| = Decepticon X (posted by Soundwave) = |
| *Soundwave appears on screen, the background behind him indicating that he's in the Desert Caves with all the Constructicons' equipment.* |
Desert Caves
Additional Desc:
Decepticon X
Power Transfer Furnace
Obvious exits:
<I> In leads to Dr. Archeville's Lab.
<U> Up leads to Desert Canyon.
Decepticon X:
Megatron transmits to Soundwave: "We haven't much time left, the humans are going to start the rockets soon. Is our little diversion project ready?"
Soundwave transmits to Megatron: "Affirmative, Commander. Buzzsaw and Laserbeak are in place."
Megatron transmits to Soundwave: "Excellent. I will give them the order to start as soon as we are in position. You'll meet us at the base."
Soundwave transmits to Megatron: "On my way, Commander."
<Earth> Megatron says, "Decepticons assemble in the engine room - battle ready. We are about to take off for harvesting a new source of energy. Transmitting coordinates of our target."
Southeastern Subtropics <North America>
Tempest [Robot]
Striker [Robot]
CatsCradle [Robot]
Megatron [Robot]
Rocket Base
City
Obvious exits:
<N> North leads to North Atlantic Coast <North America>.
<NW> Northwest leads to Great Plains <North America>.
<E> East leads to Atlantic Ocean <Western Hemisphere>.
<W> West leads to Southwestern Desert <North America>.
Striker flys in and lands a few feet from Megatron.
Soundwave flies in from the west to catch up with the Decepticons already in the area.
Tempest glances up as Soundwave flies in.
Soundwave notices the metallic glint of the rocket base in the distance. He looks to Megatron questioningly. "Our destination?"
Megatron nods. "Exactly. They received a large amount of highly energetic fuel - for us to harvest.
Striker pulls out his rifle, reading to go wherever Megatron orders, he murmurs to Tempest, "Hopefully I'll shoot better than I did in the target range."
Soundwave nods, and takes up his usual position at Megatron's side.
Megatron says, "Intintate the diversion at Autobot headquarters. I don't need Prime to interrupt."
Soundwave says, "Laserbeak and Buzzsaw are there, report all is proceding. Oddly enough the Autobots' human ally has built a similar construction to our 'Decepticon X' - but with far less skill."
Megatron says, "Decepticons, the fuel avaits us!"
Soundwave says, "A well-placed narrow laser strike should send it haywire to disrupt operations within Autobot base."
Megatron has left.
Megatron enters the Rocket Base.
Soundwave follows.
You enter the Rocket Base.
Rocket Base
Contents:
Megatron
Flesh Creature
CatsCradle arrives from outside.
Striker arrives from outside.
Flesh Creature is standing in the crowd of hundreds of people in front of a podium.
Flesh Creature:
Striker looks around at the base and turns to look for someone towards the entrance, "Hmm..." Striker frowns.
Megatron says, "Decepticons, prepare for energy collection."
On a platform before a crowd of onlookers and flashing cameras, a general in full uniform stands at a microphone. "And we'll be able to see things no one has ever-" he stops in mid-sentence as he catches sight of the approaching robots. "Huh? What's that? Decepticons?! We can't let those evil robots sabotage this launch!" He pulls out a pistol and starts firing at the oncoming 'Cons.
[OOC] CatsCradle says, "a pistol... riiiight..."
Yes, a pistol - a little pea-shooter that your average transformer wouldn't even feel. The human stands atop his platform and fires away.
Megatron lands. "You caught much energy to launch these rockets, general. That energy now belongs to us!
Tempest arrives from outside.
Striker looks behind him again before continuing on with Megatron.
Flesh Creature is nearly trampled over as the crowd begins panicking and running in all directions, with typical human screams hurting your audio receptors.
Tempest laughs nastily at the mayhem!
CatsCradle lands next to Striker and murmurs, "She was taking care of herself long before you met her, Striker. Pay attention to what you're here to do." She moves aside, watching the mob carefully.
Megatron shoots at the podium, actually not really aming at the unimportant creatures, just wanting to cause a bit panic among them.
Soundwave takes no notice of the scattering humans, and instead calmly goes about preparing energon cube containers.
The platform explodes into flame, the general leaping to safety at the last moment as more screams sound from the fleeing humans.
Tempest, on the other hand, thinks nothing of firing random shots into the mob...most of which go high, thanks to her carelessness in aiming...she just wants to raise a little havoc!
Starscream comes in for a landing beside Megatron and regards the base with a faint smirk. Lots of energy here for the taking!
Flesh Creature stands momentarily still, looking up at the Decepticons in awe (never having seen one in person before), but not knowing much about them, decides to seek cover as fast as she can.
CatsCradle goes to help with the energon cubes, stepping carefully through the crowd as to not trip over any of the panicking humans
Tempest seems to have forgotten all about energon cubes...
Soundwave stacks up the empty containment shells in preparation for filling them.
Striker grins and looks to see Tempest having a little fun, "Don't have too much fun..." He too walks over the humans to go help with the cubes.
Megatron says, "Now, before any more such petty annoyances present themselves..."
Starscream seems to catch sight of something. His crimson optics narrow a little, and he motions as though to catch Megatron's attention. He points at something beyond the base's barricades.
Optimus Prime roars onto the scene leading a whole group of Autobots. "Do you consider us petty, Megatron?" Prime demands, and transforms. "Autobots, transform!"
CatsCradle frowns at Tempest. "Temp, that's not really what we're here for..." She sees the Autobots and sighs. "Oh...hell..."
Tempest is just about to rein in her battle lust and help fill cubes when she sees the Autobots...finally, a target she'll be encouraged to fight! Guns blazing, she goes airborne and dives the Autobots!
Tempest transforms into her CF-18 Hornet Jet mode.
Flesh Creature sprints around a stationary service vehicle and hides behind it. It's close enough that she can view the battle without being in immediate danger.
Megatron jerks around, facing the incoming enemy. Darn, the operation inside the Ark failed. "You know what to do! Leave nothing for repairs!!"
[OOC] Megatron says, "Yes, I consider Prime petty."
[OOC] Soundwave does too! :)
Ratchet, Ironhide, Prowl, Brawn, and Windcharger transform, drawing their weapons.
Striker leaps into the air transforming into his jet mode trying not to get himself shot at the same time.
Striker transforms into his F-15 mode.
Tempest's shooting streak continues as her laser blasts strike home on Autobot windshields!
Soundwave too draws his gun and whirls toward the Autobots, quickly evaluating their positions as they space themselves.
Megatron fires at the incoming enemy. These idiotic Autobots! They have to keep them away from the fuel.
Ironhide raises his gun and zeroes in on the rising form of Striker.
CatsCradle pops her wrist lasers from her armor cuffs and sends a strafing fire into the Autobots
Striker soars towards Ironhide barrel rolling with both guns a blazing.
A random shot inadvertently strikes the parked service vehicle Flesh Creature is hiding behind, and it explodes, sending the human flying a short distance with serious burns to most of its body.
Striker finishes up his roll as several of the rounds Striker Ironhide in the chest as he transforms still flying at high speed to tackle the wounded Autobot.
Striker transforms into his Robot mode.
Tempest doesnt' notice much of anything save the targets looming in her sight...she barrlerolls to throw off the Autobot's aims as she dives in again!
Ironhide is struck full force with Striker's blast, and crashes to the ground. Meanwhile, Ratchet and Windcharger try to shoot down Tempest.
Tempest is too caught up in the thrill of the hunt, and, her unplanned shots go wild...
Striker's tackle misses as he hits the ground hard, he hadn't expected on him collapsing.
Tempest is stricken in the wing by Windcharger's shots. She winces and transforms.
Tempest transforms into her Robot mode.
Megatron indeed hit some some enemy. However, he does not like that the fight takes place here. The fuel is too explosive!
Flesh Creature lays motionless on the ground near the burning remains of the service vehicle.
CatsCradle sends a series of shots at Windcharger, providing some cover for Tempest as she recovers from Windcharger's shot
Tempest draws her swords.
Megatron says, "Keep them away from the fuel!"
Striker rises up in hope to kick the Autobot while he's still down but is struck hard in the back by Prowl, who is only a few yards away.
Tempest is already doing her level best to kill them, but Ratchet squirms away in the nick of time....
Megatron aims at Prime, the target with the main priority.
Windcharger is struck in the arm by CatsCradle, losing his grip on his gun. Soundwave takes the opportunity to move behind Ratchet and fire on him from behind, sending the Autobot medic sprawling.
Ratchet gasps, "Took me by surprise..."
Tempest grins at Soundwave, and darts at the fallen Autobot!
Prime is thrown back against the nearest building by Megatron's blast.
Striker scrambles away just in time to avoid another shot from Prowl as he leaps into the air transforming again.
Striker transforms into his F-15 mode.
CatsCradle quickly turns her lasers at Prowl, firing to distract him from Striker
CatsCradle succeeds in her generic roll against CatsCradle!
Brawn retaliates by rushing Soundwave. "You Decepti-creeps like to fly? Well - take off!" He slams full-force into Soundwave with a flying kick, throwing Soundwave against the nearest rocket.
Like a chain of dominoes, the first rocket smashes into the second, which in turn crashes into the third, and they all shatter to the ground in a disaster of spilled fuel and cracked metal hulls. From somewhere in the control center, a fire starts up, racing along the thin trails of rocket fuel to ignite one of the storage tanks. A fireball of heat and black smoke explodes with an audial-shattering blast.
Megatron hasn't much time to celebrate his hit. Something hits him at the shoulder and the loud noise what is accompany it tells him no good.
Tempest's deathblow to Ironhide misses....as Tempest is unbalanced by the force of the blast.
Soundwave struggles back to his feet in the midst of the wreckage, shaking his head slightly to clear the painful ringing in his audial sensors from the blast. He looks around at the destruction and realizes quickly there's not much chance of salvaging anything here.
Striker is seen flying far on the horizon and for a while it looks like he's leaving the battle altogether until he pulls a hard right turn in hopes to hit the Autobots from behind... As he closes in on the battle he arms his guns in beleif he might harm some of his teammates with missles. He takes close aim on two of the Autobots, Ironhide and Prowl and lets loose a barrage of fire.
Tempest seems in her glory, laughing maniacally, now sending more random laser blasts through the Autobots....
Striker zooms right by all rounds missing their targets coming dangerously close to the fuel tanks.
Megatron curses silently, realizing the mess. He rubs his aching shoulder. Autobots! All they can do is destroy his dreams.
The Autobots are now trying to stay out of the way of the burning debris as well as avoid the Decepticons' counterattack. Windcharger tries to hurry a few remaining terrified humans out of the way.
CatsCradle had not been in the thick of the fighting, remaining closer to the storage tanks, prefering to snipe out targets. The explosion knocks her away from her cover, tumbling hard. She manages to pull up her forcefield to protect her from teh falling debris and curls in a ball under it, trying to catch her bearings again
Soundwave moves toward Megatron, intending to recommend that they pull back - but something catches his attention on the ground near a burning vehicle. He pauses...
Striker comes to decide that it'd be better off on the ground where he is more accurate. He transforms midair and lands next to Wincharger hoping to get him off-balance.
Tempest yells, "RUN!" at the Autobots, jumping up on the hulk of a burning grandstand, swords raised in challenge!
Flesh Creature lays motionless with severe burns and shredded clothing, and some debris on top of her.
Windcharger turns and reflexively lashes out at Striker as the Decepticon lands right next to him.
Megatron grumbles. "There is nothing left to take..." He takes off. "Return to Decepticon headquarters!
Striker growls at the Autobot and takes on last swing at him before turning and taking off.
Tempest decides to get a snack before she leaves...she eyes the burning truck, and darts in to slice out its fuel tank before the fire reaches it.
Soundwave regards the mangled flesh creature, all thoughts of the surrounding chaos momentarily forgotten. He looks up, though, at Megatron's order - and then makes a quick decision, reaching down and scooping up the motionless creature, cupping his hands around it, in preparation for following Megatron back.
Tempest, accustomed to pillaging after the destruction, gets clear of the truck before it explodes...moving towards Soundwave, clutching the fuel tank. She glances at Soundwave. "What'cha got there?"
Megatron hasn't seen what Soundwave did, but wonders why the communication specialist took so long to follow his order.
Striker looks worriedly at the empty energon shells wishing the Autobots wouldn't have come. They always mess things up. He heads towards Megatron, turning his head in wonder at what Soundwave has picked up.
Soundwave says, "A ... specimen. Perhaps more."
CatsCradle uncurls as the debris rain slows, her forcefield disappating. She has several small wounds from the explosion, but she climbs to her feet, shaking her head to try to clear it. She catchs sight of Soundwave picking up the human, shakes her head as if trying to adjust her vision, then looks again. She doesn't say anything, but her expression is thoughtful.
Tempest tilts her head, ripping the fuel tank open with her teeth and taking a swallow. "Hey, whatever you like..."
That's all Soundwave seems willing to say, as he rises into the air to join Megatron.
Striker fires a few more rounds at the Autobots but missing every time, "I need some more practice..."
Soundwave says, "Commander. Request permission to return to Constructicon base in the desert. There is something I wish to pursue."
CatsCradle leaps into the air, transforming, her motions slower than usual. She pulls into formation slightly behind Megatron and Soundwave
Tempest transforms into her CF-18 Hornet Jet mode.
CatsCradle transforms into her Jet mode.
Tempest forms up behind Catscradle.
Striker is still on the ground when he notices everyone leavin as he too transforms and flies into the air.
Striker transforms into his F-15 mode.
The rocket base is in flames, the Autobots busying themselves with extinguishing the fire and gathering injured humans as the Decepticons leave.
There's still plenty of rocket fuel here in the one or two remaining undamaged tanks, but right now there's too much chaos to get to it.
Megatron looks at Soundwave, a bit surprised. However, it is not a bad idea to head for it. The wounded will get repairs faster this way. "Change of destination, we will all head for Constructicon base."
Striker takes up position above Tempest and Cats all the while wondering what Soundwave intends on using the human for.
Megatron has left.
Striker has left.
CatsCradle has left.
Desert Caves
Tempest [CF-18 Hornet Jet]
Striker [F-15]
CatsCradle [Jet]
Megatron [Robot]
Decepticon X
Power Transfer Furnace
Obvious exits:
<I> In leads to Dr. Archeville's Lab.
<U> Up leads to Desert Canyon.
Striker transforms into his Robot mode.
CatsCradle transforms into her Robot mode.
Tempest transforms into her Robot mode.
Soundwave's optic band flickers slightly, as he had not expeted Megatron to lead everyone else here - but, they're here now and he'll have to work around them. He disappears off into a corner, while the Constructicons come forward to inspect the battle damage.
Striker looks over at the new Decepticon body.
Hook looks the group over and remarks, "Let me guess. It didn't go well?"
Striker sits down against the cave wall with little more damage than a few cuts here and there.
Tempest seems to have had fun, curling up on a rock and drinking out of a battered automotive fuel tank with great relish.
CatsCradle avoids the Constructicons, despite her wounds, watching them warily. She moves over to Soundwave. "Do you need any help?" she asks softly, looking at the human with curiousity and concern.
Soundwave lays the motionless human down on a repair table and brings up an overhead light as though to look at it more closely.
Megatron says, "No - these annoying Autobot pests had to approach."
Soundwave glances aside at CatsCradle. "Negative. Allow the Constructicons to repair you. They are trustworthy. You cannot always wait for my services, CatsCradle."
Striker looks over at Tempest drinking from the fuel tank, "So that's what you were doing by that burning truck."
Tempest lowers the tank and grins at Striker.
Megatron rubs his shoulder, no major damage - just annoying. "I wonder what Prime does to have such luck..."
Flesh Creature is a total mess, unconscious, and breathing irregularly.
CatsCradle crosses her arms over her chest. "I was not waiting for you," she says tightly. She jerks her head at the human. "I wanted to help with her. I don't quite see the humans the way some of the others do."
Soundwave's optic band brightens a little as he makes a telepathic scan of the damaged human. What's he checking for? Extent of injury? Or something more?
Tempest says, "What's the point in a little mayhem if you can't get a little plunder out of it?" She holds out the tank. "I'd offer you some, but I find most of your kind find the stuff thick and hard on the fuel lines..."
Soundwave's optic band fades back to its usual shade. "You are familiar with maintenance of these creatures, then?"
Striker looks over at Tempest and says sarcastically, "My kind?"
Tempest shrugs. "You know. Cybertronians. The Civilized." She drinks again.
Megatron glances at Soundwave, not exactly seeing what he's doing. What is he working on? Why is he acting so strangly? He walks over to the friend. "May I ask what project you are working on, Soundwave?
CatsCradle shakes her head. "No. Not with medical stuff. I'm just..." She shrugs. "Curious. You can't spend as much time learning about a world, as Diver and I do this one, without being curious about its inhabitants." She looks from the human to Soundwave. "She's not doing very well."
Striker shrugs and blinks, "None of us are civilized otherwise we wouldn't be in this slaggin war."
Tempest snorts. "You're a slot of a lot more civilized than where I'm from." She holds out the tank, a sort of challenge. "If you want to try some, go right ahead."
[OOC] Tempest says, "It would be, to you, much like blood pudding would be to the average human."
Striker waves his hand, "No, you go right ahead... Wouldn't want to you to have any less."
Soundwave replies to Megatron, "There is perhaps an opportunity here to test out the extent of Decepticon X's capabilities. I would not wish to use one of our own kind as a test subject first. This flesh-creature is badly injured. I can attempt to transfer its mind to the Decepticon body to see how she fares. If such is a success, then a Decepticon transfer should present no problem.
Tempest smirks a bit and returns to her treat...then glances over at Soundwave and Megatron.
Striker turns his attention to Soundwave after hearing what he's said, "Yea, and what if that fleshling decides to use your Decepticon X against us?"
Megatron says, "Why have you taken that damaged one? It is a wonder it reached the base."
Soundwave levels Striker with a calm gaze. "I have good reason to believe that will not occur."
Tempest laughs. "BEcause all the intact ones were running away!"
Tempest slinks a little closer, peering at the flesh creature. "It's broken. won't be much fun."
Bonecrusher comes over to join the group. "Wait a minute, did I hear what I think I heard? Use our construct for the mind of some Earth-germ?"
CatsCradle's optics widen. "Can an organic mind be downloaded like that? Or is it some other process?" She looks to the human again, her expression still concerned.
Striker looks up at Bonecrusher, "What, and risk using one of us?"
Soundwave says, "I chose this one for a reason. I think it will be successful."
Bonecrusher grumbles, but is cut short by Mixmaster who likewise joins the group. He seems much more enthused about such a wild project. "By all means, let's test it!" he proclaims, and then seems to remember his place, looking to Megatron for his decision.
Megatron takes a closer look at the human being. "Hmmm..." He rubs his chin - deja vu? "Proceed with the operation, transfer its mind to Decepticon X."
Soundwave watches the injured human carefully. Externally he is as always, imperturbable - but there's a certain intensity about him at the moment, as though here is a project that has truly caught his attention.
Tempest shrugs. "You science types..." She doesnt' seem to care one way or the other, but is mildly curious about what's going on.
Mixmaster rubs his hands together in anticipation and goes off to prepare Decepticon X.
Striker says, "So, what difference does it make whether this whole project works or not?"
CatsCradle reachs out as if to touch the human, then stops and pulls her hand back. "I think she's dying anyway."
Soundwave says, "Striker, it will tell us a number of things. First, if Decepticon X is functional for our use. Second ... I shall be able to tell you more in time."
Tempest shrugs to Striker. "Either way it'll be entertaining ... something different."
Striker shrugs from his laying place on the floor, "I'd just as soon kill the fleshlings."
Soundwave swings down the life-support equipment from over the repair table - machinery that's designed for use on Transformers, of course. He selects several wires, and makes a minor modification to their ends. "I am operating on the assumption that organic minds are analogs of ours in their transmission of impulses. My limited telepathic contact with them has indicated this is so. If those weak impulses can be captured and transfered intact, then the stronger impulses of a Cybertronian mind will have no problems with the transfer.
Megatron says, "Stop talking and start the process."
Tempest says, "It's Soundwave's prize, he can do as he pleases with it."
Mixmaster walks Decepticon X over to the repair table, directing its motions via remote control. Bonecrusher, despite his grumblings, accompanies him.
CatsCradle looks at Striker. For a brief instant, her expression is cold and angry, then she turns away from him and back to watching the human. She moves slightly out of Soundwave's way, but not by very far.
Decepticon X arranges itself on the neighboring flat surface, a workbench, and lies down. Bonecrusher takes the precaution of disabling the laser cannon function in the left arm.
Megatron gestrures Hook to have a closer look at his shoulde, while watching what is going on.
Striker notices Cats' glance. "What'd I say?"
CatsCradle does not look at Striker. "Nothing I shouldn't have expected," she says. She leans tiredly against the wall of the cave, then slides to sit on the floor.
Soundwave extends a micro-laser beam from the tip of one finger and scorches off the hair in two spots on the human's head, so precisely that none of the skin is even reddened. He attaches the electrode-like wires to the surface, and holds them in place with a band of metal, for a makeshift helmet.
Striker shrugs and turns his attention back to the new Decepticon.
Soundwave even as he works over the damged human, remarks, "Do not cultivate too much sympathy for these creatures, CatsCradle. They have as a species sided with our enemies.
Tempest blinks at Decepticon X. "A body...without a mind?"
Hook begins work on Megatron's damaged shoulder, as best he can with the Decepticon leader still watching the procedings.
Mixmaster grins and surreptitiusly touches a control button, prompting Decepticon X to raise a hand and wave to Tempest, even while keeping its blank stare fixed on the ceiling.
Tempest starts a bit, looking around suspiciously. "How'd it do that?"
Striker grins and turns to see Tempest's expression.
Soundwave opens a panel in Decepticon X's helmet and connects up the wiring.
Mixmaster quickly hides his control pad and snickers.
CatsCradle shrugs, then winces a little. "Is is not wise to learn as much about our enemies as possible?"
Megatron says, "Ouch! Hook, concentrate on your work. You should repair me not make the damage worse!"
Hook says, "It would help greatly, Megatron, if you were to hold still for the briefest of moments. My skills are exceptional, but not unlimited."
Megatron snarls: "Well, well, I'll sit down...
CatsCradle glances over at Megatron with a slight smile, amused to see that he makes almost as bad a patient as she herself does.
Soundwave's optic band brightens faintly in a trace of a "smile." "This one will perhaps assist in just that, CatsCradle." All preparations are in place. He throws the switch, which should if all goes well, transfer the human's consciousness into the robotic body.
Tempest watches the human, then the robot body, intently. She takes down a sword from her wing and holds it in front of her, tip on the floor, not an obvious threat but rather a gesture of strength to greet the newcomer.
CatsCradle draws her knees up to her chest and rests her chin on them. "Having one of them available to teach us more about this world would be a valuable asset."
Flesh Creature's body contorts as electrical current surges through her nervous system.
Hook seems satisfied, and not at all put off by Megatron's impatience. He makes good on his boast too, expertly removing and replacing a few small components of the shoulder joint, and welding the damage.
Divefire has arrived.
Divefire walks into the area.
Striker stand up and stretches before sitting down on the steps to the lab to get a better view.
Soundwave watches intently, and replies to CatsCradle without looking at her, "Now you have some concept of what I have in mind."
Flesh Creature's eyes open wide for a moment, then close. Her breathing stops, and her body falls limp.
CatsCradle smiles slightly. "Oh, yes." Then, as the human stops breathing, she quickly looks up at Soundwave.
Soundwave's optic band darkens a little in concern.
Tempest says, "That organic critter don't look so good..."
Divefire walks into the caves and observes silently from the back, for now.
Megatron says, "Can't you go faster, Hook?"
Tempest snorts. "YOu didn't cook it, did ya, Soundwave?"
Striker from behind he shakes his head in agreement.
Decepticon X's crimson optic band brightens slowly.
Hook says, "I can do it accurately, or I can do it fast. Fortunately, I've done both this time." He fits the exterior armor back in place, and steps back, seeming pleased. "How does it feel?"
Striker says, "Maybe it worked afterall."
Soundwave says, "It was ... cooked, as you say, before I picked it up. But life-signs are fading." He looks hopefully at the motionless robot body.
Megatron answers shortly: "As it should." He stand up, walking over to the others who are standing around Decepticon X.
Tempest snorts. "Electifying it probably didnt' help..." but she still looks curiously towards Decepticon X.
As the optics brighten, Soundwave's eyeband brightens as well, as he telepathically probes the mind to find out what's there. He procedes carefully, not knowing what he will find.
CatsCradle climbs to her feet. Her armor is peppered from the effects of an explosion, and she limps slightly. "The humans can keep themselves alive with artificial support, supplying oxygen. We might be able to keep her alive longer that way, in order to complete the transfer."
Decepticon X's fingers twitch. "Wwwwwwww ... wwwwwwhat happened?"
Striker replies to Decepticon X, "You've just been drafted into the Decepticon army pal."
Tempest hops up on a crate and crouches there, blade in hands, a yellow gargoyle. Her optics spark with interest. This is something she's never seen before.
Decepticon X notices something is unusual about her voice. She feels...strange.
Megatron makes his way over to Decepticon X. "I see the mind transfere was a success. Welcome to the Decepticons."
Tempest's blade tip traces figure eights in the dust. "Did it ever occur to anyone that it might not like being a Decepticon?"
Soundwave likewise addresses the body and says, "Greetings. You have been preserved from death in a new form."
Tempest grins at Soundwave. "Well, when you put it that way..."
Soundwave gives Tempest a cryptic look. "I have reason to believe she will like it very well."
Decepticon X has a look of shock and mixed feelings on her face. She tries to sit up, but is not used to these ... huge new arms.
Striker stands and walks over nearer the table with his eyes on Tempest. "You like those blades don't ya?"
Tempest rolls her optics skyward. "Right, Mr. telepath..." she winks at Soundwave, to show she's not afraid of him as she once was. "...and his mysteries."
CatsCradle looks to Tempest. "If she's of the right mind-set, she might be grateful to us for saving her life." She tilts her head curiously. "Depends if she likes such a body."
Soundwave says, "This is the body that was currently available. Perhaps it can be modified, in time."
Divefire watches all the goings on with cool, calm optics. "Hrm... Frankenstines Monster..." He coments as he steps over to Cats side.
Tempest glances back at Striker, her expression flat. "Wy shouldn't I." And back to Cats. "Yeah, I suppose you can't argue with a new lease on life...though I hope it's not more fools we for doing so."
Megatron places his hand calmingly on X' shoulder. "No need to rush," he says quietly.
Soundwave for the first time addresses Decepticon X by name. "Nicole, there is much to explain to you. Much you can tell us about this world." How does he know her name? Well, he did scan her....
CatsCradle glances up at Diver. A soot mark smudge is across her forehead. She grins at him. "I read that one, too."
Decepticon X manages to reach a sitting posture. She holds her left hand in front of her optic band, finding it hard to believe that it belongs to her. She turns her head to face Megatron, then Soundwave.
Megatron glances over to Soundwave. "Nicole? What does that mean - Nicole?" These human names with no obvious meaning he will never understand.
Divefire's optics glow a little as he notes the damage on Cats frame and the soot on her forheard. "Indeed." He retorts with a mild look of concern on his fetures.
Striker grins at Tempest, "Oh, no reason. I just noticed how you always carry them around. You do look good with them."
Soundwave says, "That is the human's name, Commander. The designation to which she responds. However, it may no longer be appropriate to her new form."
Decepticon X says, "I ...", then pauses. Is this her voice now? "How do you know me? How did you do this?"
Tempest says lightly, "I never know when I may need to kill something."
Striker nods, that's reason enough.
Soundwave indicates the lifeless body on the neighboring repair table. "You were damaged beyond our knowledge to repair you."
Soundwave doesn't answer the other question, though. Odd.
Decepticon X swings her legs off the side of the repair table, with some effort, and tries to stand up. Her center of gravity is way off of where she's used to it.
CatsCradle catchs Diver's expression of concern and the reason behind it. She flicks her fingers in dismissal. "It's not bad," she murmurs, then turns her attention back to Decepticon X.
[OOC: Megatron pages Soundwave and Decepticon X: Nicole: female of Nicholas, for Greek: Nike (=victory) and laos (people, warrior people). Not too bad for a Decepticon. ;] ]
Tempest stays perched on the crate, watching Decepticon X silently through glowing ruby optics. When the newcomer staggers, Tempest's hands clench on the crate and her optics spark. She doesnt' move,but has a sort of tension in her frame...that of a predator restrained by some invisible chain.
Divefire nods slightly then looks back to X, wondering who got drunk before cooking this idea up.
Megatron watches the "new born" Transformers first attempts to walk.
Soundwave says, "CatsCradle, perhaps you can assist Nic- Decepticon X. After you have received basic repairs yourself."
Decepticon X lumbers closer to the human body she occupied only moments before, and hesitantly reaches out to touch it with a finger. "I'm ... dead?" She looks horrified.
Striker looks back at X, "Ok, so now that you've got it a mind, what do we do with it now?"
Tempest laughs at that. "You're still talkin', aren't you?" are her first words to Con X.
Soundwave says, "Negative. You live. But your former body is no longer functional."
Megatron looks over to the remains of Nicole. "In fact, it is scrap."
CatsCradle says, "I'm fine." She moves to Decepticon X's side. "You are not dead," she says gently. "You're just in another body.""
Soundwave counters to Cats, "You are not fine, and will be of no use to us in battle in your current state. If you are to assist your new ... friend, you must be in condition to do so."
Decepticon X backs up slowly, shaking her head from side to side, as things start to sink in and she realizes this isn't just some bizarre dream. "No!!!"
Tempest's optics gleam. "You would be, if we'd have left you." Optics flash, threatening red. "You should remember that."
Megatron says, "Be glad you got rid of this inferior body!"
Divefire steps back from the whole scene, distancing himself a little from the others as he shakes his head slightly. Allready he's getting the feeling that this was a bad idea.
Decepticon X bumps into the table she'd climbed off of, knocking it over with a loud klang. She looks around the chamber quickly, and among the unfamiliar faces she finds an exit.
Tempest quips softly, "Can you say "panic?""
Striker's optics focus on Tempest, "You can calm down, I'm not sure it would know how to use our weapons if it tried."
Soundwave extends a hand. "Remain calm. You are in no danger."
Decepticon X says, "No...." she turns and runs towards the exit (though awkwardly) and shoves some Constructicons aside that are in her way.
Decepticon X enters Desert Canyon <<U> Up>. Decepticon X has left.
Tempest says softly to Striker, in a harsh voice that Decepticon X should not be able to hear, nor anyone else save Striker: "I can smell its fear...its weakness..."
CatsCradle blinks, not at Soundwave's reprimand, but at the "friend" concept. Then, as Decepticon X panics, she steps forward, but not in time
Striker nods, "Yea, and now it's gone. Who here feels like chasing after it?"
Tempest's head snaps to the others, as she raises both swords points up, "Permission to pursue!" Looking like a lion about ready to pounce on prey.
Megatron curses. "Darn, Soundwave, she escapes! After her!"
Soundwave moves instinctively to follow.
CatsCradle tosses her hands in the air. "She's scared and fleeing, not attacking."
Striker enters Desert Canyon <<U> Up>. Striker has left.
Tempest seems attracted by the fleeing motion, bringing out her feral side.
CatsCradle enters Desert Canyon <<U> Up>.
CatsCradle has left.
Tempest enters Desert Canyon <<U> Up>.
Tempest has left.
You enter Desert Canyon.
Desert Canyon
Tempest [Robot]
Obvious exits:
<D> Down leads to Desert Caves.
<E> East leads to Desert Road.
Striker arrives from Desert Road.
Divefire arrives from Desert Caves.
Megatron enters Desert Road <<E> East>.
Megatron has left.
Striker enters Desert Road <<E> East>.
Striker has left.
You enter Desert Road.
Desert Road
Striker [Robot]
Megatron [Robot]
CatsCradle [Robot]
Decepticon X [Robot]
Obvious exits:
<W> West leads to Desert Canyon.
<E> East leads to Dry Riverbed.
<N> North leads to Desert Power Station.
Tempest arrives from Desert Canyon.
Decepticon X has tripped over her own legs. The sight of her blocking the road has caused a small pileup of cars.
<Earth> CatsCradle says, "Found her"
<Earth> Megatron says, "Catch, but don't harm her!"
Soundwave catches sight of the traffic snarl below, and flies toward it.
CatsCradle flies in over Decepticon X and lands lightly next to her. She moves closer, gently shoving cars out of the way. "Easy, now. We're not trying to hurt you," she says soothingly.
Humans step out of the wrecked cars and yell at X. "Get off the road, you metal freak!" They begin throwing rocks at it.
Tempest hears Megatron's comand but only partly understands...instead, she vents her hunting fury on the other humans attacking!
Divefire arrives from Desert Canyon.
Decepticon X stands up and takes a few steps towards the humans, and they quickly turn and run for their lives.
Tempest is glad that these other humans are giving her a suitable outlet for her anger, as she strafes their ruined vehicles, managing to stay clear of Decepticon X and focus on this new target.
Striker flies above the humans, "Back off humans." He lands, crashing down onto several of the small vehicals.
Soundwave lands nearby as well, and brings out his plasma cannon. Calmly he fires off a series of superheated blasts that catch some of those humans and incenerate them instantly. Clearly, he has no qualms about retaliating against those who attack the group, even if they're insignificant annoyances.
Decepticon X . o O (stupid humans! ... er, wait.)
CatsCradle catchs Decepticon X's arm, sighing softly at the minor chaos. "It's all right," she says again, still with soothing tones.
Megatron says, "Striker, help Tempest to take care that these minor beings don't interfere with our business."
Tempest laughs in feral glee as some of her shots set a tiny hatchback ablaze to explode!
Striker nods to Megatron's command and he too begins attacking the panicked humans.
CatsCradle sighs again, and calls out, "They're panicking, they're running, they really don't have any weapons... is all that really necessary?"
Striker notices the explosion and Tempest's laugh, "Hehe, this is more fun than shooting Autobots. Well... Almost."
Tempest pauses for just a moment and leers at Catscradle. "The hunt is on..."
Decepticon X looks down at CatsCradle, then at the mess in the road that resulted from her escape attempt, and holds her head with both hands. "It's hard to concentrate...what am I doing here?!"
Divefire watches from the air above but makes no moves to dive down and assist the others, truth be told he's still trying to work out the nuences of what's going on.
Striker grabs a flaming car and tosses it in the middle of the running humans.
Soundwave has dismissed the human presence already, and turns back to Decepticon X. "Return with us to base, and all will become clear. You are not of this species any longer, Nicole. It is something you will have to realize."
Megatron lands.
CatsCradle takes Decepticon X's hands in hers. "Then don't try to think. Not right now. Just one step at a time."
Tempest gives up as the last few humans run too far away from the Decepticon group...smiling with satisfaction, trailing her swords, she begins gutting the fallen vehicles for more "snacks."
Megatron says, "Soundwave is right, you are no longer one of these minor beings."
Decepticon X looks down at CatsCradle, then back up at Megatron. "This can't be happening...just leave me alone!" She breaks loose of CatsCradle's hold and runs, again awkwardly, towards the city to the north.
CatsCradle says mildly, "I'm sure they didn't seem like minor beings to her a few hours ago."
Decepticon X enters Desert Power Station <<N> North>.
Decepticon X has left.
CatsCradle murmurs, "Oh, dear."
Soundwave's optics flicker darker as Decepticon X runs off again.
Megatron glares at Soundwave. "We'll talk about this later..."
Tempest says coolly, "A survivor will adjust quickly."
Divefire mutters to himself in the air. "I suspect letting her reach the city would be bad."
Soundwave inclines his head to Megatron, having expected nothing less.
Megatron says, "After her! Before the Autobots get their hands on her!!"
Megatron enters Desert Power Station <<N> North>.
Megatron has left.
You enter Desert Power Station.
Desert Power Station
Megatron [Robot]
Obvious exits:
<E> East leads to Rocket Fuel Base.
<S> South leads to Desert Road.
<W> West leads to Southwestern Desert <North America>.
Tempest arrives from Desert Road.
Striker arrives from Desert Road.
CatsCradle arrives from Desert Road.
Divefire arrives from Desert Road.
Striker transforms into his F-15 mode.
Megatron enters Southwestern Desert <North America> <<W> West>.
Megatron has left.
You enter Southwestern Desert <North America>.
Southwestern Desert <North America>
Megatron [Robot]
Desert Base
Obvious exits:
<N> North leads to Mountain Roads.
<S> South leads to Central America.
<E> East leads to Southeastern Subtropics <North America>.
<W> West leads to Pacific Ocean <Western Hemisphere>.
<NE> Northeast leads to Rocky Mountains <North America>.
<NW> Northwest leads to River.
<PS> Power Station leads to Desert Power Station.
Tempest arrives from Desert Power Station.
Striker arrives from Desert Power Station.
CatsCradle arrives from Desert Power Station.
Divefire arrives from Desert Power Station.
Megatron enters Southeastern Subtropics <North America> <<E> East>.
Megatron has left.
You enter Southeastern Subtropics <North America>.
Southeastern Subtropics <North America>
Megatron [Robot]
Rocket Base
City
Obvious exits:
<N> North leads to North Atlantic Coast <North America>.
<NW> Northwest leads to Great Plains <North America>.
<E> East leads to Atlantic Ocean <Western Hemisphere>.
<W> West leads to Southwestern Desert <North America>.
Tempest arrives from Southwestern Desert <North America>.
Striker arrives from Southwestern Desert <North America>.
CatsCradle arrives from Southwestern Desert <North America>.
Divefire arrives from Southwestern Desert <North America>.
Striker radios, "Slag, where is she?"
Megatron says, "Soundwave, do you get her signal?"
Tempest glances around, optics searching for Decepticon X.
Soundwave says, "Scanning now. She is too far away to detect life signs, but- " he stops and slows a bit in the air as some distant sound reaches him. "I detect an increase in discordant noise from the city below. My inclination is to follow the sound.""
Megatron says, "Then let's do it!"
CatsCradle says, "She's more danger, simply because she doesn't know how to control her body. It'll attract the Autobots pretty quickly"
Divefire pulls a little closer to the group. "If she panicing it might be better to let those of us with more... suttle alt modes go down first..."
Striker flies into the city, ready for some more action, although he sometimes wishes it would quiet down for awhile.
Tempest has left.
CatsCradle has left.
Striker has left.
City
Contents:
Striker
CatsCradle
Tempest
Decepticon X
Megatron has arrived.
Divefire has arrived.
Soundwave follows the sound of screeching brakes and car horns.
Megatron follows Soundwave. "Find her!"
Tempest homes in on the noise....before we start causing noise of our own.
Decepticon X is standing in an intersection, surrounded by tall buildings, causing a traffic jam. She sees humans all around her, some throwing objects at her, others running away.
CatsCradle says to Diver, "Actually, you are the one with the subtle earth altmode, for cities, anyway."
Striker comes flying into the city weaving in and out between the numerous buildings.
Divefire mutters back to Cats over the sound of his engines, chargin in his voice. "I know..."
It doesn't take long to zero in on the sound of the traffic chaos and see Decepticon X in the middle of the road.
Striker transforms into his Robot mode.
CatsCradle says, "Won't matter. We've already attracted the attention of everyone within miles, and probably every Autobot within a hundred."
Decepticon X becomes enraged at one human who's honking his car horn at her. She steps on the hood of the car, crunching the front end flat, then walks off to a park in the center of the city.
Divefire bobs slightly to Cats words, then wordlessly piles on the speed and pulls up, banking up high over the city to get a good view and a decent scanning range.
Tempest grins a bit as Decepticon X stomps the hood of the car. "Hey, she's learning..."
Several familiar vehicles bearing Autobot symbols come screeching out of a side alley, right on cue. Led by Prowl, they include the group from the rocket base: Windcharger, Brawn, Ratchet, and Ironhide - with Prime coming in last, having to scrape narrowly through the alley to come out onto the road. They transform and draw weapons, taking care not to step on members of the panicked crowd.
Striker transforms into his robot mode, deciding that it's run away enough times. "Yea, let's make sure she doesn't run away again."
Decepticon X lumbers into the park, and sits down by a pond that she used to visit as a human. One of the few constants in her life.
CatsCradle grumbles, "Great. We've got humans on one side, Autobots on the other, and trying to talk down a hybrid human-Decepticon all at the same time."
Tempest says, "Goody, here come the Enforcers..." using the old Spaceways terms. What else to call annoying individuals who stick their noses in unbidden where they don't belong, and try to impose thier order?
Megatron lands in the park, close to Decepticon X. "Nicole?"
Prime shouts to Megatron, "Back so soon, and still terrorizing the population of this world?"
Decepticon X looks up at Megatron, apparently confused about ... well, just about everything.
Prowl meanwhile has noticed the new Decepticon stalking off through the chaos, and calls Prime's attention to it.
Striker notices the Autobots, "Oh great, more of the Autojerks." He runs arounds behind a building out of site of all of the Autobots, waiting for a good opporitunity to striker.
Tempest growls, "We were minding our own business before you came along," at the Autobots. "We can clean up our own mess...now leave us be!"
Soundwave ignores the Autobots, and follows Decepticon X as well, though he again draws his weapon, knowing the Autobots will have to be held off.
Megatron hisses quietly. "Him again..." He turns around to face his arch enemy. "Stay behind, Prime. This is none of your business.
Prime replies, "I don't think so. What's wrong with your new team-mate? Training him to be just as much of a monster as you are?"
Soundwave lands in the park, taking up a position between Decepticon X and the Autobots.
CatsCradle lands in the park, not very far away from Megatron and Decepticon X.
Divefire banks over as the familure sound of an Autobot ping goes off on his sensor sweet. High above the city his flight form choses a target and starts deep attack run.
Megatron laughs: "Monster? I am no monster. And neither is she.
Tempest takes position beside Soundwave.
Decepticon X stands up, facing Optimus Prime, and balls her fists, but makes no movements beyond that yet.
The other Autobots come up alongside Prime. Prowl and Ratchet seem to take particular interest in Decepticon X, and crane their necks to see past the assembled Decepticons.
Striker motions for Tempest and Soundwave to get ready as he eyes Ironhide from the security of his cover, it's time to teach him a lesson. He aims his armlasers at the back of the red Autobot and lets loose a series of laser blasts from his right arm laser.
Windcharger mutters to Brawn, "They took three of our Dinobots. What if we take their new recruit?"
Megatron turns to Nicole. "If this 'noble' Autobot had not interfered, your old body would still be alive.
<Earth> Divefire says, "Mind if I drop in?"
Striker yells as his shots slam into Ironhide's back. "Doesn't feel so good does it Autobot?"
Ironhide lets out an indignant cry of pain as a laser blast catches him in the back, and he falls, smoking, to the ground. Hurriedly, he reaches for his own weapon, but Prowl is already on the alert and spins around to return fire. Any momentarily peaceful standoff is broken now.
CatsCradle chuckles softly at Diver's words, her optics suddenly glowing brightly.
Decepticon X says, "Megatron, I ... " she hesitates for a moment. "...I think I understand now."
Decepticon X takes a few steps towards Optimus Prime.
Prime has his weapon ready as well, but pauses in shock. "Old body?" he repeats incredulously. "Megatron, you didn't-?" He turns toward Decepticon X. "What have these creatures done to you?"
CatsCradle says in her gentle voice, "More like what did you creatures do to her first." Her optics blaze angrily in contrast to her soft tone.
Divefire drops out of the sky like a bulliet, his under slung rifles and nose lasers blasting away at the nicly line up Autobots. Of course his aim isn't overly fantastic but when your opponents are just sitting there...
Megatron narrows his optics. "We saved her life, Prime."
Decepticon X says, "It's no concern of yours, Optimus..." she then swings a fist at the Autobot Leader.
Striker turns and takes cover behind the building, hoping Soundwave and Tempest saw Prowl as he readies himself to twist and fire a few more shots. The battle is happening quite a distance from Prime and Megatron so their conversation goes on uninteruppted.
The other Autobots hurriedly take what cover they can in the park behind trees and bushes and returning fire at Striker.
Tempest grins as the new Con throws a punch at Prime! And is then into the fray, keeping the other Bots back from Megatron, Prime and Autobot X, firing her lasers.
Optimus begins to say to Decepticon X, "Come with us, we can help-" but is unceremoniously cut off by the punch to the jaw that sends him staggering backward from the unexpected impact.
Megatron grins at X's action. "Decepticons, leave nothing but debris!"
Striker twists his body around the building only to be sprayed with fire from the Autobots and the now up and moving Ironhide.
Soundwave's optics flicker bright in a "smile." He knew it all along. He levels his own weapon in a follow-up attack, rising into the air to seek out the other 'Bots while Megatron deals with Prime.
Divefire screaches low over the park, bending back trees the concusion wave from his speeding frame, again he pulls up and starts to bank around for another strafing run.
Decepticon X smirks to herself, admiring her left fist for a moment, then turns around and walks back to Megatron. "I apologize, Megatron, I was confused before. I am grateful for what you've given me."
Tempest grins as her lasers hammer into Windcharger...she's learned to shoot after all, it seems!
Megatron misses the form of an Autobot who manages to take cover. Instead, some stone statue explodes under his blast.
[OOC] Striker says, "Oh great, there goes the Statue of Liberty. Nice one Megs."
Megatron says, "I said it is an improvement, Nicole."
Windcharger is thrown completely off his feet by Tempest's blast. Prime re-evaluates the situation, his blue optics sparking in anger for a moment, as he concedes, "Autobots, pull back! Our presence here only endangers more of this planet's natives."
Prowl is nailed by Striker's blast, as Prime's command to withdraw comes just a bit too late.
Megatron says, "Yes, Prime, run! Run as fast as you can!"
CatsCradle fires her wrist lasers at Ironhide, providing cover for Striker.
Tempest laughs, and looks around for another target....but the Autobots are leaving, and she glances back. Can she really "leave nothing but debris? Do they give chase?" She hesitates, gripping her swords.
Optimus Prime pauses to glare at his enemy. "This isn't over, Megatron. You've gone too far, and you'll pay for it one day."
Megatron fires after Prime, but misses. "We will see who has to pay for what!"
Optimus Prime transforms, avoiding Megatron's blast with a screech of his tires. The others, too, transform and race away after Prime.
Striker turns around the building again, but this time he's ready with his arm lasers and lets loose a barrage that hit's Prowl dead on. Hoping to run around back to the other Decepticons with the help of Cats' cover fire, he runs around the building and gets minor damage to his arm as the Autobots fire while running.
Soundwave lands again, putting away his weapon and looking after the retreating Autobots.
Soundwave walks over to Decepticon X. "You do understand, I can see. I am pleased."
Tempest decides that despite Megatron's order, no one else is chasing, so with a bit of a grumble she sheathes her blades and joins the other Decepticons.
Divefire changes his trejectory to give the vechiles a chasing strafing run. A few of the more eger ones try and return fire from their vechile forms but by that time, the only thing that remins of Divefire's presence is his vapor trail.
Striker holds his arm as he walks over closer to Tempest, Soundwave and the others.
CatsCradle's wrist lasers slip back into her armor cuffs with a faint hiss. She glances up at Diver, reassuring herself, then moves over to the others.
Decepticon X looks into Soundwave's optics. "Can we get out of here? I have so many questions...but I don't know where to start."
Tempest eyes Decepticon X as if to say "you better be worth the trouble you cause" but keeps her own mouth shut.
Megatron looks at Nicole. "Well, how about flying home?"
Soundwave chuckles. "You would not believe the answers, I suspect. But I will make the attempt."
Decepticon X looks somewhat surprised. "Fly?"
Megatron nods.
CatsCradle smiles. "Oh, yes. You will like flying."
Decepticon X says, "It's...a childhood dream. But how?"
Megatron says, "Soundwave, show her how."
Megatron says, "Tempest, Striker, Divefire, you fly over to the rocket base. They still owe us some energy."
Tempest says, "Scavenging?" A big grin. "You got it!"
Soundwave says, "Your flight engines are a voluntary function, much like the movement of your limbs." He thinks about it for a moment, never having had to explain to someone how to fly before. "It is as though you are willing yourself to leap into the sky, and then you continue from there."
Striker nods, "Yea, as long as the Autobots don't show up again."
Tempest says, "Why should they? The place is burned out as far as they're concerned."
Divefire blasts over the heads of the other the Decepticons, his mutters lost in the sounds of his engies as they power up to full and he goes past mach one in a blink of an eye, shattering a few office block windows in the process.
Divefire has left.
Tempest leads Striker out.
Tempest has left.
Striker has left.
Decepticon X rubs her forehead, then relaxes her arms and concentrates.
Decepticon X slowly levitates a few feet off the ground, then falls back down.
CatsCradle offers, "Try not to think too hard about it. It's almost instinctive."
Decepticon X waves her arms around, trying to regain her balance.
Soundwave reaches out and catches X's elbow to steady her.
Decepticon X rises up again, higher and higher, until she's cleared the canopy of the trees in the park.
Megatron chuckles. "I think she got it." Takes off and follows Decepticon X.
Soundwave flies up alongside.
Decepticon X says, "This is all so overwhelming..."
Megatron nods. "Let's fly back to the base. There you are safe.
Decepticon X has left.
Megatron has left.
You enter Desert Caves.
Desert Caves
Megatron [Robot]
Power Transfer Furnace
Obvious exits:
<I> In leads to Dr. Archeville's Lab.
<U> Up leads to Desert Canyon.
Decepticon X arrives from Desert Canyon.
CatsCradle arrives from Desert Canyon.
Decepticon X finds a bench to sit down on.
Soundwave nods a greeting to the Constructicons as they return, then asks Megatron, "Shall I radio the others and have them bring their finds to this location?"
Megatron says, "CatsCradle, please take care that Nicole has everything she needs."
Megatron says, "Yes, Soundwave, but after that I have to talk with you - face to face."
Decepticon X says, "Thank you, Megatron."
Megatron says, "You are welcome."
CatsCradle murmurs, "Of course," then looks rather helplessly at Decepticon X, not really sure what to begin to offer. She finally sits down on the cave floor in front of her. "What do you want to be called?" she asks. "Do you wish to continue to be called Nicole?"
Megatron heads for what was once Dr. Archeville's lab, expecting Soundwave to follow.
Decepticon X says, "I don't think so. But I can't think of anything appropriate right now."
Megatron enters Dr. Archeville's Lab <<I> In>.
Megatron has left.
<Earth> Soundwave says, "To those Decepticons currently on the fuel-gathering mission, return your finds to the Constructicons' desert base."
<Earth> Tempest says, "Wilco."
Soundwave says to Decepticon X, "I will return shortly," and turns to follow Megatron.
CatsCradle nods. "A name is important." She looks helpless. "But I can't just call you Decepticon X."
You enter Dr. Archeville's Lab.
Dr. Archeville's Lab
Megatron [Robot]
Obvious exits:
<O> Out leads to Desert Caves.
Soundwave follows, entering the Transformer-sized chamber that once belonged to a human.
Megatron leans his back against a wall, his arms folded in front of his chest. "Well, I hear..."
Soundwave comes to a stop before Megatron and assumes a somewhat at-attention posture. "Commander. You have by now discerned that I have not revealed the full story of this human that I selected."
Megatron says, "You had a reason to save this particular human, I noticed. And... what confuses me - somehow she looked familiar to me."
Soundwave says, "When I spoke of testing Decepticon X's capabilities, that was one reason to undergo this process, but it was by no means my main reason. I felt it would be wiser to use it as a cover story, rather than attempting to explain the very complicated reasoning behind it, right there on the spot. It will sound as wild of a tale as Chasm's claim to have originated in some alternate future."
Megatron says, "No matter, I want to hear it."
<Earth> Striker says, "We're heading back for base."
Soundwave says, "She looked familiar to you, Megatron, because you met her briefly, just before we left Cybertron. You were aware of the organic life-form that arrived on Cybertron a few days prior to our launch? Who was there to insure that another of her species did not sabotage the event? They had both come from a point in the future, from this world. For that reason I knew we would be gone much longer than intended."
Megatron says, "Soundwave, how can that be? How could she have her organic body in the future when it was destroyed today?"
Soundwave says, "And when I detected her here today, I knew that the core of a Decepticon would be within her, regardless of the exterior. In her own history and experience, she has not lived these events. But she will live others."
Megatron says, "Different time lines?"
Soundwave considers Megatron's question and shakes his head a bit. "I cannot explain it fully. The Nicole who arrived on Cybertron before our launch, came from a point in history that will never come to pass now. That history was changed by the information that she brought me. A message to myself, from my future counterpart. It seems that neither the past, nor the future, is fixed.
Soundwave says, "Today, we have changed her history yet again. And still we are here on this planet. So our change to the timeline today, has not prevented our launch."
Megatron smirks. "We have to build the future ourselves..."
Soundwave says, "Affirmative. Commander, I apologize for my duplicity, but I did not get the opportunity to speak to you alone first."
Megatron states: "Well, obviously Nicole has the heart of a Decepticon, though born in a human body." He chuckles. "Prime won't forget her hook, I suppose..."
Soundwave says, "I am not surprised by her reaction. It only took some time for her confusion to clear."
Megatron says, "I expect of you that you teach her all she has to know. You are responsible for her further education."
Soundwave says, "Acknowledged. I will see to it that she becomes a worthy member of our ranks." He pauses and "smiles" with a brightening of his optics, and adds, "Again."
Megatron slowly heads for the door.
Soundwave heads for the exit too.
Megatron enters Desert Caves <<O> Out>.
Megatron has left.
You enter Desert Caves.
Desert Caves
Megatron [Robot]
Striker [Robot]
Tempest [Robot]
Divefire [Robot]
CatsCradle [Robot]
Power Transfer Furnace
Obvious exits:
<I> In leads to Dr. Archeville's Lab.
<U> Up leads to Desert Canyon.
Tempest says, "That depends on if she's a survivor." The optics glitter ferally again...and then Tempest turns her head, lounging on a crate as usual. "Megatron."
Megatron leaves the lab, looking a bit thoughtful. "In a way, Striker."
Soundwave accompanies Megatron as they return from the abandoned lab.
Divefire doesn't respond verbaly to Cats, but he does frown slightly.
Megatron says, "How is Nicole?"
Soundwave looks around the makeshift base. "What has become of our new arrival?"
Tempest nods again. "Soundwave." She gestures towards the alcove, now full of energon cubes. "There might be a bit more usable fuel at the base, but you would say it is not worth the effort expended to get it."
Soundwave guesses, "Too difficult to scoop the remaining fuel up from the ground?"
CatsCradle nods at the mouth of the cave. "She seemed to need to be alone for a few moments. She did not seem in a panic or have any intentions of running away. I think she just needed to sort everything out."
Tempest says, "Also, I know your kind don't care for the contents of cars, as a whole, and though I could likely sniff out a bit more that's usable, the energy to go there, dig it out form the wreckage, and bring it back would probably equal what we found." She breathes in deeply, seeming content. "Still, the hunting was good," as she gestures back to her plunder.
Soundwave looks toward the cave exit. "Perhaps I can assist in helping her organize her thoughts."
Soundwave acknowledges the recovered fuel with satisfaction, and goes to see to their new team-mate.
You enter Desert Canyon.
Desert Canyon
Decepticon X [Robot]
Obvious exits:
<D> Down leads to Desert Caves.
<E> East leads to Desert Road.
Soundwave comes out of the cave and looks for the new arrival.
Decepticon X is seated on the ground, looking up at the unobscured night sky.
Soundwave notices her right away, and comes over toward her, stopping a few steps away. "Do you wish some company?" he inquires.
Decepticon X turns her head upon hearing your footfalls. "Soundwave, is it?"
Decepticon X says, "Please."
Soundwave seats himself beside her and says, "Affirmative. Soundwave. You have much to occupy your thoughts, I can see."
Decepticon X says, "I feel awkward in this body, but very fortunate. I feel like I've been promoted to a higher level of existance. It's a lot to take in all at once. And I still haven't figured out how you singled me out."
Soundwave considers for a moment how best to phrase it. "It was apparent to me that you would make a good Decepticon," he finally states a little cryptically.
Decepticon X says, "I've been following the news on the battles you've had with the Autobots. I was at the rocket base this morning specifically because I expected you to be there. I never dreamed this would be the result..."
Soundwave looks curious. "You expected us to be there?"
Decepticon X says, "There are patterns to your raids. The Decepticons always hit the major technology demonstrations."
Decepticon X tries to flex the fingers of her hand, but they all move together. She doesn't have fine motor control yet.
Soundwave says, "It was an inviting target. Your reasoning abilities are sound. It was fortunate that we had this body available to accomodate you, or else you would not have survived."
Decepticon X says, "That brings up something I've been wanting to ask, am I the original Nicole, or a copy of her taken just before she died?"
Decepticon X says, "...and now that I'm here, I'm not sure what use I'll be to you. Your knowledge far exceeds mine."
Soundwave says, "The equipment was designed to transfer the consciousness of an individual into the new body, so they could still fight while their body was under repairs. It was not meant to make a copy."
Soundwave says, "And from what I could tell of your original form, it expired a few moments after the transfer was achieved. Not only was consciousness transfered, but in its damaged state, the energy necessary to keep it alive, I suspect."
Decepticon X says, "That's reassuring, I think. But what happens now?"
Soundwave says, "Now, you must learn to control your new body and its various abilities. I apologize that it is not a distinctly female form; it is, as I said, all that was available. But it can be modified to suit you."
CatsCradle arrives from Desert Caves.
Divefire arrives from Desert Caves.
Soundwave is sitting with Decepticon X, having a discussion.
CatsCradle nudges Diver again, in a lets-leave-them-alone manner.
Divefire rises out of the cave, glacning at the sky line for any threats before he pushes himself into the sky at Cats prompting.
Decepticon X says, "I understand about the body, it's better than nothing, and I can certainly tolerate it for now, even if I do feel clumsy in it... What role will I play in your cause, in the long term?"
Soundwave looks over as CatsCradle and Divefire come out of the Constructicon base. He neither invites them over nor asks them to leave, as they seem to be on their own way.
CatsCradle jumps in the air, transforming and following Diver.
CatsCradle transforms into her Jet mode.
Divefire's engines ignite and soon the flight form is but a memmory.
Divefire enters Desert Road <<E> East>.
Divefire has left.
CatsCradle enters Desert Road <<E> East>.
CatsCradle has left.
Soundwave says, "Your role will depend on your talents. You have technical skills, for instance. Though be aware that we are all called upon to be fighters when necessary."
Decepticon X looks at you quizzically, as if to ask you how you knew what her skills were, but fears she'll get an equally quizzical answer.
Soundwave says, "There will be a great deal more for you to learn, Nicole. For now, you must concentrate on becoming skilled in this form. We have a main base on the ocean floor of this world, and you will become familiar with that as well."
Decepticon X says, "Thanks for...for taking a chance with me, Soundwave. I'm in your debt."
Soundwave's optic band brightens a bit in what Nicole will at some point come to recognize as a smile. "No. We are even."
With that mysterious bit of information, Soundwave rises from his place again and turns back toward the Constructicon base.
Decepticon X . o O (Even?)
Decepticon X returns to looking up at the stars.