June 15, 2006 - Played as Reflector

[beckyh2112]

Or that time when Perceptor and I just seemed to gravitically suck in IC Autobots. ;-)

Southeastern States

The Deep South is usually associated with plantations and the Confederacy. However, except for Florida, the southeastern states have mountains as well as beaches. In the fall, the Smokey Mountains of North Carolina blaze with reds, yellows, and browns as the leaves change color. In spring, the magnificent flora of Florida, Georgia, and Alabama comes to life, sweetening the air with the perfume of countless flowers. Here, also, are the grand Mississippi River and the flat delta plain that forms the state named for it. Tennessee, the home of Elvis Presley, ranges from the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River to the Great Smokey Mountains. Next door is Kentucky, the Bluegrass State, a coal-rich land of rolling plains and rocky hillsides. Further north, Virginia and West Virginia have towering mountain ranges like the Blue Ridge and Appalachians as well as being rich in colonial and Civil War history.

Room Contents:
Perceptor
Statue of Vulcan
Tungsten Processing Plant

Obvious exits:
South [S] leads to Gulf of Mexico.
Northeast [NE] leads to Middle Atlantic States.
Northwest [NW] leads to North Central States.
East [E] leads to Northwest Atlantic.
West [W] leads to South Central States.
Fly [Up] Florida [FL]

Perceptor is standing on a beach near the Florida/Alabama border. The moonlit dunes help shield his human companions from the view of the nearby road. A nearby bar called, appropriately enough, 'Florabama' is just shutting down for the night and the drunken patrons file out to the cars and start the dangerous drive home. Peering at them as they leave, the Autobot scientist turns his head and nods quickly at the humans as they board a small launch beached nearby.

Curiously enough, a tourist has left a small camera sitting on top of a sandcastle that is just starting to get eaten away by the tide. It's in a haphazard position to view whatever nefarious scheme Perceptor is up to, but sometimes the little details are what make a job workable.

Perceptor takes a few cautious steps, sinking heavily into the sand as he does. Reaching down, he moves to gently guide the vessel back into the cool gulf waters. Just before he does, one of the scientists hops out of the boat and trots up the beach to the crumbling sand castle. "Hey," he says hefting the camera and turning back to the others, "Did someone leave this here?" Impatient, his companions just hurriedly wave him onto the boat and he does so, setting the camera down on the bench seat beside him. Shifting the launch back into the water, Perceptor suddenly transforms and drops onto a platform at the back specially constructed to hold his microscope mode. "Approximately how much time do you estimate will elapse until we attain the terminus of our journey," the scientist inquires trying hard to keep his speech from becoming overburdened. "Fifteen minutes or so," one of the terrans replies as he applies the throttle. With a brief shudder, the vessel heads in the bay and travels down to coastline towards Pensacola.

Soundwave was right - sitting still and waiting for someone to pick you up was a simple way to infiltrate just about anything. Whether it was a human concerned for others' property or one looking to score a new piece of hardware, someone silly enough to not notice his logos could be found. Now to sit tight and act like a camera. Oh, yes, and record everything.

And perhaps offer a few prayers to whomever watched over spies in the field (Soundwave?) that the Autobot didn't decide to examine him.

One of the humans reaches over and slides a couple of straps over Perceptor's base as the boat cuts through the choppy water close to shore. It isn't long however before the ride smoothes out and the soothing sounds of the waves lapping up against the boat make up most of the local stimuli. The glowing orb of the moon bathes everything in a diffused blue light and it's a few minutes before anyone speaks. "Has the sanctuary of the evaluation site been authenticated," the scientist emits, "Unanticipated arrivals threatened the sanctity of the experiment during the previous undertaking." Waving in dismissal, the boat driver nods and answers dully as if he's heard this question a million times. "Yes, Perceptor, it has. Fort Pickens has been closed for refurbishment. It's sealed. The park service will let us in and make sure we aren't disturbed. The fences should keep the local kids out and we'll be indoors away from prying eyes."

Hm. Reflector continues to sit on the bench, since doing anything else would be counter-productive. The photos DCI had extracted from Fusillade's optical systems didn't reveal much of anything useful, even with the work they had done to make the images as crystal-clear as possible. Of course, they'd yet to take said images down to MSE, but DCI never let things like that stop them. Dispatching an agent to watch over Perceptor until they figured out what he was up to was almost an automatic reaction to new science. Luckily for him, Perceptor wasn't considered a Scrapper-level mad scientist, or they'd just have taken him home for interrogation.

The rest of the ride continues in silence and it isn't long before the boat angles back to shore and beaches itself next to a small pier. Normally, this area would be full of fisherman trying to catch everything from flounder to sharks. Tonight, for at least, the civilian traffic has been kept away. Transforming, Perceptor hops out onto the sand and pulls the launch further out of the water. A ranger arrives from the information center building nearby. As the other humans climb onto dry land, he tips his hat and quickly flashes a badge indicating that perhaps he's more than he appears. One of the small figures casually looks over the camera he so recently acquired at a substantially reduced cost. An aura of anticipation surrounds the group as they move to the Civil War era fort. A thick fog begins rolling in as thunder rumbles in the distance.

The weather is getting ominous. If push comes to shove, and he needs to make a quick escape, well, it's not like he can't instrument-fly in a fog. The problem is, he suspects Perceptor is better than most Autobots at using his instruments to guide his shots.

But it hasn't come to that yet. He is just being carried around by a human scientist right now.

Perceptor follows his guide through the massive gates of the venerable fortification. Ducking slightly, he squeezed through and into the main courtyard. A series of doors ring the central area leading into the belly of the stone structure itself. A raised platform rings the inner walls with cannons in position every fifty feet or so. Despite the aura of history that permeates the place, most of the attention seems focused on a massive chunk of volcanic rock standing upright in the center of the open ground. Nearby is a large, open tent that seems to be packed full of shipping crates and mechanical equipment. Two of the humans run ahead, including the one toting Reflector. He sets the camera down on a case outside the tent as the pair of terrans slip inside. The remaining two move over to inspect the rock while the 'park ranger' stands back at the entrance. Heavy footfalls resounding Perceptor moves towards the tent himself.

Small Camera sits utterly still atop the case. He'll wait until the Autobot is past to adjust his own position for better viewing of the rock and/or tent. For now, he had best concentrate on picking up more audial-based data. With that in mind, he dials up his audial sensitivity - he is, after all, nowhere near as good as Soundwave in that arena.

Sideswipe arrives from the North Central States region far to the northwest.
Sideswipe has arrived.
Arcee arrives from the North Central States region far to the northwest.
Arcee has arrived.
Foxfire arrives from the North Central States region far to the northwest.
Foxfire has arrived.
Fireflight arrives from the North Central States region far to the northwest.
Fireflight has arrived.
Fireflight soars into view somewhat less than gracefully.
Afterburner arrives from the North Central States region far to the northwest.
Afterburner has arrived.

Speed came on two wheels and packed a set of rocket thrusters, speed had a bad attitude and enough firepower to back it up.. Speed was Afterburner hot on the tails of the Cybertronian convoy of two cars and a sloppy flier, "What did you do, pull over and wait for me? Thought you scrap heaps would be there by now!" radioed the weaving technocycle as he came up fast on their six.(repost.. because he was too slow to catch everyone last room.. kinda ironic)

Perceptor is currently standing in the open courtyard of Fort Pickens, a civil war era fort on the tip of Santa Rosa island. There is a faint hint of a storm over the gulf as faint thnder can be heard in the distance. A thick fog is rolling in as the moon shines down from above. Near the scientist is a large tent full of equipment and not too far distant is a massive slab of volcanic rock. Two humans are currently using hand held lights to visually inspect the stone and two more are just beginning to wheel a large, covered object out of the tent. A variety of storage cases on the ground outside the canvas shelter provides a suitable perch for Reflector, which one of the scientists carried here unwittingly.

Apparently the storm is more interesting than anything on the ground at the moment, as Fireflight peels away from the Autobot convoy, speeds up, and flies off in that direction.

Fireflight has disconnected.

Arcee audials detect the sound of a storm rolling in. In light of her passanger Arcee makes sure that all of her windows are up her roof closed, " You okay Foxy?" she said to him

Red Lamborghini Countach LP500S hits the roadway after whipping off of the interstate, slowing down finally as he weaves through the 4-lane then the two lane that winds it's loney path towards the toll point at the end of the island. He's still playing his music way to loud though but the beach and the shiny moon reflection is drawing him like a moth to a bowl of sugar.

[Decepticon] Galvatron says, "Scrapper, what is your location?"
[Decepticon] Necromechanic Scrapper says, "Medical ward, sir. NCC."
[Decepticon] Galvatron says, "Hands on moment or some space to have a discussion?"

Foxfire's optics widen, suddenly glad that he doesn't tend to stick his head out of the window when riding in cars. A small whimper escapes his vocalizer as he notes the storm. He tries to tell Arcee he's fine, but not only would that be a complete lie, but he can't seem to find his voice at the moment. The small saboteur ducks down in his seat, hunched up on his belly with his paws over his optics.

[Decepticon] Scrapper says, "A bit of both, to be honest, but do come talk, sir. It's nothing major."
[Decepticon] Galvatron says, "Expect me soon."

Techno-cycle's sensors focus curiously on Fireflight and Sideswipe, "Where thefeck's he goin..?" muttered the cycle to.. the cycle.. He pays little mind to the growing storm and almost tailgates Arcee, a course reading out a path to the fortress showing on the screen in his cockpit.. not that anyone was in there.. but still.

Exo-Suit [Glaive II] arrives from the South Central State region far to the west.
Exo-Suit [Glaive II] has arrived.

[Decepticon] Vortex says, "I'm going out to play. See you guys later."

[RP-Coordination] Sideswipe says, "Santa Rosa Island, escambia county off of Rt 366/Gulf Blvd...;] I think."

Vortex emerges from the state of Florida.
Vortex has arrived.

Arcee follows Sideswipe, a little worried about Foxfire and his hydrophobia but keeping a steady pace, " it'll be okay Foxfire I am water proof" she slowed down and almost got an Afterburner in the tail pipe " I don't know but watch your speed, got Foxfire in here" she said still not happy with the Techno bot for earlier.

Red Lamborghini Countach LP500S rides the road, considering, "Hey, who wants t' go to th' beach and watch th' storm roll in?" Earth, it's always got something going on.. "Beach party!"

"Maybe if you didn't drive like a old Junker I wouldn't have to.." replied Afterburner befor opening up a broad frequency channel, "We're supposed to be down here to help out Perceptor, Sideswipe, not get sand in our treads."

Bonecrusher descends from the skies above.
Bonecrusher has arrived.

Red Lamborghini Countach LP500S pfts, "Pansy. A little sand won't *kill* you."

Combat Helicopter is flying out about 150 miles frm shore, using the fog as a cover. Ahh yes. Northern florida and Alabama are beautiful this time of the year. In hurricane season. If he times this right, he can cause a wave big enough to spread over both coasts. And who knows? Maybe mother nature can give him a hand. He starts the winds slowly. A nice 20 MPH breeze to taste.

Bonecrusher transforms into his bulldozer mode.

[Decepticon] Vortex says, "I absolutely love this time of the year. Hurricane season."

Somewhere near the site, there is a common piece of construction equipment - to be exact, a bulldozer. After all, there's always some work to do somewhere. There's nothing unusual about the bulldozer, except its bright lime-green colour. Wait... what's that purple logo on it's shovel? Is it really the sign of a building company? For now, though, the machine sits perfectly still, looking as innocuous as possible.

[Decepticon] Sixshot says, "[hzzt]-eason around Jup[hzzt]er all year round, Vor[hzz]"
[Decepticon] Scrapper says, "I thought I fixed that!"
[Decepticon] Vortex says, "Yeah, but I can't get to Jupiter as easy. And once hurricane season is over, then it's tornado season, then tsunami season in the Pacific.. I love this planet."
[Decepticon] Sixshot says, "Gra[hzz] interferes and [hzzzz] on the edge of the transmi[hzzz] range"

Perceptor is presently unaware of half of Cybertron converging on his location. Reaching down to take control of the covered equipment, he nods with a scarcely concealed undercurrent of excitement. "I would be ultimately gratified if our endeavor could be accomplished without interruption." The humans nod their head in agreement and pull the water-resistant tarp clear. An odd piece of machinery is revealed by the effort. A faceted metal case form the bulk of the device, with a multitude of colored wires branching out in all directions. Two transparent cylinders descend nearly a foot from the bottom surface and bracket the thin cylinder that serves as the wheeled base. A tapering nozzle juts from the front and it is this that Perceptor ends up pointing at the slab of rock. The scientist produces a datapad as the terrans begin to quickly look over the creation of potentially mad science.

Colossus arrives from the North Central States region far to the northwest.
Colossus has arrived.
Fuel Tanker [Trailer] arrives from the North Central States region far to the northwest.
Fuel Tanker [Trailer] has arrived.

Red Lamborghini Countach LP500S is unawares of the presence of mad scientist workings. If anything, he's heading off road, slowing down as he isn't designed for offroading but does it none the same.. "COme on folks, get th' lead out. It's just sand an some weather." The aforementioned sand being thrown up behind him. At least he's not driving like a lunatic and making rostertails across the sugary shores.

Fireflight has connected.

Small Camera shifts ever so slightly to get good pictures of the device, then shifts again to look at the rock and take pictures of that. His lens twists and whirrs very-very softly as he focuses on each item on turn. As a human passes close to him, he freezes utterly. Unnoticeable. The name of the game is Be Unnoticeable.

Foxfire doesn't move from his cowering position, and only whimpers louder as Sideswipe mentions watching the storm roll in. Thunder hurts his audios, and he's downright terrified of the water... Not a good combination.

Techno-cycle ignores the sandy baches and choppy surf to make his way to Perceptor's location, the cycle transforming as soon as he's made the parking lot of the old civil war relic and come marching up towards the group. He'd say his hellos now.. but it looks like things were just getting busy.

Arcee moves toward the sand ignoring Afterburners flapping of his trap, she remained in vehicle mode to keep Foxy safe from impending rain, she tried to position her self at a distance but close enough to not be out of the way too much " It's okay Foxy I'll protect you..." she turned on low music to kind of drown out some of the storm noise.

Bulldozer (Bonecrusher) ignores the building weather the best he can, as well. After all, he's just a bulldozer standing there. Bulldozers don't feel anything, right?

Combat Helicopter continues to increase the windspeeds. 20 MPH moves up to 40, causing some rather rough waves to start. "News calls for hurricanes, followed by smaller natural hurricanes. Everyone bckle down in their homes. It's going to be a rough night." he chuckles to himself.

Rumbling.. not the sound of an empty stomach craving to be filled with a nice juicy bacon hamburger (w/ tomatos), but more resembling the loud noise of a large, heavy vehicle going too-oo fast over the ground. Barreling down Interstate 95 is an immense fuel tanker truck. It's so large it could pass as a black convoy. This truck is the alt-form of a usually gentle 'Bot.. but also of one that loves to get down and dirty in the muck and grime when duty calls. It's calling him now, though, he's not quite sure to exactly where. Colossus was off delivering some highly-enriched gasoline grade to D.C. to be inspected when he picked up over his broadband radio a call ro rendeveu someplace. So once he finished his job, the pedal was pushed to the metal and off he went. He's nowhere near the scene, yet, but he hopes his 73 velocity will get him there soon enough.

Techno-cycle took a moment to converse with the terran guards, easy enough to get them to let him pass... being a big machine that was aligned with the same faction as the other Cybertronian inside, something about a refurbishing they had said.. didn't sound like Perceptor's line of work. He made his way into the stone fortress.. not a bad defensive set up when you consider what it had to defend against.. but against enemies that could fly it might aswell have been a welcome mat. "So that's what he's been trying to get up and going.." Afterburner mumbled to himself, lurking around the sights fringes. He might be able to set the gear up alright.. but getting it to actualy work was something he'd leave to those with better built processors.

Red Lamborghini Countach LP500S gives a lazy turn over the sand before moving to play catchup with the rest of the herd, getting back on the blacktop with a squeal of tires. "Fine.. Spoilsports."

The fog has seemingly taken up permanent residence, blotting much of the terrain from the naked eye. Cybertronian senses, on the other hand, aren't much affected. The rolling storm is resolutely advancing on the pure white sand of Pensacola Beach. Lighting arcs through the thunderhead, illuminating it from within in a pattern of oddly distorted brilliance. The wind is starting to pick up onshore, disturbing the fragile sea oats atop the dunes. Strong gusts cause night creatures on the beach to scurry for cover in their nests and burrows. The lights of the hotels far down the shore reflect in the water, providing most of the surface light as the clouds drift across the face of the moon. Gentle waves give way to violent whitetips that break with fury on the land.

Perceptor is oblivious to the weather as he plugs a cable from the data plaque into the odd, vaguely weapon-like device. The humans look to the sky and pull their lab coats tighter around themselves. The flaps of the tent begin snapping in the harsh winds. Luckily the main gates face away from the gulf and some shelter is provided from the stronger gusts. "The appropriate parameters have been introduced into the Recrystalization Catalyst Array[tm]. The initiation of the firing sequence will require approximately seven-point-one-seconds and an additional interval of nine-point-two-three seconds is necessary to permit the emulsification of the transmission beam." The humans actual follow what Perceptor has said and nod in agreement. "The subject matter is prepared, Perceptor," one of them says as the group takes position around the Autobot and slips protective goggles over their eyes. "As you requested, the sample is virtually identical to the basaltic andesite found in Mount St. Hillary."

Arcee followed suit threw the gates " It should be alittle better in here" she said as the wind picked up, lucky for her Foxy couldn't pee on her interior she did worry for him though the porr thing seemed to be really rattled at the thought of this storm.

Combat Helicopter continues to increase the winds. Gaining up to 50 Miles per hour. Now, this isn't the natural storm building. This is more centralized, almost purposeful. He moves himself to the center. "Let's see how much water I can funnel up here.."

Hm! Interesting hints as to what the Autobot was up to. But why rock from Mount St. Hillary? Carefully, Reflector focuses his lens a little more and continues to record Perceptor's doings. He didn't want to ruin these shots, after all, and he was having to devote more of his processor to stripping out the storm interference than he would have preferred in such a potentially dangerous situation. Fortunately, the storm was keeping most of the humans away from him, and they were all having to speak up to communicate.

Still, if things went... cork-screwed, well, the Autobots would have more problems than just him.

"Wheeee!" Fireflight, meanwhile, is enjoying the wind and clouds above the beach - still at the periphery of the storm, so between distance and distraction he hasn't yet noticed anyone else in the air. But he followed some other Autobots to the area, and they'd call if he was needed for anything, right?

Right

It's a good thing it's nighttime out, and that the highway (Is 95) at this timeis mostly clear. With headlights leading the way, this massive tanker truck is barreling south. To his left, Colossus can see the dark, ominate storm clouds rolling and thundering in from the ocean towards the states and where he has picked up the latest signal as to where he has to go. Still many, many miles away the gas pedal is pressed down even further if possible. What he wouldn't give for some of that experimental gas at this time to propel him on, and maybe also for a big, tripple whopper wit hthe works. Luckily enough, his truck form has some extra rocket boost, which he enacts making him thunder and crash along the highway at speeds nearing 300 mph. Ah.. the good 'ol times - he muses, when he used to race Optimus on these vary highways. That's the way he feels now as he races the storm to see if he can beat it to the desired local.

Foxfire calmed down slightly, peeking out from under his paw. The music Arcee had turned on is quite soothing. But he dared not peek out of the window. He did *not* what to see the object of his fear. "Arcee," he whimpers, "how long's the storm gonna last...?"

The turbulence in the air and sea draws the attention of the park ranger just inside the gates of the fort. Speaking into a small radio, he detaches himself from the wall behind him and slips out into the night. He makes it almost to the fishing pier before he notices the great uprush of gulf water in the distance. Slightly more concerned now, he resumes communication on the surprising hi-tech communications device.

Back inside Pickens, the scientists mill about considerably more nervously as the winds become considerably more violent. The lure of science, however, proves to be strong and they refocus their attention on the experiment as Perceptor triggers the activation sequence. The fluid in the clear containers begins to bubble violently as a series of flashing lights dance up and down the casing. The whine of a capacitor charge manages to override even the roaring of the wind and it isn't long before everything comes to its inevitable conclusion. The machine falls silent and the frothing liquid grows still and it appears for a moment that nothing is going to happen.

Then, a sphere of light erupts at the end of the nozzle, elongating horizontally until it touches the slab of stone. The tube envelops its target in irridescent light, forming a shimmering cocoon. Miniature globules of liquid float into the beam, appropriately draining the fluid tanks as they do. Like miniature planets they float through the artificial void, incredile and apparently impossible physics called into play to hold the surface tension properly. Nearing the rock they begin the super-accelerate, impacting into the surface and somehow fusing with it, chemically. A small flash accompanies each collision until the entire area looks to be lit by a small, ground level fireworks show.

Red Lamborghini Countach LP500S slides through the gates into the open area within the walls. Like a twinkie but no cream filling! Then he transform sin tome for.. a light show, "Holyee cow, wait till jazz see's this report.."

With classic gears grinding and relays churning, the Red Lamborghini Countach LP500S splits in the middle and twists, transforming into Sideswipe, Autobot Warrior.


Small Camera takes pictures. Lots and lots of pictures. Movies, even. This is going to be a lovely multimedia report by the time he's done.

Arcee the surroundings were not offering her a good answer to give to Foxfire " I hope not too long" she said as she rocked slightly from the wind.

Techno-cycle holds a hand up, shielding his optics from the vibrant lights and flashes, "What the.. is he trying to make rocks into lightbulbs or something..?" Afterburner muttered to himself not far from the courtyard gate and thus he gets a good look at Sideswipe as he comes it, guess the beach wasn't all that hospitable a place in this glitched out terran weather.

Combat Helicopter starts to increase the winds, flying vertically for a moment, in a way that would kill any human pilot. He increases the winds. 50...75..100 miles an hour. As the gulf waves start to churn, he starts to form them into a funnel, raising it higher and higher. "Now where to aim it..the fort looks good." he be's been too busy with the storm to notice the field as of yet.

Afterburner vanishes out of reality.
Afterburner has left.
Arcee vanishes out of reality.
Arcee has left.

Bulldozer (Bonecrusher) is not noticing much either, off the sidelines as he is. Standing stable on his treads, he's still able to not be fazed by the winds - for now.

Fireflight doesn't generally respect much, besides Prime and his fellow Aerialbots. If he respected adverse weather conditions, maybe the other Autobots wouldn't see him go tumbling by high above Perceptor's testing area as he tries to rejoin the others.

Perceptor is brain-deep in science and therefore oblivious to anything just short of the resurrection of Unicron. He quickly transforms into his microscope mode and begins recording data as the light show continues. The humans cover their eyes, hands pressed against the goggles to block the scintillating fire leaping before them. On the beach, the park ranger begins frantically shouting into his radio before turning on his heel and rushing back towards the fort.

At nearby Pensacola Naval Air Station, VTOL craft scramble, ready to help evac the equipment and human personnel. Rather a lot of power for a simple park ranger, eh? The last of the globules reach their target and the lights fade rapidly. The beam from the device terminates a fraction of a second later, but the luminescent cocoon remains intact. The eddies of energy begin to swirl faster and faster, losing transparency as they do. The field seems to coallesce into some sort of gelatinized orb before fractures appear in the surface. Subsurface motion continues to shift it, resulting in the almost expected explosion. No flames, no burning, but the area nearby is coated in mildly phospherous chunks of ooze.

The stone, however, is unharmed and appears to be completely unaffected. Perceptor seems to be quite excited however, firing a quick burst of multisyllabic words at his human companions. Though busy scraping the sludge of themselves, they reciprocate the enthusiasm. Unfortunately at that moment the park ranger rushes back into the mix and barks at Autobots and humans alike, "We are leaving, now."

Sideswipe whoahs as the winds really begin to howl over the walls of the fort.. "Eh, Perceptor? You did know that things were gonna get this riled up, right?" Loking up at the sky and listening to the broadband. "HOLY SLAGNABIT! PERCEPTOR!!" He bellows as sludge, glowing chunks of it marry his finish. " Primus on a pogostick dancin with Unicron, why didnn't ya warn a bot!"

Small Camera takes pictures! Many pictures, a lot of them in far more than just the visual spectrum. Frankly, most of them are only intelligible to Reflector and only qualify as 'pictures' because he's a camera. He does get minorly coated with ooze, but a very quick, small flash of energy clears his lenses. He's more worried about the winds - he is a small, light camera, after all, and the winds are starting to rock him unpleasantly.

[Decepticon] Vortex chuckles. "Oh, I do love to play. The humans are runnin. It feels great to be the greatest power on Earth sometimes.
[Decepticon] Reflector says, "... Where exactly are you, Vortex?"
[Decepticon] Vortex says, "Playing hurricane off the Florida coast."
[Decepticon] Reflector says, "... I *see*."
[Decepticon] Vortex says, "Ya do? Are they running? It's hard to see around the funnel.."
[Decepticon] Bonecrusher says, "I see a few running."
[Decepticon] Reflector says, "If I had the capacity to do so in alt-mode, Vortex, I would slam one or two of my heads against the wall. Do you know how much effort it was to arrange for Bonecrusher to be here so I could have backup?"
[Decepticon] Vortex cackles. "You guys don't need backup. Not with mother nature on your side. Where should I point this thing?"
[Decepticon] Scrapper doesn't want to know what his brother is doing!
[Decepticon] Reflector says, "AWAY from Florida. This is a reconnaissance mission not a battle! .... Maybe they won't go away if the storm calms a little."
[Decepticon] Vortex says, "What if it stopped all together? Then started up 100 miles west?"
[O-Decepticon] A Mind Not To Be Catechism says, "I *see*."
[Decepticon] Reflector says, "... That might distract them and incite some of the excess Autobots to investigate."

Perceptor transforms and rises to his full height. His optics flicker as he turns, regarding the order to depart. Before starting to pack the equipment, he glances briefly to Sideswipe. "The extrapolated project outline contained one hundred and thirty seven hypothetical resolutions. This," he gestures flinging even more slime in several directions, "Was conclusion eigthy-three." At another announcement to get the frag out, the scientist finally turns and help to secure the equipment. "It is imperative that the andesite sample be retrieved!"

[Decepticon] Vortex says, "Oh darn. Then we'll just have to let nature run it's course. Heeheeheeh."
[Decepticon] Reflector says, "That wasn't necessarily a bad thing, Vortex- *slips back into radio-silence as the scientists start packing near him*"

Combat Helicopter tries to see around his own storm, increasing the winds. Do natural windstorms jump from 100 to 150 miles an hour? Or have one focused funnel? not normally. THe funnel moves towards the coast..away from the coast and towards again. Is it playing?

Sunder descends from the skies above.
Sunder has arrived.

The human scientists rush into the tent. Some begin sealing cases and the others run back out with a collection of straps that they begint to affix to the sizeable slab of stone. Though they can't be heard over the roar of the approaching storm, two transport helicopters are racing across the gulf. A searing bolt of lightning arcs across the sky, illuminating the scene in stark contrast as the the rain begins to fall.

[Decepticon] Vortex says, "Hey hey..wait. That's not my storm."

Sweepcraft [Sunder] takes position near Vortex. "I have been sent to....assist you...." he says, emphasizing the word "assist" in a manner than can be interpreted any number of sinister ways. He stays far away enough to not get caught in the Combaticon's own wind generation, but the natural winds are bad enough.

Combat Helicopter is in the middle of a funnel he's creating, trying to conceal himself as a natural storm. However, once the sweep arrives he pauses. "Keep 50 degrees, and 20 feet to the east. I'm gonna unleash this thing." He continues to increase the winds. "I'm thinking...towards the beach. Check this out. It's gonna be great!" and with that, the chopper releases a large funnel that heads towards the beach. He's seen for a good 30, 40 seconds before he prepares another storm. "This storm feels like a strong one. I wonder if someone else is making..oh slag." He pauses. "I think a real one is helping us. This should be fun.."

[Decepticon] Vortex says, "Slaggit, Sunder I'm a windstorm. Second hurricane of the year. I'm Beryl. No wait. I don't like that name. I'm ...Eduardo. Yeah. A completely natural effect."

Loose debris is whipping about the courtyard, as the last of the cases are sealed. The tent stakes snap against the onslaught and the small canvas form goes flapping off over the wall. The small camera is snatched up by the wind and tossed, apparently to certain doom. Perceptor is there, thinking the flying equipment to be something that wasn't properly stowed. Catching it in his hand, he looks it over quickly to figure out which case it should be in. Optics flashing in alarm, the scientist blurts out, "Reflector!" as he stumbles back a few steps and drops the camera.

[Decepticon] Reflector says, "... *makes a mental note to "adjust" Vortex's duty rosters to something unpleasant, like being Hook's bodyservant*"
[Decepticon] Reflector says, "Well, my cover's blown. Bonecrusher, you know what to do."
[Decepticon] Vortex says, "Wait..that's not me. THats.. that's a real one. You can't blame me for nature!"
[Decepticon] Reflector says, "I can and I will."
[Decepticon] Vortex says, "Oh, my fun is over now..."

Combat Helicopter is either bored with the storm or distracted. He stops his winds almost suddenly, trying to find cover in the clouds of the real storm, before it gets too dangerous to fly in it. He starts to fly away , hoping that no one is looking in his direction.

Sideswipe huhs, shieldign his optics with a hand as the storm really kicks into high gear, "Foxfire, where you at?" Knowing that if they get worse winds, the smaller bot could become a lethal projectile.

[Decepticon] Vortex says, "I'm done. Y'all have fun, now."

Small Camera lies where he fell for a moment, as if vaguely hopeful that the other Autobots will not have heard what Perceptor said. When no one makes an immediate move towards him, he continues to lie there in camera-mode. Look, says his shiny lens, I'm not a Decepticon. Perceptor is just paranoid. That purple logo? Just artful decoration by my previous owner. Take me home.

[Decepticon] Bonecrusher says, "I'm on my way!"

Sweepcraft [Sunder] Watches as the Combat Helicopter continues to generate twisters and send them off towards the beach. His blue coloration makes him hard to see against the clouds and in the rain. Thoughts start to drift towards how palatable Vortex's carcass would be. Quickly he tries to disrupt the train of thought, as he realizes that as a member of a combiner team, Vortex is not expendable, and thus not on the menu...not unless Sunder was feeling particularly suicidal, or if Vortex turned traitor and thus put himself in the position of being Sunder's next meal.

Bulldozer (Bonecrusher) transforms and makes his way into the compound, closing in on Reflector's position, as triangulated from the latest radio transmission. Will he reach the Camera-con in time?

Bonecrusher transforms into his robot mode.

All this time, Foxfire has been hiding in whatever spot was available, seeking shelter from the storm. At the mention of Reflector, he emerges, promptly rushing toward the camera and for the first time ignoring the weather. He approaches Reflector, and begins to paw at him, nosing the Decepticon and acting like a curious puppy. When Sideswipe calls for him, he lifts his head. "Over here!"

Combat Helicopter has stopped the twisters. Rather suddenly. However, mother nature has started one of her own. He starts to head off to the west, trying to escape before the Autobots see him.

Small Camera has a fox-cassette-nose in his lens. That's just so appetizing. He should have just transformed and flown out as soon as Perceptor recognized him.

Bonecrusher hurries to get to Reflector before the Autobots get him, tossing crates and the occasional human aside.

Vortex moves the great distance west to the South Central State region.
Vortex has left.
Sunder moves the great distance west to the South Central State region.
Sunder has left.

[Decepticon] Vortex says, "Allright. I'm done playing. You have your own fun now."
[Decepticon] Reflector says, "*growls*"

Sideswipe staggeres against the wind in search of Foxfire, "Little bot, you're gonna go up like a kite if you're not careful.." He can't see slagall in the winds. "Perceptor, we bailin yet?"

[Decepticon] Vortex says, "Where's scourge to call his thing back to the nest? Slag. I don't want a sweep followin me around!"

Too much in haste to be concerned with stealth, Bonecrusher barges right into the assembly of Autobots! He spots Foxfire on the ground, nosing - a camera? "Git away, fox, that cam doesn't belong to you!" he shouts.

[Decepticon] The Creepy One, Sunder says, "I have orders to keep an eye on you."
[Decepticon] Vortex says, "From who?!"
[Decepticon] The Creepy One, Sunder says, "from Shockwave himself."
[Decepticon] Vortex says, "Tell Shockwave I'm done, ok? You don't have to watch me. Trust me. You don't want to watch me. I can do rather stupid things."
[Decepticon] Vortex says, "Shockwave, call off the unispaw..erm..uh.. blue..um. Nice, effective sweep."

Foxfire suddenly notices that the wind is making his ears blow every which way. He blinks slowly at Sideswipe. "Kite? I don't think the wind's *that* strong..." At Bonecrusher's voice, the vulpine immediately snarls and backs away from the camera, tail standing straight up. "Then take it an' go!" he growls at the Constructicon.

Bonecrusher transmits a message via radio.

Rescue! Big, heavy fellow to haul him around in this windstorm! Because Reflector, even in robot-mode, isn't designed for violent windstorms.

The transports manage to fight their way through the worsening conditions and settle down on the beach. Specialized personnel spill from the doors as soon as they open, rushing towards the fort to grab as much of the equipments as they can. The rampaging Constructicon, slows them down a bit but the threat of the oncoming waterspouts is more of a motivation. Instead of the main gate, they rush through the smaller access doors along the walls. Besides, there are Autobots enough to keep on eye on the big green robot. One of those is Perceptor who is distracted from Reflector by Bonecrusher. He moves backwards slightly and glances quickly to make sure the scientists have transferred the equipment to the passages. Only the stone slab remains.

[Decepticon] Commander Shockwave says, "Vortex, Sunder was given his orders for a reason."
[Decepticon] Vortex says, "Ya know, you could just tell me to come home."

Bonecrusher snatches up Reflector, cradling him. "C'mon, let's go." He doesn't want to wait out the storm either, it seems.

[Decepticon] Commander Shockwave says, "If I required your presence, I would have commanded it. Sunder's mission was not to retrieve you, simply to observe you."
[Decepticon] Sixshot says, "Vortex, remember your pathetic assessment of yourself where you stated that you 'do stupid things.' That is why Shockwave chooses to have you watched."
[Decepticon] Sixshot says, "If you were competent, he would spy on you secretly."
[Decepticon] Vortex says, "Fine. If I go home, can you call him off?"

Small Camera seems to purr softly as he is picked up. That's probably a trick of his systems, though.

[Decepticon] The Creepy One, Sunder says, "Yeah if I was sent to retrieve you, I'd have to use these babies on you" *flexes talons*"

Perceptor actually disregards his own advice as he hopes Sideswipe will do what he can with the stone. Setting his jaw with determination, he charges forward against the battering wind and slicing rain in an attempt to stop Bonecrusher and Reflector. "Desist, Reflector will not be permitted to depart!"

[Decepticon] Commander Shockwave says, "He will return if you do. He will depart if you depart. Consider him your temporary escort off-island. Once he delivers the report I require of his observations, you will be free to travel on your own."
[Decepticon] Vortex says, "I don't need to be watched by anyone but Onslaught!"
[Decepticon] Commander Shockwave says, "Remember to whom you speak."
[Decepticon] Vortex says, "Sir."

Bonecrusher isn't quite sure what "desist" means, but he understand the part about Perceptor wanting to keep Reflector. "And who is gonna stop us?" he asks. Still holding Reflector with one hand, he gets out his gun with the other, just in case Perceptor tries to make good on his threat. The Constructicon doesn't attack though, rather he tries to make his way out, zig-zagging though the boxes, humans, and other things that clutter the area.

[Decepticon] Vortex says, "That's it. I'm going to ditch this thing!"
[Decepticon] Commander Shockwave says, "If you are successful, I will be quite impressed."
[Decepticon] Vortex says, "Really? Ok here goes.."

Sideswipe ergs, optics looking from slab, to foxxie, to green meanie to the camera and back. "Slag it all." He pulls his own method of destruction out, "More than likely me, Bonecrusher." And trails off. Perceptor did say that the slab was the mre important part of the equation, thusly, he moves in that direction to lend single hand, the other on rifle.

Perceptor lurches into motion, taking quick steps across the rain slicked bricks. "As indicated by my previous statement..." His voice trails off, realizing that at this point an explanation is completely unnecessary. He stumbles slightly, but tries to turn into something benefical, hurling himself at Bonecrusher's legs.

[Decepticon] Reflector says, "If Perceptor continues to be difficult, point me at his optic sensors."

Perceptor succeeds in grasping Bonecrusher, throwing him off-balance.

[Exo-Suit] Michael Briar takes off from New Orleans. The Glaive II batters against the winds but pulls itself above the swirling maelstrom. As soon as it clears the clouds, it pushes off faster towards Perceptor down in the gulf coast. The clouds blurr past at the speed the Glaive II is going. A healthy jet stream will that for you. As soon as he reaches the location, Michael pulls the exo-suit down though the clouds once again being buffeted by the winds. Michael fights with his very body to keep from going out of control with the suit groaning against nature itself.

[Decepticon] Sixshot says, "Ah, such interesting things occur when I go out to harvest."

Foxfire darts over to Sideswipe while Perceptor goes after Bonecrusher, hiding behind the red warrior's leg as he peeks out to watch the conflict. Yes, he's always felt safe around Sideswipe. He's not scary like Sunstreaker.

Bonecrusher /tries/ to point Reflector - whether he'll be successful is another thing, because Perceptor slams into his legs, knocking him over. "Ack!" the Constructicon exclaims, trying to scramble back up without losing his gun /or/ Reflector.

Small Camera helpfully magnetizes himself to Bonecrusher's hand while the Constructicon tries to scramble upright. No need to make life more difficult for his retrieval operative.

Pile-Up arrives from the North Central States region far to the northwest.
Pile-Up has arrived.
Pile-Up Zooms into the area, jet engine roaring

[Decepticon] Scrapper says, "I didn't know you were a farmer, Sixshot."

Despite Vortex's departure, the storm continues to slam the area around the fort violently. The human scientists and their military counterparts manage to get the transports loaded, save for the stone left to the Autobots. Lighting forks across the sky with ever increasing frequency. Inside the old fort, Perceptor isn't quite as luckily as Bonecrusher. The scientist practically face-plants into the worn and wet stone. Reaching unsuccessfully after the Constructicon, he manages to somehow scramble back up to his feet. While doing so, he grasps for Reflector once again and rather foolishly looks directly into the camera's lens.

You successfully strike Perceptor, who is now temporarily incapacitated.

Small Camera emits a brilliant flash of light as soon as he sees Perceptor looking into him. "Let's go, Bonecrusher."

Bonecrusher doesn't need to be asked twice, and runs away as quickly as his treaded feet will carry him!

Sideswipe can be scary, but not usually around other bots. He's putitng his effort not into stopping the cons, darn them to heck, but insuring the safety of the stone whatnot. Which really strikes him as weird, Shouldn't Perceptor be doing this and he beating the tar out of those guys...

Junk Rocketcycle rumbles from the northwest, a motorcycle flying through the sky, trailing a great deal of exhaust smoke behind him.

Foxfire doesn't come out from behind Sideswipe's leg. He'd help Perceptor out, but he's starting to wonder if he *would* blow away in this wind.

Bonecrusher tries to take to the sky in order to whisk Reflector to safety, though the winds are proving a considerable hindrance. Let's hope the times he played storm-tag with the Seekers paid off.

[Exo-Suit] Michael Briar has disconnected.

After making his report on the situation, Reflector is going to change Vortex's duty rosters. Assuming the helicopter hasn't otherwise punished himself. Getting into a fight with a Sweep and losing badly just *might* make up for what that helicopter has cost him. For now, though, the camera remains magnetized to Bonecrusher's hand.

Perceptor staggers back, optics temporarily offline due to the harsh strobe. Bowing over, he clutches his head, more out of surprise than pain. Wobbling into a wall, he's off-balance as another gust of wind rips through the open courtyard and tosses him onto his back. Something seems to be going right, however, as the transports lift off from the beach just ahead of the storm surge. Without waiting for contact from the Autobots, they turn and try to make it back to NAS Pensacola.

Bonecrusher fights against the winds, glad that Reflector is holding on to him well. Wouldn't do to drop a delicate camera in a storm...

"Danger Zone" from top gun plays loudly from the Rocketcycle as he continues in, rust and bits of useless parts buffeted loose by the high winds, trying to keep up it's pace as a little police light pops up, headed towards Bonecrusher "Pull over!"

Bonecrusher just wanted to get out, slag it! Those Technobots are bullies! Bullies! The Constructicon shouts above the noise of the storm, "No, I won't!" trying to hasten his - and Reflector's - escape.

Colossus has disconnected.

Sideswipe works on hefting the plate, "Foxbot, Perceptor holding his own ofer there, cause I can't see drek." Grumbled in a foul sort of tone..

Perceptor pushes himself up to his feet as his vision finally starts to correct itself. Glancing over to make sure Sideswipe has the stone well in hand, so to speak, he summons his rifle. "As a general consideration," he murmurs aloud, "Diplomacy is frequently paramount to violence. I suspect that in this situation, however, it would be prudent to execute all necessary measures." Using his main scanning cylinder to help him target in the still deteriorating conditions, he gets ready to take drastic steps to prevent Reflector's escape.

[Decepticon] Vortex turns off his radio with a *click*

Junk Rocketcycle revs the recycled seeker engine on it's back, wheels spinning "Resistance is futilie! Warning! Warning! Warning Will Robinson!" then buzzes forward at a sharp clip, attempting to bash into the constructicon.

Pile-Up strikes Bonecrusher with battering ram attack.

Foxfire can't stand it anymore. The rain is driving him crazy with panic, and he still holds a grudge against Bonecrusher. Claws unsheathed, the small saboteur darts out from behind Sideswipe and rushes at the Constructicon as fast as he can go, feeling he has to do *something*. Bonecrusher may be up *there*, but the cassette is an agile leaper. Once close, Foxfire lunges!

Foxfire strikes Bonecrusher with Bite.

These people are so unreasonable. Reflector and Bonecrusher didn't even shoot any of them! Not that there's much Reflector can do about the situation at the moment.

[Decepticon] Captain Catechism curses softly.

Bonecrusher is knocked down by a the ram-cycle, which, unfortunately, brings him in range of Foxfire's teeth. The Constructicon acks, and kicks out reflexively, hoping to hit the cassette. Only then does he check if he's lost Reflector.

Bonecrusher strikes Foxfire with Hammer Hard Tread Foot!.

Perceptor thinks he has a bead on the Constructicon, but the electronic interference from the storm is causing havoc with his delicate sensors. Nonetheless, he has to try and the scientist hefts his weapon and unleashes a few searing bolts into the tumultuous night sky.

[Decepticon] Elite Fleet sputters in shock before he has a chance to verify his radio setting, "WHAT?!"
[Decepticon] Scrapper says, "Oh, come on! You'd never need to go out and fight unless you wanted to... in general, and I need someone who has a sane method of filing things."
[Decepticon] Elite Fleet says, "But... but... dammit, sir, I'm a warrior, not a doctor!"

Junk Rocketcycle recovers in flight now, putting on another burst of speed to rapid fire transform ahead of the flying con, attempting to drop down onto his back. "You have the right to remain screaming! Anything you shout can and will be used in a hillarious blooper reel that will be laughed at, at a staff party!"

[Decepticon] Scrapper says, "No doctor can collate worth bolts!"

The Junkcycle flips and reforms himself, jet engine becoming a bazooka as he transforms to robot mode.

Pile-Up succeeds in grasping Bonecrusher, throwing him off-balance.

[Decepticon] The Creepy One, Sunder says, "The glue wore off, and I've lost Vortex. I can't find him anywhere."

Foxfire releases his hold on Bonecrusher with a yelp, falling to the ground and landing on his back rather loudly. And in a puddle of mud, too. Stupid hurricane. Beginning to whimper again, the fox gets to his paws and runs back to Sideswipe, where he hides behind his leg once more.

[Decepticon] Catechism says, "I think Vortex said he was headed for Monacus."
[Decepticon] Sixshot says, "I doubt he could reach it, the shuttle systems are down."
[Decepticon] Brawl says, "WITHOUT ME?!"
[Decepticon] Reflector says, "And I do believe Blast Off is already there. Such a pity."
[Decepticon] Catechism shrugs. "See? He was planning it with Brawl!"
[Decepticon] Sixshot says, "...honestly, that place was a dump, not a single functioning slot machine when I was there."
[Decepticon] Brawl grumbles. 'He din't say nothing to me about it...I'm gonna rip his rotors off an' jam 'em through his fuel tank!"

Just as Bonecrusher makes another attempt at flying away, that slaggin' Junkion jumps on his back. The Constructicon tries to pulls throw him off himself. "Get back to the junk pile!"

[Decepticon] Scrapper says, "Well, Fleet? You could sign off on your own upgrades, too."
[Decepticon] Elite Fleet's vocalizer activates. Then it shuts down. Then he activates it again. Between his sudden 'promotion' and a SWEEP admiting, very publicly, to not being able to find something, he's at a total loss. "I... uhm..." Finally he recovers. "Scrapper, you're telling me HOOK can't collate?"

Bonecrusher strikes Pile-Up with Throw!.

[Decepticon] Sixshot says, "I'm certain Vortex will show up. His sado-masochistic tendancies require him to cause harm. Subtlety is not a skill I'd attribute to any Combaticon besides Swindle and Onslaught."
[Decepticon] Scrapper says, "I'm sure that he could, in theory, but Hook does not sully his hands with such work, so either way, it wouldn't get done."

Perceptor realizes how ineffective he is at combat at the moment. Besides, the storm surge is nipping at the walls of the fortification. Without Seaspray or one of the flyers, evacuation is starting to become a real issue. The natural weather drastically altered by Vortex's intervention, the storm front turned hurricane is dumping massive amounts of water on the area and lashing it with winds in excess of sixty miles an hour. At this rate, enough damage could be inflicted to the bridge off the island to trap the Autobots there for the duration of the storm. Stowing his weapon, he moves quickly and carefully across the courtyard to help Sideswipe get the stone sample to safety.

[Decepticon] Brawl would argue with that but....
[Decepticon] Brawl says, "Blast Off's kinda subtle..."
[Decepticon] Sixshot says, "Blast Off is an effective sniper, but in terms of planning, I do not attribute much to him. I hope he will prove me wrong."
[Decepticon] Elite Fleet says, "Oh, uhm... I suppose that makes sense. But, erm... look, sir, where are you?"

Sideswipe grumbles as he works to get a good grip on the stone, having to forgoe his rifle to use both hands. "This.. this.. Man. I want a surfboard, a sixpack and a tether but nooooo.. I'm lugging rocks around and I didn't even get to break a con! This.. Well.. pahg."

[Decepticon] Brawl grunts. "Whatever...hey, I outrank you! What th' slag did you do wrong?"
[Decepticon] Scrapper will just assume that the shock has made Fleet forget +faction. "NCC medical ward, as usual."
[Decepticon] Scrapper says, "Sixshot offended me, Brawl."
[Decepticon] Phantom says, "Perhaps this discourse would be best suited to a less ... public forum. If this communication were released to the public, it could make the Empire into the butt of a number of jokes."
[Decepticon] Elite Fleet mutters, "That's why I asked what I did."

Should Bonecrusher think of it, Reflector can still blind people. Currently, though, the camera is doing his level-best not to distract the Constructicon or impede him in any way. Besides, it probably isn't necessary any more. Good Constructicon. Ought to get him some nice assignments when Reflector adjusts the duty rosters.

[Decepticon] Arachnae comes across in a very subdued, very raspy almost not there whisper, "Scrapper? Are you.. busy?"
[Decepticon] Scrapper says, "Not particularly. Are you all right? You don't sound all there."

Pile-Up acks as he is whipped off of the Con's back, falling down towards the less than soft and skooshy ground. "Crap! CrapcrapcrapcrapCRAAAAAAAAAAP" WHUMP "OW!" grunting as he lets his laser sights begin tracking, though at the moment, he seems rather intent on figuring out where that bolt in his arm went.

[Decepticon] Arachnae says, "...I'll tell you when I see you. Medical. right?"
[Decepticon] Scrapper says, "Haven't moved since Fleet asked!"
[Decepticon] Sixshot says, "The Empire is already a butt of many jokes, Phantom. The terrans mock us, the autobots mock us, all our other foes mock us. I see no reason to concern myself with it."
[Decepticon] Sixshot says, "Their mockery in no way impacts our power."

Bonecrusher use the opportunity to take to the sky again, grumbling something unintelligible. Much to his relief, Reflector is still safely in his hand. Bonecrusher points the camera back at the Junkion. Does he want to create a photographic keepsake? "If he tries anything, you know what to do," he tells Reflector.

[Decepticon] The Creepy One, Sunder says, "I have retrieved Vortex. We are returning to the Medical bay. Vortex will require...*extensive* repairs."

You say, "Of course. There is no other possibility."

[Decepticon] Phantom says, "I disagree with your sentiment, but this is neither the time nor the method to have such a discussion."
[Decepticon] Sixshot says, "Hrm, very well. Scrapper. I should be within terran access vectors in a small time. I have a cargo of liquid low atomic elements from the gas giants of this system. I will enter them into the collectors at the landing pad when I land."
[Decepticon] Scrapper says, "Long Haul? Handle that."

Perceptor reaches Sideswipe and offers his assistance moving the big section of stone. Not as awkward with two handling it, it's now possible to actually get the thing out of there before the situation gets any worse.

[Decepticon] Long Haul says, "Wha- Firk! Ding! Blast!"

Sideswipe looks at Perceptor over the slab, "You just haaad to do this now, didn't ya?" Wry grin to show he's not really upset. "Lets get this thing and get going before Foxfire becomes a projectile weapon."

Pile-Up stumbles up to his feet, snorting now and looking around, headed towards Foxfire, pulling out a transformer sized umbrella as he hurries over.

Bonecrusher glances downward. The Autobots (and Junkion) are busy sheltering the Foxtape from the rain? How silly of them, but good, because it gives him and Reflector the time to escape. Bonecrusher flies upward as fast as the storm allows.

Foxfire hunches down on his belly, as he had done while riding in Arcee, tail wrapped around his body as he covers his optics with his paws. He is, of course, covered in mud, and some of it has likely gotten into his joints. He'll be happy once he's safe and dry inside the Ark. All this time, he continues to whimper, not moving in the slightest.

Bonecrusher begins retreating, leaving himself vulnerable to parting shots from Pile-Up, Exo-Suit [Glaive II], Foxfire, Sideswipe, Perceptor.

Amusing OOC

[OOC] Reflector exposits!
[OOC] Perceptor says, "Oh no!"
[OOC] Perceptor is being watched! The horror!
[OOC] Reflector plans to sell some of the closeups of his hands and scope to Hook.
[OOC] Perceptor says, "That disturbs me. :)"
[OOC] Reflector says, "What? Hook would totally dig a hot microscope for him to be precise with! ~_^"

[OOC] Bonecrusher says, "Never fear, Reflector - Bonecrusher's come to protect you! ;)"
[OOC] Foxfire whispers to Reflector, "You have good reason to fear for your life now."

[O-Decepticon] It NEVER Long Haul says, "Fleet is tormenting Galvatron."
[O-Decepticon] It NEVER Long Haul says, "Catechism, rather."
[O-Decepticon] Galvatron says, "With Rum and telling me I can't have any."

[OOC] Sideswipe says, "I love you tex. Wanna make lambo-coptors together? ]:]"
[OOC] Vortex says, "Well.. I never.. um. Ok. But you bear the kids."
[OOC] Foxfire ews at Sideswipe.
[OOC] Sideswipe says, "And ruin my figure? Never!"
[OOC] Foxfire ruins Sideswipe's figure.
[OOC] Vortex is loveable. I'm just like a nicer, kinder, gentler Blades!
[OOC] Vortex says, "More effective, better looking..Combaticon.."
[OOC] Sideswipe says, "and everyone knows how much I love blades icly. we get along so well that we have to be pulled off of one another."
[OOC] Inside Exo-Suit [Glaive II], Michael Briar says, "Kinky."
[OOC] Vortex says, "you pervy chopper fancier!"
[OOC] Foxfire gigglese.
[OOC] Foxfire giggles, even.

[OOC] Perceptor says, "Ah, the joy of making things up. :)"
[OOC] Fireflight says, "As Star Trek's main writers used to put in scripts, TECH TECH TECH. ;)"

[OOC] Perceptor replaces 'transport helicopters' with 'VTOL transports' and sounds more futuristic. Wild West Corny lines rule! :)
[OOC] Bonecrusher says, "Careful, Fleccy, or they might accidentally take you home with them! ;)"
[OOC] Perceptor says, "Nobody has grabbed you yet, Flec."
[OOC] Sideswipe says, "rotary propelled, vertical lift enabled transporation vehicles?"
[OOC] Perceptor says, "Word."
[OOC] Reflector wants to be taken home with Perceptor! "Damn it. He's gonna have to magnetize himself to that crate if the winds get up anymore. Only reason he hasn't been flung yet is because of, uh, animation errors. Yeah."

[OOC] Perceptor picks a fight in a hurricane. Yay for smart robots!

[OOC] Reflector waves. "Bye, Percy! We'll come back!
[OOC] Foxfire snugs the 'Cons.
[OOC] Sideswipe says, "LAter cons!"
[OOC] Perceptor says, "See ya evildoers!"
[OOC] Bonecrusher says, "How do Team Rocket do? "Losetwinkleflyaway!" ;)"
[OOC] Foxfire says, "Yay Team Rocket!"
[OOC] Foxfire says, "Team Rocket's blastin' off again. :D"