Fulcrum arrives from the NCC Central Hub to the southeast

NCC Medical Ward

The Crystal City repair bay is far larger than previous versions in Imperial Headquarters or Trypticon himself. Clearly it was designed by a medic, for a medic. The entire room is rectangular in nature with medical beds arranged in a neat grid pattern. The beds themselves vary, with some being precious little more than metal slabs, and others having full scanners and tools attached, as well as everything in between. In total, there are about twenty beds. There is room for more in an emergency situation. The cabinets line the walls, spaced out between medical terminals. Everything has a place, and organization is key. With battle mode being initiated, the huge windows are covered up as the bay is encased in metal for its own protection. Access can still be gained with the right codes, however. Red warning lights flash on and off.

Contents:

Fulcrum

Scrapper's Art <SA> - Fourteen Pieces

MSE CO OFFICE (Earth)

Gumby Medic <NCC>

Obvious exits:

South <S> leads to NCC Central Command.

Southeast <SE> leads to NCC Central Hub.

East <E> leads to Mount R'Lyeh.

Fulcrum arrives from the NCC Central Hub to the southeast.

Fulcrum has arrived.

Fleet arrives from the Central Hub, searching specifically for Fulcrum. He quickly spots the blacksmith and approaches, moving with considerably more confidence than last Fulcrum saw him, although there remains a touch of nervousness. He stands up straight and looks directly in front of him, mostly because it's a good way to avoid looking directly at Fulcrum. "Reporting, sir," is all he says.

Fulcrum looks around, a scanning monocle clamped over one optic, whirring as it zooms in on the new arrival. "Fleet" he states, removing the device and placing in on the med table behind him. "Are your systems fully restored?"

Fleet simply nods, remaining still otherwise. "They are, sir." Even his voice is neutral.

"Good. Please stand over there." He points to a large "X" marked on the floor with tape. His two assistance, Kitbash and Scratchbuild slowly wheel in what appears to be a large lead shield, with a curious shadow burnt into its surface.

Both of Flee's optics open in concern, but he complies, shifting nervously from left foot to right before catching himself and standing still once more.

On closer inspection, the shadow is a remarkably clean outline of a seeker, slightly contorted as if in horrible searing pain. The assistants scurry off, then return with a trolley, on top of which has been fixed an evil looking device, resembling some sort of death ray, all sharp fins and flashing read lights. "Please try to remain completely still" Fulcrum warns, seeing Fleet fidget.

Comcast has arrived.

Fleet attempts to suppress a flinch, but his not wholly successful. "Uhm, I'm assuming that others have made it through this procedure with continued functionality in the past?"

Fulcrum doesn't answer, merely flicking a couple of switches on the deadly, cannon-like device, causing all its lights to flicker on and filling the medbay with an ominous rising hum as it powers up. Kitbash and Scratchbuild give each other paniced looks and once more run off, returning with yet another lead shield, which they wheel in front of Fulcrum then quickly duck behind. "There may be some discomfort involved" the blacksmith remarks from behind his nice thick blast-shield.

"Some discomfort?" squeaks Fleet. At this point he's not even bothering to stay still at all, and has instead backed against the lead wall. "That'd better leaking well be all there is! What the slot is that thing?!"

"KEEP STILL" Fulcrum bellows. "Or there will be MUCH moire than discomfort!" The device begins to vibrate, the hum still rising, the med-bay lights now flickering and dimming from the power-draw.

....And it's at this point that Comcast walks in to the medical room. "Fulcrum, have you seen..?" And it's at this point that the Seeker notices.. the lead shield. Oh primus. Comcast remembers this. "Are.. are you doing what I think you're doing here..?" He says, nervously pointing at the shield.

Fleet clenches his fists and forces himself still, although he's wound so tight that, were he a spring, one could easily expect him to leap through the nearest wall any microsecond.

Fulcrum pokes his head around the blast-shield. "Quick you fool!" he calls out to Comcast. "Take cover!" The lights go completely out, the horrible device now crackling with arcs of energy.

Comcast oh-yeahs! The whole.. yeah.. that thing. Comcast quickly retreats behind the blast wall himself. Once safely protected behind it, he receives an interesting perspective. "Actually, I think I prefer this procedure from this point." No kidding, Comcast.

Fleet hisses softly and gives up. He remains stock-still, locking his joints in place to prevent trembling and off-lines his optics, deciding that at this moment, he'd much rather be without sight, anyway. He can't help but hoping to Primus that he'll get a chance to put them back on-line in the future...

There's a huge FLASH, and a moment of searing pain for the target of Fulcrum's mysterious device. Just as suddenly, all noise and light ceases, the medbay lights flickering back on after a few moments. Scrolling rapidly up the wall mounted screens are huge reams of data, describing every detail of Fleet's armor, and how it reacts to energy emitted over a wide spectrum.. along with a nice rotating 3D model of the yellow Seeker. Poking their heads around the shield, Kitbash and Scratchbuild nod, then cautiously emerge, slowly wheeling the first sheild away from behind Fleet, its surface now marked with a rather good silhouette...

Comcast peers out from behind the lead wall. "Huh.. that hurts a lot more than it looks like, you know." He mutters very matter-of-factly to Fulcrum.

Although he can't see anything, Flee is able to determine that the affair is over thanks to Comcast’s comment, the sudden lack of an ominous hum, and the fact that the instant of pain that he likened to dancing with a solar flare had passed (not that he has ever danced with a solar flare, but he thought it would probably feel much like what he just felt). He brings his optics on-line and unlocks his joints, immediately slumping.

"Really?" Fulcrum replies to Comcast, as his assistants wheel away the other screen. "I shall make a note of that." He regards the data scrolling up the displays, then nods. "Phase one complete," he remarks with satisfaction. "Prepare yourself for Phase 2."

Fleet opens his recently reactivated optics wide. "There's more?!" he exclaims.

Fulcrum nods. "Yes. This was just a static scan. I require data on your abilities during combat. The best way to do this is to simulate combat situations in a controlled environment - ie; the Training Arena"

Fulcrum pulls out a medical scanner and runs a check on Fleet.

Comcast groans.. he can only hope that his knowledge is going to /reduce/ the pain for other people, not increase it. Then again, he's already been through the procedure, so who cares? "Ah, the training room. I'll join you.. assuming that won't taint the environment. I have a few systems I wish to test out since my last full service."

Fleet nods, somewhat relieved. Even if he did poorly, this sort of pain was the sort he's familiar with. "All right, then, sir. I'm ready whenever you are." It's a bland statement, said with none of the cockiness that usually accompanies those words.

Fulcrum nods to Comcast. "More opponents mean more usable data" he replies. "To the holo-arena"

<OOC> Fulcrum says, "SPINNY"

Holo Arena

Inside the Holo Arena are black, rubber-coated walls to protect the steel and also to reduce the noise, as these sparring matches can get very violent. A central control room is suspended from the ceiling, heavily reinforced to protect the advanced computer that controls the holo-imaging and stores thousands of simulation scenariors. If a desired scenario isn't already available, then the computer allows for additional programming.

Contents:

Comcast

Training Drone <NCC/Trypticon>

Fulcrum comes into the Holo Arena.

Fulcrum carefully sets up the environment for the sparring match, replicating the scene of their latest defeat - the WKRP dam near Cincinatti. He also ensures all the recording devices are turned on and set to full spectrum.

Fleet makes a soft sighing noise as he recognizes the location, then immediately jumps into the air, although he really does nothing more than hover a few yards above the ground.

Comcast steps into the holo arena, his optics taking in the new scenario. "Ugh.. as if we don't see enough of those terran structures as it is." He says out loud, but files no further complaints. "I assume this is a free-for-all in nature?"

Fulcrum nods. "To better simulate the often chaotic nature of combat." He presses one last key. "And also to ensure Fleet doesn't make a... tactical retreat at too early a stage." Nodding at the console, he rises into the air, antigravs humming. "You may begin when ready."

"I see..." Comcast murmers, as he starts the battle by soaring into the air. "Well, then this is all for your sake Fleet. Try and pay attention to some of the maneuveurs Fulcrum and I use... they're both very useful." The red seeker fires a low-level blast at Fleet from his arm-mounted rifles.

You evade Comcast's Energy Rifle! (Low) attack.

Fleet is taken off-guard by the other seeker's attack, but manages to spin out of the way anyway. Before he's even completed his turn he begins to move upwards as well, to give himself more room to maneuver, returning fire with the rifle mounted on his own right-shoulder.

You strike Comcast with Energy Rifle (low).

Fulcrum keeps rising, satisfied for the moment that Fleet and Comcast are attacking each other. Uncharacteristically, he transforms, discarding more close-ranged combat for a flyby. After all, he reasons, he might as well use the opportunity to improve his own abilities. Firing its engines with a coughing roar, Fulcrum circles the arena, targeting display beeping as it locks on Comcast, sending scorching beams arcing from his Heat Rays towards his comrade while he's (hopefully) distracted by Fleet's attack.

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

MiG-29 <Fulcrum> misses Comcast with his Heat Ray <Low> attack.

Comcast is too busy dealing with the person he knows to be a threat.. Fulcrum.. to notice Fleet's blast. He soars up, just in time to catch Fleet's energy blast square on his foot. "Aah!" He yelps. "Good work thus far.." Comcast decides he is best to return fire against Fulcrum. Fleet can wait. Comcast raises both arms, unleashing full blasts from his rifles in the air around the MiG.

Comcast misses MiG-29 <Fulcrum> with his Energy Rifle! (High) attack.

Fleet narrows his optics, annoyed at being shrugged off, and transforms for a flyby of his own. He streaks past Comcast, passing almost close enough to ram him from behind, but instead merely fires his energy weapons instead.

Fleet transforms from robot to pyramid jet.

You strike Comcast with Wing-Mounted Laser (Pulse Mode).

MiG-29 <Fulcrum> circles the room, firing his afterburners to shoot ahead of Comcast's beams. Turning, he narrows in on the now airborne Fleet, a disruptor cannon popping from a hatch on his nosecone and opening fire. Fulcrum rates EVERYONE as a threat.

MiG-29 <Fulcrum> strikes you with Nose-mounted Disruptor for 9 points of damage.

Outside, MiG-29 <Fulcrum> strikes Pyramid Jet (Fleet) with Nose-mounted Disruptor.

You are now at 39 endurance and 0 injury.

Comcast catches another blast.. he decides not to take up the role of 'advisor' anymore.. at least until his ability improves tonight. Since Fleet is so close, he decides to kill his momentum and allow Fleet to fly right into a short sharp strike..

Comcast strikes you with Precise Jab for 10 points of damage.

Between the disruptor blast and the jab, the yellow jet is hit pretty badly. Ordinarily he'd be pulling out, but he manages to remind himself that this is only practice... and that Fulcrum's opinion of him is already low enough as it is. Instead he transforms again, spinning in the air and raising his right arm as he does so, so as to fire after Fulcrum.

Fleet transforms from pyramid jet to robot.

You strike MiG-29 <Fulcrum> with Shoulder-mounted laser.

Fleet's shots pepper the MiG's frame, leaving scorch-marks in the grey and green armor. Growling a curse over broadband and pulling up suddenly, the Russian jet transforms, the motions acting as a crude airbrake. Turning in mid-air, hammer in hand, Fulcrum HURLS his favorite melee weapon.. but not at Fleet, but at Comcast's faceplate, assuming that it's him that landed the shot, rather than Fleet.

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

Fulcrum strikes Comcast with Blacksmith's Hammer.

Comcast finally lands a strike! Yeah woo yeah yay! And /now/ he's going to...

-DEET DEET!-

Oh slag. The DCI commander's alarm starts up, there is something Comcast needs to tend to. He hovers in the air as he responds to the unit who contacted to him. "I'll be right the--" And it's about THIS time that the Hammer of Fulcrum meets Seeker faceplate. "AAH! Sorry Fulcrum.. I have to handle this." The Blacksmith's hammer falls to the ground while Comcast departs from the holo arena, his dented faceplate and scorch marks disappearing as he leaves.

Fleet manages to resist the temptation to watch Comcast as he leaves, suspecting that Fulcrum is likely to take advantage of such a lapse. He remains in robot mode but flies backwards to increase the distance between himself and Fulcrum. Due to Fulcrum's choice of weapon, Flee suspects he likes melee, and the yellow jet doesn't intend to give him the chance to engage in that. Even as he flies, he raises his other arm, firing with both in pulse mode.

You strike Fulcrum with Energy Rifle (pulsed mode).

"Another time perhaps" Fulcrum intones, satisfied that his hammer met its mark. The dour blacksmith turns and raises one arm to sheild his optics, firing his boot-jets as he charges Fleet down, gritting his teeth as the laser-fire hits him. Ow ow ow. Ow. Reaching back, a vicious looking curved blade appears in his hand, edge already hissing and smoking as it heats up. Swinging his second-favorite weapon in a wide arc, Fulcrum attempts to intercept his fleeing comrade before he can move out of melee range.

Fulcrum strikes you with Burning Sickle <Low> for 10 points of damage.

Fleet curses softly as Fulcrum catches up with him, his blade biting into the seeker's left shoulder and wing. Damn damn damn damn! He once more tries to distance himself, this time by kicking his boot-jets into high gear and flying straight up. While still too close for his comfort he cuts his jets off and spins acrobatically in the air, firing with his undamaged right-side's laser when Fulcrum's once more in his sights.

You strike Fulcrum with Shoulder-Mounted Laser.

Fulcrum bites off a curse as Fleet's laser opens another wound, his frame now dented and ripped in several places. Twisting awkwardly, Fulcrum tries to follow Fleet's more acrobatic movements, firing his boot-jets and bringing up his knee in an attempt to introduce it to his opponent's midsection.

You evade Fulcrum's Meet Mr Knee attack.

Because of his current position, it is Fleet's face that is being rapidly approached by Fulcrum's knee. He rolls to the side, managing to avoid the strike, although he is now, relative to Fulcrum, stretched out perpendicular and upside down. He growls with frustration, hating these close quarters - this is no way for a seeker to do battle! - and attempts to punch Fulcrum in the side before once more moving away.

Fulcrum evades your punch attack.

Fulcrum, however, prefers the "up close and personal" style of combat, since he has the aerodynamic grace of a brick, even in MiG mode. Smashing away Fleet's fist with one forearm, he brings his sickle back into play, its blade now burning gold, hissing as it tears through the air towards Fleet's frame.

Fulcrum strikes you with Burning Sickle <High> for 11 points of damage.

Outside, Fulcrum strikes Fleet with Burning Sickle <High>.

Fleet writhes in pain as the sickle bites into him, and he's unable to keep himself from crying out. Without thinking, he cuts off anti-grav and falls. When he realizes the usefulness of this tactic in getting away from his opponent he keeps it up, twisting yet again so that he can fire upwards, finally halting his controlled plummet right after doing so.

You strike Fulcrum with disruptor.

Fulcrum's reactions are no match for Fleet, the yellow Seeker once more peppering him with blasts. Snarling, Fulcrum follows suit, cutting his antigravs and dropping like a stone towards his opponent.. and not bothering to halt his descent, figuring the impact with Fleet's faceplate will do that for him.

Fulcrum strikes you with Drop-elbow for 6 points of damage.

The yellow Seeker is, obviously, not doing well at this point. He's badly damaged on his left side, although there is considerable number of dents and dings all over. Every instinct he has is shrieking at him to run away, but he dare not. Instead, he once more cuts his antigravs and falls the rest of the way towards the ground, trying to twist the both of them around so that Fulcrum is the first to hit. He's fairly certain that with this move he himself will be finished, but hopefully, at least, he'll have put in a good showing.

Fulcrum evades your ram attack.

Fulcrum struggles with Fleet, his superior strength allowing him the "upper hand" as it were, as he fires his jets once more, intending to drive Fleet into the ground, just as he was going to do to him a moment earlier.

Fulcrum strikes you with ram for 13 points of damage.

Fleet falls to the ground unconscious.

Training Drone <NCC/Trypticon> hovers over to Fleet and revives it with a quick zap of energy. "You require additional training to defeat this unit at this skill level."

After being revived, Fleet groans softly. "No kidding!" he remarks sarcastically, but he's too weak for his words to provide proper bite. He tries to pull himself out of the crater, but finds that he cannot... mostly because he's still pinned down by Fulcrum's bulk. "Will you get offa me," he grumbles.

Fulcrum gets to his feet, using his anti-gravs to "hop" backwards out of the crater. "Terminate simulation" he drones, the landscape flickering and disolving back into the featureless walls of the training arena. "Sufficient data should have been collected, though it is a pity Comcast was called away."

Fleet finally pulls himself out of the hole in the ground. He looks up at Fulcrum and grumbles, "Whyssat? Didn't kick my aft hard enough on your own?"

Fulcrum regards Fleet impassively. "The purpose of Comcast's participation was to ensure my attention was not /entirely/ focussed on you" he replies. "Idealy, we should have spent more time attacking each other, allowing you to continue adjusting to Earth conditions."

Fleet finally manages to pull himself into a standing position, although he's still swaying slightly. "Ah," he replies, a bit calmer. "I suppose that makes a strange sort of sense." He shakes his head and sighs. "So, got any more tor- tests for me today?"

Fulcrum consults his datapad. "No. This should be enough data to put together a detailed report for Commander Cyclonus"

Fleet nods. <bobble-head! bobble-head! ;) > "Very well, then. If there's nothing else, I suppose I should be limping out of here, since at the moment I'd much rather be out there than in here." And he does just that, his considerable injuries fading as he exits the arena.