the only Constructicon /without/ a player (which would make this a good time for a plug, but no one's around who doesn't already have a 'Structie alt), we're just going to assume that the message gets passed off-scene. "Erm. Yes, sir." The Constructicon takes to the air and prepares to return to his duties. Of course, since Soundwave is High Command, Long Haul has little choice but to obey his orders, but were the fact that tape-player isn't giving him an excuse to be generally pissed at him is off-putting.

Yeah, that Soundwave. Always NOT pissing people off. That's just damn harsh. The Tape Commander returns to Trypticon to submit a report and get the regular repairs.