New Iacon Main Commissary This massive, domed structure is a huge room, where Autobots can reside in their cubicles and socialize in their off-time. Window ports and a giant skylight create an arena-sized, airy environment. The view of New Iacon, from all directions, is hopeful. There is still much construction going on, but it looks as if it will be completed soon. People: Hot Rod * Whiz * Krystal * Silverbolt * Dixie * Thunder * Seaspray * Photon * Firestone * Optimus Prime * Perceptor * Firestone Optimus Prime looks around at the collected Autobots. "I am also unaware if my presence is even wanted at this gathering." Thunder looks to Optimus and smiles. Photon mutters "It had better be." Krystal glances at Optimus, relaxing slightly when she sees Hot Rod. Firestone says, "Okay, I can deal with that." Whiz hrms and blushes and wonders how easy it would be to sneak back into her lab. Firestone says, "It is wanted. Even if you are not who you appear to be, sir, you are still someone, still a living being." Firestone says, "And still an Autobot." Silverbolt frowns at that. "It is wanted Optimus." Seaspray gurgles, "That IS what counts, isn't it?" Photon glares at Firestone a little longer this time. Seaspray gurgles, "Regardless of who leads us..." Firestone says, "Regardless of who leads, yes." Perceptor nods to Seaspray, "We are Autobots." Optimus Prime shakes his head at Firestone, his face firm. "I am exactly who I think I am. I am Optimus Prime." Krystal tenses involuntarily, her eyes darting quickly to the source. Firestone says, "Yes, you are." Hot Rod shoots a sharp look at Firestone as he walks in. "Shut up, he knows how to organize an assault." Firestone says, "But we get into one of those logic things." Firestone says, "Is A equal to A or not." Firestone says, "That is, are you, Optimus Prime, the same as Optimus Prime who was on Earth those many vorn." Optimus Prime looks to Hot Rod and asks in a simple voice. "Who is in charge here?" Silverbolt ignores the conversation, directing his question directly at Optimus. "So, what is our plan, that is, if there is a plan right now?" Firestone says, "Course, then you have to define same." Firestone shrugs. Krystal looks at Hot Rod. Perceptor takes a step back, observing. Hot Rod blinks. "Uh.. you are." Thunder looks around the room at the evergrowing gathering Photon says "It doesn't matter. Beings change. For the better." to Firestone. Whiz says, "I thought Kup was." Whiz rises on tiptoes to see if she can find Kup in the crowd. Hot Rod shrugs. "I don't know. Kup's not here, is he?" Krystal says, "No." Optimus Prime nods decisively at Hot Rod's statement then turns to Silverbolt."Our plan is to start the movement under Polyhex so that we are in a strategic position to take down Darkmount. And to see if we can get Omega Supreme back." Optimus Prime says, "Does anyone know where Omega is?" Perceptor leans towards the group with the mention of Omega Supreme, "The device I have constructed will analyze his neural receptors and attempt to clear them." Kup arrives on the people-mover from the Iacon Base. Photon says, "No clue." Thunder shakes his head no. Firestar arrives on the people-mover from the Iacon Base. Optimus Prime looks at Perceptor. "What do you require to be able to activate it?" You say, "Question. Can we get BY the assault force they've got sitting on our front doorstep to DO that?" Photon says, "What assault force?"" Photon is suddenly very nervous. Firestar limps in and takes a seat in one of the chairs, still self healing. Optimus Prime looks sharply at Hot Rod. Perceptor frowns, "The first action will be to place it upon his head. There is no other way to fully penetrate the armor surrounding his neural center." Krystal hmms quietly. Perceptor continues, "Once it is on him, I have the activator code that can be radioed to it remotely." Silverbolt looks at Perceptor. "And how do we get it on his head?" Photon says, "Very, very carefully..." Optimus Prime says, "Explain, Hot Rod."" Perceptor smirks towards Silverbolt, "It will be no easy task." Krystal glances at Perceptor. Perceptor stops and turns his attention to Hot Rod. Photon walks around the crowd to stand by Thunder and Optimus. Kup stands sort of in a power position, but holding back in the presence of Optimus... is he really in charge? Silverbolt grins at Perceptor. "Tell me about it..." *Bolt also turns to Rod* You say, "Uhh.. you know. The guys who jump us every time we try to leave base? Okay, so maybe it's not an assault force, but it's not exactly an archeological research team, either." Firestar says, "I almost had Omega fixed....til he decided to make me part of the trench... Remeber, I've worked on his net before..." Krystal moves over to Firestar to say something quietly. Firestone pokes her sister, gently. Silverbolt shrugs at Rodimus. "Send a scout out, or perhaps a small group to Recon first. Then...we move?" Firestar winces a bit. Photon mutters to Thunder, "... feeling I'm... trashed..." Krystal mutters to Firestar, "... anyone... help...."" Optimus Prime says, "We take them down. Fast, hard, and now. Then a small group can get through to work on the tunnels" Kup says, "We can get past them. We will get past them" Krystal swallows, glancing at Optimus. Sunstreaker arrives on the people-mover from the Iacon Base. Photon says quietly "What about the tunnels? Did I miss something?" Thunder looks at Photon and whispers something Firestar mutters to Krystal. Firestone mutters to Firestar. Anna-Mecha arrives on the people-mover from the Iacon Base. Optimus Prime turns to Perceptor. "Get your device and pick the people we need to put it on Omega." Firestar mutters to Firestone, "Bout?" You say, "Well, we COULD sneak out the other way around, I just dunno about leaving with them so close to Iacon." Sunstreaker stands at attention like a good soldier Firestone mutters to Firestar, "Your..." Sunstreaker says, "Sorry I'm late, just gathering some last bit of info on the Warrens." Perceptor glances to Kup hesitatingly. Silverbolt turns to Perceptor now. "How big is this...device, Perceptor?" Anna-Mecha woahs. "Hey, guys, this tank is jus' sittin' outside by itself. Ah think that guy likes ta sit in it, the one that shot at Ed- Grimmy. Will he continue to pester the Autobots? Stay tuned." Optimus Prime looks at Anna-Mecha. "Do not worry, it will be taken care of." Photon says, "Tanks?" He's nervous. "Tanks outside?"" Krystal looks at Perceptor. Anna-Mecha says, "Jus' one tank." Seaspray nods to Anna, having seen her earlier today. Firestar shrugs at Firestone, and speaks aloud, not really caring, "If Optimus *demoted* me, he has his reasons." Anna-Mecha says, "Can you spell One? O-N-E..." Firestone says, "Anyone seen those arty shells? Airdropped mines?" Optimus Prime turns to Hot Rod, "Gather a group to help with the tunnels, if you would. Those not going with Perceptor or Hot Rod come with me to "discuss" this situation with the Decetpicons." Perceptor says, "It is quite large...it covers his head, provided his head-laser is removed." Firestone says, "Drop two or three of them, and no problem." Optimus Prime ignores Firestar Anna-Mecha giggles. "Won't you please, won't you please...please wocha beeeee, mah neighbor." You say, "Yeah, where you been Photon? They've been bugging us with that thing for days now." He grimaces slightly. "Haven't been able to gang up enough on em to take it out." Firestone says, "He doesn't seem to remember it, Star." Optimus Prime turns and walks out of the room, having given his assignments. Perceptor says, "I may need some help carrying the Modifier..." Optimus Prime steps on the people-mover, and heads south into Iacon Base. Silverbolt nods. "More to the point, how many will it take to carry it, and still maintain some agility?" Photon says, "I've been on . . . sabatical. Thinking over my life. I've been gone for a while, and it takes some getting used to being back. With others." Firestar gets up weakly, "Perceptor, need help?" Kup steps on the people-mover, and heads south into Iacon Base. Anna-Mecha says, "Can Ah 'elp?" Hot Rod exhales heavily. "Okay then. Who's with me for the sneak attack?" Krystal says, "Hot Rod...?" Thunder looks to Hot Rod "You can count me in..." Silverbolt looks at Anna. "I'm sure Rodi..er Hot Rod, can find something, Anna." Sunstreaker says, "Count me in." Tripwire arrives on the people-mover from the Iacon Base. Seaspray stands, with his arms folded across his chest. Thunder grins as Sunny volunteers Photon says, "Uh, I'd be better for if we need a scout somewhere..." Whiz urrrks. Hot Rod glances sharply at Silverbolt but lets it pass. "Yeah, Krystal?" Anna-Mecha snickers. "Help me, Hot Rod...Help help me, Hot Rod," she sings. Dixie shakes his head. "I'll stay here for anything that happens here Tripwire comes in. Perceptor nods towards Silverbolt as he enters Kup's Office. Perceptor has left. Whiz says, "Great. So much for the united opposition front." Tripwire says gruffly, "Hey, everyone...what's up?" Thunder transmits a message via radio. Anna-Mecha quotes, "Get Met, it pays." Photon says, "Where'd Perceptor go?" Thunder says, "When do we leave, Rod??" Krystal clears her throat, and asks quietly, "Where....?" Silverbolt follows Perceptor. Thunder receives a radio transmission. Silverbolt has left. Sunstreaker shoots Thunder a what's so funny look. Seaspray gurgles, "And who is officially going? This is the initial omega mission, right?" Tripwire listens in, "Mission?" Dixie will be leaving now Photon says, "Whoa...when'd Optimus leave? You think he'd be easy to spot leaving..." Firestone says, "Awaiting orders, Hot Rod." Hot Rod counts off ticks on his fingers. "Omega, Trypticon, Darkmount, that slagging tank, you name it. We hit em hard. Tripwire says gruffly, "Any way I can be of assistance?" Seaspray gurgles, "then we all should be going..." Anna-Mecha pouts, her ears lowering. "Ah don't like the tank, sugah." Photon says, "Uh, is there any mission not requiring actuall hitting?" HE grins sheepishly. "It's not my strong suit." Dixie struggles to make his way out Thunder says, "Hot Rod...I think you should just pick the team...and I think you should do it now." Tripwire says gruffly, "I'll volunteer." Anna-Mecha says, "Ooh, we're playin' Basketball?" You say, "Krystal.. wherever you think you'd do the most good. I really don't know." Whiz mimics in a slightly mocking voice, "We're gonna hit em hard, we're gonna hit em hard..." Sunstreaker says, "Well Rod, lead the way, we're behind you...until the cannons come into picture." You say, "Okay, so I have Tripwire, Sunstreaker and Thunder." He looks sharply at Whiz. "Are you volunteering?" Whiz snorts. "You need *someone* there to try to keep you all from dying." Photon sighs. He's being ignored... Anna-Mecha quotes, "72 hours? Man, we're not gunna last 72 f***ing minutes! Game over, maaaahn, game over...." Whiz's face is very dark. You say, "Photon, go talk to Perceptor. He might have something for you with Omega." Sunstreaker grumbles at Whiz's comment "Let's get moving." Photon says, "We won't last a minute without Prime." Seaspray gurgles, "Why ISN'T Prime going?" Thunder says, "Yeah, I think Prime should come too...and he left already..so we should get going." Sunstreaker says, "That's why he's probably in there Photon, he's got some brilliant military strategy, like at the battle of Autobot City" Dixie turns from the door. "I lied. You guys need all the help you need. I'm in, though I dunno how much help I'll be." Whiz says, "I just want you all to take a time out and think about what we're doing. We're walking into the mouth of hell."" Tripwire pulls a box from subspace...looks like a bomb...and makes a few adjustments, sticking it back into subspace, "I'm all set." You say, "Prime's going topside. We're the covert team, get it? Let's go, guys." Whiz says, "If you're going, I'm going too, but we're all going to get trashed together." Tripwire says gruffly, "You got it, Rod." Anna-Mecha claps. "Can Ah be sneaky? Ah luuuuv bein' sneaky!!" Photon says, "Hey, I'd go into hell as long as I had a good leader..." Seaspray gurgles, "Hot Rod, should I go as well? As a distraction more than anything?" Sunstreaker says, "We're soldiers, we follow orders. Case closed" Anna-Mecha says, "Please? Can ah can ah can ah!?!?" Whiz shrugs and calls her railgun from subspace. Thunder grins "Lead the way, Rod..." Tripwire says gruffly, "We're gonna need a diversion. Anyone here do holos?" Sunstreaker charges his weapons systems. Photon checks to make sure his paintbomb is working. Seaspray gurgles, "If it means ending this war, I'd gladly go..." Krystal says, "Diversion, huh?" Anna-Mecha says, "Ah can do a good B. Cambell." Sunstreaker says, "We can discuss this on the way, let's get moving." Tripwire says gruffly, "Yeah...or I could sneak someplace, set a bomb, and send them running that way." Sunstreaker seems a tad bit overeager to trash some cons. Krystal transmits a message via radio. Photon turns on his reaction-sprayer, sending a little purple paint against the far wall. Hot Rod nods to Sunstreaker. "Yeah, let's move." Anna-Mecha says, ""Alright you primitive screwheads, listen up..." She pulls her blaster out. "See this? This...is my BOOMSTICK!!! Double- barreled Remington. S-Mart's top of the line. You can find this in the sportings goods department. That's right, this baby was made in Grand Rapids Michigan...retails for about 189.95... walnut stock, cobalt steel, and a hair trigger. That's right, shop smart. Shop S-Mart....YOU GOT THAT???" Dixie pulls his shotgun fron subspace and promptly does that bolt- clicking-thing. Hot Rod turns and heads for the door. "Everyone on the covert operation, with me. You want in on the main assault, talk to Optimus." Thunder pulls out two of his swords. "Sunny's right, let's go." Firestar starts to get up, "Rod, what can I do to help? Krystal receives a radio transmission from Perceptor. Tripwire follows Rod. Sunstreaker says, "You can come with us, let's go" Photon says, "I'm with you, Rod. I'd rather be with Optimus, but I'm no good in a stand-up fight." Photon mutters "In any fight, really..." Anna-Mecha follows after Rod. "Cool, Ah'll go with lil' Roddy mouse!" Krystal transmits a message via radio. Photon pauses. Roddy mouse? Sunstreaker says, "Nuff chat, time for action" Tripwire says gruffly, "I agree. Let's go!" Thunder says, "If Prime is alone...perhaps I should go with him??" Photon says, "He's with Kup." Krystal receives a radio transmission. Firestar coughs heavily, spitting up a bit of energon. Thunder steps on the people-mover, and heads south into Iacon Base. Sunstreaker says, "And Prime can take care of himself, he can take on 5 cons at once." Hot Rod fixes Photon with an even look, then sweeps the rest of the room. "Look. Go where you want to be. I only want people with me who want to be on this job. It's not gonna be nice." Anna-Mecha glances at Firestar. "ewwww." Photon says, "Or one _big_ 'Con..." Anna-Mecha puts on a pair of shades. "ah'm not nice, see? Ah'm baaaaad." Sunstreaker becomes even more impatient and stamps his foot up and down Firestar says, "Rod...I'm coming, Ive had the most experience, with...Omega..." Seaspray gurgles, "C'mon autobots, lets get this over with!" You say, "Then go find Perceptor. We're going underground." Anna-Mecha should get a larger non-human size pair. Sunstreaker says, "Let's rock!!" Photon looks at Hot Rod. The last time he was on Cybertron, Rodimus Prime was sending him out on his first mission. "I stay with you. What I want doesn't matter, it's where I can help most." Tripwire says gruffly, "Yeah, lets go already!" Whiz says, "I'm not going with *him*, that's for sure." Perceptor has arrived. Silverbolt has arrived. Silverbolt walks into the room. Sunstreaker gets ready to transform as soon as Hot Rod does. Thunder arrives on the people-mover from the Iacon Base. Silverbolt is carrying something with him, that thing Perceptor described. Photon says, "What we do today . . . we do in the name of peace for all Cybertron." Hot Rod nods shortly and ducks (ducks, *again*) through the doorway to the south. Thunder says, "Prime will be okay, let's go." Perceptor stands as tall as he can and says, "I will need a lot of firepower and wits for this mission." You step on the people-mover, and head south through the tube into the Base. Central Hallway - New Iacon Base Firestone lowers into herself, folding into a large black '59 hovercaddy. Sunstreaker quickly and swiftly transforms down into his sleak racecar mode. A yellow countach is now replacing his robot form near you! Anna-Mecha says, "This is a lotta people fer a sneaky thingy." Thunder transmits a message via radio to Photon. Photon receives a radio transmission. Anna-Mecha creepcreepcreeps. Tripwire says gruffly, "We need ta split up into squads." HoverCadillac says, "Rod, gimmie orders." Anna-Mecha creepcreepcreeps after Hot Rod. Seaspray falls backwards into his hovercraft mode. Tripwire says gruffly, "We also need someone ta scout ahead. Anyone here fast, quiet, or can be invis?" Sky Lynx says, "What's going on chaps?" You say, "Orders? What orders? Do you see Decepticons here?" You say, "We're going tunnelling, Sky Lynx." Photon says, "No, that's why he needs orders..." Hovercraft gurgles, "I'm quiet and small..." Firestar arrives on the people-mover from the Main Commissary. HoverCadillac says, "Can I have a different squad?" Sky Lynx hmms, "Not really made for digging I'm afraid." HoverCadillac says, "I'm fast, but loud." Tripwire goes over to Rod, "Look, I got a plan...." Anna-Mecha mutters to Tripwire, "... yer... can't... all..." HoverCadillac HoverCadillac falls in step behind Perceptor. Krystal transmits a message via radio to Perceptor. Perceptor receives a radio transmission. Firestar heads east. Alone. HoverCadillac says, "Perceptor, I'll go with you." Tripwire may be blinking at that, you can't tell behind his visor. You say, "Go wherever you think you'll do the most good. We're leaving now. Take a while to tunnel up to Polyhex." Photon says, "I have a bad feeling about this..." Perceptor says, "Firestone, I will need your assistance." HoverCadillac says, "Sis, behave." Firestar steps on the Grav-Lift, and is whisked down into the tunnel. Whiz mutters darkly, "Of course you have a bad feeling about hthis." Perceptor nods to Firestone, then to Krystal, "Very well, then, your abilities will be of much benefit." Sky Lynx taps his claws, "but I don;t know what's going on ... " Tripwire says gruffly, "Anyway...Rod, I think me and some other people should run a raid somplace to get their attention, then while they're busy, you guys move in..." Photon says, "Where's Mischief? She'd be good on a covert op." Yellow-Countach says, "You'll find out soon enough, we gotta get underway." Tripwire says gruffly, "Yeah, Mischief! Is she better yet?" Thunder says, "Who wants me??" Yellow-Countach roars his engine and beeps his horn Tripwire says gruffly, "She has holos." Perceptor looks up to Sky Lynx, "I may need your aide in the operation upon Omega Supreme." You say, "Prime's coordinating it, trust his tactical experience, huh?" Silverbolt says, "Sky Lynx, we're launching an assualt and..rescue if you want to call it that."" Krystal says, "Rod..." Photon says, "I can't reach her on radio. Where is she?" Sky Lynx narrows his optics at Sunstreak Thunder transmits a message via radio. Perceptor frowns towards the Countach, "These situations are not to be rushed, my friend." Hovercraft sighs. "Mischief is no longer on Cybertron...." And that's all he says.. HoverCadillac says, "Junkion?" Tripwire says gruffly, "You mean she's not back yet?" Sky Lynx looks to Silverbolt, "Please fill me in." Photon says, "Where is she?" He's concerned about one of his few friends. "She okay?" Silverbolt speaking of Mischief. "I don't think she is coming back" Hovercraft looks grim. "I don't think she plans on coming back..." Yellow-Countach says, "Yeah, well if we don't hurry Decepticon Recon is gonna learn of this little operation" Tripwire says gruffly, "Okay, who's with me?" HoverCadillac says, "She'll be back. Trust me." Photon says, "With the noise we're making? No doubt..." Silverbolt walks over to Sky Lynx. Perceptor nods to Silverbolt. Whiz grumbles, "... dead anyway...." You say, "Settle it amongst yourselves, guys. I'm leaving." Photon remembers something. You head back out through the massive gates. Gates of New Iacon Hot Rod transforms into what can only be called a high-tech, flaming.. car. Tripwire dives low to the ground, transforming into a Hum-vee. Photon takes a small leap and changes into his bike form, engine reving. Thunder jumps into the air and there he stays as the mighty propellers let him take flight in the form of a helicopter. Whiz's body buckles as she folds down into an aerodynamic airskimmer. Dixie throws his shot gun into the air while springing off the ground and instantly his legs fold up onto his back and his arms pull into his body while the cab settles down over his head and the shot gun lands gently in a holder in front of the rear window. Hum-vee says gruffly, "Alright. I'm with covert ops. Who's with me?" Race Bike says, "Ready, Rodim....Hot Rod." Airskimmer hovers above the ground, occasionaly jerking violently as her jets emit sudden bursts. Race Bike says, "Covert ops? WHo do I follow here?" Anna-Mecha transmits a message via radio. Flaming Car says, "You think you're gonna make it there, Whiz?" a slight note of amusement creeping into his voice. Anna-Mecha receives a radio transmission. Anna-Mecha transmits a message via radio. Airskimmer says, "I have as good a chance as anyone, just don't ask me how I plan to brake." Yellow-Countach says, "Let's get this show on the road" Race Bike says, "Can we get any assistance form the Junks or Vilnas?" Anna-Mecha receives a radio transmission. Airskimmer says, "Not without alerting the whole *world*." You say, "If you can raise them, great." Race Bike says, "Oh, yeah..." Yellow-Countach says, "No, the Vilnacronians will probably never condone allying themselves with us, they wanna stay neutral in this war." Thunder says, "If we're gonna strike...let's do it now before the Cons find out" Flaming Car heads out. "Let's get this show on the road." Anna-Mecha receives a radio transmission. Anna-Mecha transmits a message via radio. Hum-vee says gruffly, "I'm with you, Rod" Anna-Mecha receives a radio transmission. Yellow-Countach roars his engine loudly once again. You move south... You head southward toward the tunnel... Race Bike solemnly says "Through the valley of death drove the Autobots, not knowing whence they would survive to." Airskimmer says, "Nice thought." Transmission from Krystal: Roddy....you know my instincts on this....radio us, PLEASE...if there's trouble. Hum-vee says gruffly, "Hey, what kinda talk is that? We're gonna kick those decepticons back ta charr!" Race Bike says, "Thanks you." Airskimmer says, "Just nobody say I didn't warn you." You transmit a message to Krystal: Absolutely. Well, provided out radios don't get knocked out deeper down.. Race Bike says, "We don't need warning." Yellow-Countach says, "We're gonna kick their afts, nuff said." Race Bike says, "We know what's gonna happen if something goes wrong." Flaming Car turns and heads eastward, avoiding the tank. Thunder grins "Let's go get us some Cons..." Airskimmer says, "True, nobody will be around to say "I told you so" to." Yellow-Countach says, "A hunting we will go, oh a hunting we will go" You say, "Nothing's gonna go wrong. Come on guys, Optimus is coordinating this thing. If nothing else he's one helluva tactician." Yellow-Countach says, "Agreed, let's keep the morale high for this voyage." Thunder transmits a message via radio. Hum-vee says gruffly, "I still think we should split up. We're too easily noticable this way." Thunder receives a radio transmission from Optimus Prime. You move eastward. You move east... Outside Memorial Spaceport Airskimmer suddenly bobs upward and careens to the right before she gets herself back in control. Yellow-Countach says, "No time, they've probably caught up already" You say, "We're just heading to Crystal City. Nothing terribly unusual about that." Race Bike says, "En masse though?" Airskimmer says, "Who would suspect an fighting force with me in it?" Hum-vee says gruffly, "Why, any decepticon flying overhead will see us and say, well what do you know, and blow the whistle, and we'd be toast before we even started." Transmission from Krystal: All right... I'll try and keep a monitor on the underground progress.... Flaming Car chuckles, "Yeah, Whiz is our cover." Transmission from Optimus Prime: What is your progress? You move east to the New Cybertron Highway... New Cybertron Highway Airskimmer drolls, "I dont' suppose anyone could be monitoring our radio signals." Thunder says, "Is Optimus okay??"" You transmit a message to Optimus Prime: Enroute to Crystal City now. You say, "Course he's okay, why wouldn't he be?" Race Bike says, "Oh, no, no one would be listening in on your vital communications...." Yellow-Countach says, "Just worry about the Cons he's probably trashed already" Airskimmer mutters to herself, "... *dead*" You move east... Vestral Overpass Race Bike mutters to Airskimmer, "... and..." Thunder transmits a message via radio. Flaming Car swerves a bit closer to Whiz, recklessly. "Listen. No one's gonna die. Quit talking like that." Airskimmer says, "Actually, for the information of all concerned, I was saying that the reason Optimus couldn't be okay is because he's dead."" Yellow-Countach says, "He doesn't die easy, trust me." Airskimmer bobs slightly, easily avoiding Hot Rod. Flaming Car pulls away from Whiz again, sighing. You move east to the Koriolis Desert... Koriolis Desert Thunder receives a radio transmission. Thunder looks around "Where the heck is Lynx?" Airskimmer hehs. "Well, Rodimus, you asked." Race Bike says, "Uh...flying overhead, cover for if 'Cons fly nearby?" You say, "Why would Sky Lynx be with us, he can't even fit underground." You say, "And quit calling me that, Whiz." You distinctly suspect you hear chuckling under the sound of Whiz's shooshing engines. Race Bike would toss a paintbomb at Sunstreaker, but he's in too grim a mindset right now. You move east to the New Cybertron Highway - Far East... You move south to the The Highroad... You move south to the Gates of Crystal City... Gates of Crystal City Airskimmer says, "2. 4.. 6.. 8.. Who do we appreciate? Autobots, Autobots, goooo, Autobots." Race Bike says, "I don't know but I been told..." Airskimmer says, "Don't say I never did anything for morale." Race Bike says, "Optimus is mighty bold." Flaming Car chuckles despite himself. "Yeah, you just sit in the background and cheerlead for us.." Race Bike says, "I don't know but it's been said..." Yellow-Countach says, "I KNOW" Carefully walking through some debris, you step into the famed and deserted Crystal City. Palace of Diamonds Race Bike says, "Darkmount is as good as dead." Airskimmer says, "Optimus is mighty dead." Race Bike says, "Sound off!" Airskimmer laughs louder this time. Hot Rod shifts into robot mode. Yellow-Countach says, "Optimus is mighty tough, he'll live." The motorcycle lurches into the air and twists to become Photon! Airskimmer says, "One, two!" The airskimmer unfolds into the female Autobot Whiz, who looks around without much interest. The hovercraft elongates and rear's up into Seaspray's robot mode. For no apparent reason Dixie jumps into the air and in the blink of an eye, the cap folds down, his arms pop out and his legs fold out form off his back. Dixie lands on his feet with the grace of a hippo, while still trying to get the knack of transforming. Photon smacks Whiz. "Don't say that, you little piece of scrap metal." As the propellers bend and the cockpit folds, an autobot is beginning to take shape. A propeller which is used as a sword falls into Thunder's hands and he is ready for anything. Yellow-Countach says, "And take a ton of cons with him, I saw him kick aft like you wouldn't believe it at Autobot City." The beautiful yellow countach before you emits a strange noise. In the blink of an eye it changes from a slick sportscar to a tall robot. Dramatically you notice the head arises slowly last, and the Autobot Sunstreaker stands before you! Whiz bats at Photon. "I know better than anybody, okay?" Hot Rod takes a quick glance around. "See? No Cons. Told you." Whiz continues the marching song. "Once again!" Photon shrugs away from Whiz and brings his hands up reflexively. Cybertron slowly revolves around its axis, beginning a new diurnal cycle. Above in the sky, the twinkling beacon of nearby Sol sets over the western hemisphere and becomes visible at the Istoral Trench and the rest of the eastern hemisphere. Hot Rod turns and heads down a side street toward the market district. Thunder says, "Then let's go...and kick some Con aft!!" Photon says, "Let Final Kombat begin!" You enter the bustling market district Market District Obvious exits: West leads to Palace of Diamonds. Hospital Abandoned Building Photon re-checks his laser. Whiz sings, "I wish I was a little bar of soap... bar of soap.. oh I wish I was a little bar of soap... bar of soap..." Sunstreaker says, "We better hurry, the night has come. May Primus favour the foolish." Thunder grips the two swords tightly in his hands. The Hum-vee transforms, standing up, into the Autobot Tripwire. Photon says, "Been living most out lives / living in a 'Con's paradise." Hot Rod taps the side of his head. "Fortunately, I still have those directions FX gave me to Straxus' tomb, so finding Skymount and a way up to Darkmount shouldn't be too hard." Tripwire pulls out his energy bolt gun and cocks it, "Ready, Rod." Whiz stops singing her Girls Scouts songs when nobody else joins. "You guys are no fun." Tripwire chuckles Photon says, "It's not a tie for fun, Whiz." Whiz says, "Well, heck, we might as well spend our last few moments well."" Hot Rod pauses in the doorway of the abandoned building. "Guys.. before we go down. Look, maybe this sounds silly, but it's gonna come off fine. Really. You may not trust Optimus, but if nothing else I trust his battle sense. So don't worry." Photon says, "I trust him. I'd follow him to Quintessa and back." Tripwire says gruffly, "Well put, Rod." Seaspray nods. Tripwire says gruffly, "Now. Let's kick some aft." Photon says, "And even without the Matrix, I trust you as well." Sunstreaker says, "I trust Optimus, sir. This unit is going nowhere but victory. Onward into the night and terror befall those wretched Cons!" Tripwire grins and grips his bolt gun. Whiz salute. "Oh captain my captain." Thunder grins and grips tighter on his swords "We believe Rod.." Hot Rod chuckles. "Let's go." You enter the darkness of the abandoned building... Abandoned Building Obvious exits: leads to Market District. Dark Passageway Tripwire raises a battle cry, "Till all are one!" Photon says, "We are the Bots / We are the future . . ." Photon shouts "Till all are one! Seaspray gurgles, "till all are one!" Sunstreaker says, "Til all are one!!" Photon draws his pistol and curls both hands around the handle to steady it. Whiz says, "Till all are upgraded!" Hot Rod pulls aside a pile of junk metal to clear the entrance to the catacombs.. "Till all are one, yeah..." Tripwire may be raising an eyebrow at that, you can't tell behind his visor. Hot Rod ducks into the tunnel. Hidden Passageway Photon says, "I wish I'd had time to train some..." Sunstreaker says, "Til I find some scrap to stuff in yer wretched mouth, shut the hell up!" Thunder looks around at his fellow Autobots and whispers "...till all are one..." Sunstreaker says, "If you think that we're all gonna die Whiz, turn back now and be a coward in the eyes of your fellow Autobots" Whiz ooos. "How much fighting were *you* doing in tunnels while you were vacationing on Terra with *Optimus Prime*?" Hot Rod looks blankly at Whiz, barely visible as a dim outline in the passage. "Huh?" Whiz snaps back at Sunstreaker. Sunstreaker says, "Do we need some light?" You say, "Just follow the right-hand wall, you'll be fine." Thunder transmits a message via radio. Tripwire looks around the area. It's amazing he can even see through that visor. You say, "Right up here..." Photon says, "Well, I'm following you, Rod." You step toward the light. Underground Chamber Seaspray tries to keep his big feet against the wall Tripwire edges along the wall. Whiz lowers an infra-visor over her optics and sets her mouthin in a tight line, her whole attitude changing as she moves deeper into the tunnel. Thunder whispers, "I ain't good at this kind of covert stuff...maybe I should go up top??" Sunstreaker falls behind slightly, trying to stay in the middle of the group. He arms his rocket launcher and looks around alot. He seems to be protecting his friends Whiz crouches and moves her feet in a dragging shuffle instead of a tappig step, holding her railgun cradled defensively in her arms, and basically moving like a tunnel-rat. Photon crouches by the enterance. "Are we going or not? If I'm gonna die, I wanna get it over with. If not, I wanna do some damage. If this goes off right, then we may finally have a good shot at peace. Hot Rod walks decisively over to a grate in the floor and pulls it clear. He glances back at Thunder's muttered comment, "Don't worry about it.. we'll need some firepower on our side, too." Dixie just quietly follows Sunstreaker says, "I got plenty of firepower right here, let the Cons come and get a peice of me" Thunder grins at Rod "Okay...then I'm with you." Hot Rod sits down on the edge of the hole. "Just drop down, it's not that far.." and slides down the black shaft. Photon says, "Actually, I think we want to Cons to stay _away_ until we are inside, rihgt?" You move downward to the Catacombs Within Cybertron... Catacombs Within Cybertron The tunnels of Cybertron's catacombs are an endless maze of twists and turns, swallowing light and your sense of direction simultaneously. Chambers both small and large branch off the tunnels, concealing who knows what artifacts and creatures. Obvious exits: Dark Passage leads to Reservoir. Up leads to Underground Chamber. A small swarm of Turbo-Rats scurry by. Whiz suddenly sees a rat out of the corner of her eye and YELLS! Photon says, "I-I never been here before..." Whiz says, "Kill it!" Hot Rod jumps. "What??" Whiz sends a bolt right through the rat's body. Photon says, "Relax, it's a rat. Don't kill them!" Tripwire says gruffly, "Watch it! Hey, it's only a turbo-rat..." Seaspray gurgles, "was that necessary?" Whiz shudders. "Rats....." Hot Rod looks around wildly, startling at Whiz's shot. "Take it easy. It's just a turborat." Thunder laughs at Whiz "Easy...it's just a rat..." Photon stands up to Whiz (all 7 feet of him). "That was a living being you killed for no reason!" Whiz just repeats, "Rats...." Whiz says, "Anything else.... fine... but rats...." Hot Rod waves a hand at Photon. "We don't need to argue about that now. C'mon guys, this way.." You move east to the Reservoir... Reservoir Obvious exits: Dark Passage Grate Photon says, "They're fine. You shoulda seen the Flar, on the planet I was scouting . . ." he drops off, his optics clouding up. Sunstreaker says, "There's the grate, almost there." Sunstreaker says, "Brace yourselves, I believe this is the wet part?" More Turbo-rats scurry by. Whiz hakes her head, clearing it from the fear that chokes her at the idea of rats. Seaspray grins under his face panel. You say, "Yeah.. someone want to electrify the water first, give those eel-things in there a shock so they won't bother us?" Whiz eeeks and climbs halfway up the wall. Photon whishes he had an energon snack to toss to the rats. Tripwire says gruffly, "Whiz, if ya want, I'll carry ya." Photon says, "So much like the Flar..." Tripwire grumbles a bit. Whiz says, "No...." Sunstreaker reads the expression on Photon's face and tosses him a box marked Cybertronian Energy Goodies, Yum Yum Yum. Whiz decides to hover above them to avoid them all toghether. Photon smiles and takes a chip, tossing it to the rats. "Here ya go, guys." Dixie ignores everyone, lost in thought. Whiz's body buckles as she folds down into an aerodynamic airskimmer. Sunstreaker makes way for Whiz. Airskimmer hits the jets and flies up toward the ceiling, carefully avoiding the rats. Sunstreaker says, "Just watch where you are driving." Thunder stands emotionless in the tunnel "Let's do this..." A turbo-rat crawls out of an orfice in the ceiling and drops down. Seaspray falls backwards into his hovercraft mode. Photon pets the rat while giving it an energon chip. Airskimmer careens forward as the squeaking thing flies by her. Airskimmer says, "Can we just get out of here????" Hot Rod shrugs and kneels by the water's edge, blasting several sharp pulses of electrified energy into the reservoir from his arm cannons, a faint bluish haze spreading out over the surface. A few odd ripples mar the otherwise quiet surface, then all falls still again. Photon hmms. Sunstreaker says, "Seeing things Rod?" Photon says, "I think I am too..." Tripwire jolts briefly as the elecricity hits his foot, which was in the water, "Hey, watch it!" Hovercraft gurgles, "C'mon..." Sunstreaker says, "Don't worry, I got you guys covered. Let me do the seeing" You say, "Nope. I *know* there's somthing in there. Hadda pull one off me last time I was down here. C'mon, let's hurry before they shake that stun off." Airskimmer says, "He *told* you he was doing it for the eels, you guys should listen." Sunstreaker stands still "Oh damn, transorganics." Photon says, "I didn't hear that...I thought .. . never mind." Hot Rod wades into the oily sludge and heads for one of the pipes at the far end of the reservoir. Sunstreaker says, "Everyone, grab your weapons, there are these creatures here that scare the hell out of the mightiest Decepticon!" Photon follows. Dixie wades thru the sludge. Hovercraft is following Rod. Tripwire sets his bolt gun to maximum power and grips it tightly. Hot Rod hauls himself over the lip of the pipe and crawls inside. You sink down to the bottom of the reservoir and find a pipe leading off to the side. Entering it, you find yourself briefly pulled along until the current deposits you into a large glass tube... Glass Tube Obvious exits: South leads to Observation Chamber. Pipe The hovercraft elongates and rear's up into Seaspray's robot mode. Seaspray looks around. Airskimmer gets away from the rats and decides to unfold into robot mode. The airskimmer unfolds into the female Autobot Whiz, who looks around without much interest. Hot Rod shakes some of the residue off his hands resignedly and points along the tunnel. "This way." You move south to the Observation Chamber... Observation Chamber This globular glass-walled chamber is positioned directly in front of some sort of massive structure just outside the walls, ideally placed for observing its functioning. A glass deck bisects the chamber in half vertically, and the lubricant rivulet from the glass tube runs down into the lower half. Looking down, you can see several tubes leading from the outer walls to the structure, feeding lubricant to the cylindrical form. On closer inspection, the structure appears to be some sort of massive piston. A hinged panel on the upper half permits closer inspection of the object, although only on a very precarious ledge. Contents: Dixie, Whiz, Tripwire, Thunder, Photon, Seaspray, Sunstreaker Obvious exits: North leads to Glass Tube. Panel Thunder transmits a message via radio. Hovercraft gurgles, "Let's go!" Whiz says, "Let's keep moving." Tripwire looks this way and that, keeping an eye out for trouble. Thunder receives a radio transmission from Side Kick. Whiz drops into a crouch and starts mocing with that pecuiliar walk again. Photon mutters to Thunder, "... G " Hot Rod pauses by the access hatch to the outside. "Okay, there's a narrow ledge out here. Be careful. You'll have to jump down to get where we're headed, but if you're ready for it, it's not that bad." You push open the hinged panel and step out onto the ledge. Ledge Obvious exits: Panel Thunder transmits a message via radio. Photon says, "Right. Not so bad..." Thunder receives a radio transmission. A flicker of light suddenly catches your eye from further out in the darkness. If you 'lean' out, you might be able to see the source illuminated in the next flash. Hot Rod glances over at Photon, smiling reassuringly. "Really. Don't worry about it. I've done this lots of times." Whiz blinks. "What was that?" Dixie just barely makes the ledge, rocking on the edge Photon says, "Oh, now I feel better. Really." Hot Rod glances down and draws a quick breath. "Some old subsystem out there somewhere, I guess, Whiz. ...Geronimo!" Thunder receives a radio transmission. Dixie flinches at the light Leaning out, you lose your foothold on the ledge and suddenly find yourself falling through the impenetrable blackness... You find yourself hoping the landing isn't too hard when you suddenly hit the ground. Featureless Plain Obvious exits: South Fly North The hovercraft elongates and rears up into Seaspray's robot mode. Photon says, "Where are we?" Tripwire looks around as he hops down. Photon looks around in awe. Dixie looks around Thunder receives a radio transmission. Seaspray gurgles, "Hmmm....." Whiz ooofs! Photon says, "I've spent so much time scouting other worlds, but I've never seen this part of my own . . ." You say, "See? Told ya it wasn't that bad. Where we are is WAY underneath Cybertron. It gets a lot deeper than we're going, though. All the way to the core..." Whiz nods darkly. Photon says, "The core . . ." He trails off. "Oh." Thunder tries to intake his new surroundings as quickly as he can. Dixie stares at Rod. "Eh?" is all he can get out. Seaspray gurgles, "Wow......" Whiz says quietly, "This isn't the nicest place to visit." Thunder says, "How much farther Rod??" Photon says, "It's beautiful..." Tripwire says gruffly, "Eh, it's not all that bad." Hot Rod puts a hand on Photon's shoulder and walks beside him for a bit, heading northward toward the glowing pillar in the distance. "Don't worry, gonna come outta this fine." Thunder starts to feel a little uncomfortable. Photon says, "I hope so . . . sir." Seaspray gurgles, "c'mon... we can't stand in one place forever..." You say, "Just down one more level and through some tunnels, Tripwire. I know the route -- been down in the area before and FX gave me his map." Whiz is looking more and more comfortable down here as she goes deeper. Dixie shakes his head, clearing it. "Well, I must say this is better than med-bay." with some amusement and wonder in his voice You move across the plain towards the north. Molten Waterfall Obvious exits: Hole South Tripwire says gruffly, "This place could give us a big tactical advantage if we could secure it." Thunder mutters something to Hot Rod. Seaspray gurgles, "Down the hole?" Tripwire looks down the hole. Thunder mutters to Hot Rod, "... I... ain't..." Thunder whispers "I know I seem anxious...but I ain't been in many fights before." Tripwire says gruffly, "You sure it's safe, Rod?" Dixie moans Hot Rod releases Photon's shoulder and nods to Seaspray. "Yeah. Warning, guys: There's a lot of slagged and molten metal in the first room -- be careful to avoid it. Stuff's HOT." Whiz says, "There's nothing down here to hurt us until we get to Darkmount, Photon." Hot Rod mutters to Thunder, "... know.... about it,..." You whisper "I know. Don't worry about it, everyone's gotta start somewhere." to Thunder. Photon takes a deep breath. "Yeah. Until Darkmount." Thunder begins to feel a little more assured and follows Hot Rod You manage to climb down the ragged-edged hole, carefully avoiding the magma waterfalling into the room below. Catacomb Room Contents: Small Drone Obvious exits: Hole Sliding Door Sliding Door Seaspray gurgles, "A drone?" Tripwire drops down and looks around, swinging his bolt gun back and forth. Photon says, "If that metal's from the Istoral . . . will there by Preds here or something?" Small Drone creates a duplicate of itself, which begins to work alongside it. Photon says, "Huh?" You say, "Not this deep, I don't think." Small Drone wobbles around looking for building materials. Small Drone pokes around the area with its long extended arms. Seaspray gurgles, "Wha?" Small Drone creates a duplicate of itself, which begins to work alongside it. Tripwire says gruffly, "What the charr?" Thunder thinks to himself "I wonder if they will write this mission in the computer logs, as the brave soldiers that infiltrated Iacon." Dixie says, "Woah." Whiz waves a railgun at it. "Seen those before. They're harmless unless they think you're scrap metal." Small Drone pokes around the area with its long extended arms. Small Drone begins work on a new project, a Flame-Retardant Foam Sprinkler System. Hot Rod shakes his head at the drones and toes one out of the way as he heads for the west door. Seaspray gurgles, "I saw this movie on earth once.. where these creatures multiplied..." Small Drone pokes around the area with its long extended arms. Photon shields Whiz from the drones, then decides to let them have the thing. Tripwire says gruffly, "Yeah, spray? what happened?" Small Drone wobbles around looking for building materials. Seaspray gurgles, "well... when one jumped in a pool.. and the water made them multiply.. and they nearly destroyed a terran city..." Small Drone completes work on its current project and starts rattling along looking for more building work to do. Small Drone wobbles along in search of more building materials. Small Drone manages to avoid the magma flow to climb up through a hole in the ceiling. After pressing the button on the control panel, the door jerkily opens and you move west. Catacomb Room Obvious exits: Central Lift Sliding Door Sliding Door Sliding Door Whiz says, "Gremlins, that Gizmo was sooo cute." Photon says, "What's a Gizmo?" Tripwire chuckles. Thunder looks at all the doors "Which one Rod??" Seaspray gurgles, "It's from an old earth movie..." Whiz says, "The creature from the movie." Photon realizes he's still holding his laser, and holsters it." Photon says, "Oh." Hot Rod gives the place a cursory glance and heads toward the elevator shaft. "Down here. Keep your eyes peeled, guys. Transorganics down here." Tripwire says gruffly, "Aren't Gremlins supposed to be beings that tear apart machinery?" Photon draws his laser again. Seaspray gurgles, "And when the human feeds one of them after midnight, the fuzzy creatures turned into scaley evil creatures.." Thunder twirls one of the swords in his hand. Whiz moves closer to Hot Rod and mutters, She mutters to Hot Rod, "... of the... seen... a..." You sense Whiz moves closer to Hot Rod and mutters, "Yeah, you brought some of the best tunnel fighters I've seen in a *long* time." Sunstreaker says, "We almost there?" You say, "Pretty close now." You pass through the door to the lift and climb down the ladder. Catacomb Room Contents: Drone Containment Unit Obvious exits: Central Lift Sliding Door Sliding Door Photon says, "What's this place used for?" Tripwire says gruffly, "Beats me." Hot Rod points toward the cabinet as he heads directly north. "Secret passage behind that to the core of Cybertron. But we don't need to go all the way down there." Thunder transmits a message via radio. After pressing the button on the control panel, the door jerkily opens and you move north. Catacomb Room Contents: Small Drone, Small Drone Obvious exits: Sliding Door Sliding Door Sliding Door Thunder receives a radio transmission. Small Drone pokes around the area with its long extended arms. Small Drone wobbles along in search of more building materials. Tripwire says gruffly, "This place is a mess." Thunder transmits a message via radio. Photon fiddles with the controls of a retrieval station. Thunder says, "Rod...do we attack even if they do not fire first??" Small Drone wobbles along in search of more building materials. Small Drone presses the button on the control panel, the door jerkily opens and it moves south. Photon says, "What the Charr..." You say, "Yeah, no kidding. Just an old computer storage chamber. This is an assault, Thunder, so... yeah. I guess." Seaspray gurgles, "Hm..?" Small Drone wobbles along in search of more building materials. Sunstreaker looks around. Tripwire fiddles with the controls of a retrieval station. Photon says, "Gee, don't _all_ do what I do..." Transmission from Optimus Prime: How are you holding out? Hot Rod punches the control pad by the west door a few times until it sliding gratingly open. Photon says, "What's the story topside, Rod?" Whiz says, "Quit playing around, do you want to attract the attention of everyone around here?" Sunstreaker says, "Yeah, do what I do if ya don't want to get slagged alive." Seaspray gurgles, "It worked.." Small Drone wobbles around looking for building materials. You transmit a message to Optimus Prime: We're almost to Straxus' tomb. You guys? After pressing the button on the control panel, the door jerkily opens and you move west. Catacomb Room By the dim light coming from above, you see piles and piles of ripped and shredded parts, almost all the metal missing from them. Many of these seem to be Transformer limbs, deformed and apparently melted. The walls are not only warped, but are deeply scored and show signs of corrosion as well. In fact, everything in here shows signs of corrosion. There are puddles of some unpleasant fluid everywhere, strongly reminiscent of Blot. Your olfactory sensors pick up a stinging, acrid odor. Your optics start to sting as well. Something tells you this is not a nice place to be, and things are about to get worse. Did you hear something moving in the shadows? Contents: Small Drone, Small Drone, Small Drone Obvious exits: Sliding Door Sliding Door Hole Sliding Door Tripwire says gruffly, "Well, if ya didn't notice, there's no one else here but us!" Small Drone wobbles along in search of more building materials. Small Drone wobbles around looking for building materials. Transmission from Optimus Prime: We chased Vortex and Gridlock all the way to the Warrens. One less Decepticon to worry about Small Drone wobbles around looking for building materials. Hot Rod checks his internal map. "Straight west, now." Small Drone pokes around the area with its long extended arms. Tripwire watches the drones clatter around. After pressing the button on the control panel, the door jerkily opens and you move west. Catacomb Room Heavy machinery lines the west wall of this large rectangular room. Looking closer, you can see that this was a power station of some kind. The machines are huge turbines, most ruptured or crumpled from what may have been an internal explosion. Oddly enough, one of the turbines still functions, providing the little power this area has. In the ceiling in the center of the room is a large vent. Flashing lights from the status readouts on the last operating turbine provide the only lighting here. Like most of these rooms, the walls are warped from the tremendous weight. Many of the turbines have been partly crushed by the buckling walls, but at least they keep the ceiling up. Obvious exits: Sliding Door Sliding Door On one of the walls, you notice a strangely bright plaque on the wall, bearing a Decepticon symbol upon it. Whiz's optics narrow. Photon says, "I think . . . we're here." Thunder looks around..."What now??" Photon resists the urge to paint-spray the 'Con symbol. Seaspray gurgles, "What was your first clue?" Dixie stares at the plaque. Whiz says, "No... too old. Skymount?" Hot Rod nods solemnly. "Yeah. We're under Darkmount now." Tripwire says gruffly, "Huh. You know." Photon says, "There's only one exit..." Whiz says, "The less noise, the better. Things echo in these tunnels." Hot Rod waves a hand southward. "Rest of Skymount's this way, I think." Tripwire says gruffly, "I wish i had more detailed plans of this area. Might be possible to wire up explosives down here to collapse all of darkmount..." Hot Rod nods. "Keep the chatter down as much as possible." Catacomb Room This was obviously a communications center of some kind. The room is mostly filled with ancient computers, their monitors shattered and their cases blackened by some massive power surge. Delicate and intricate sensor stations, both short and long-range, line the west wall. One station seems like it's still operational... it's receiving readings from a long-range sensor. According to the coordinates, the sensor is broadcasting a nice rockscape from the Midoran Asteroid Field. The east wall has the specialized receivers for picking up the faintest signals from near and far. None of this especially vulnerable equipment survived the power surge; its components have been fused. The walls are holding up fairly well here, only slightly crumpled from the tremendous weight above. Obvious exits: Sliding Door Sliding Door Thunder nods in agreement Photon says, "Right. Rig for silent running." Tripwire quiets down. Hot Rod picks his way through the debris and heads for the south door. After pressing the button on the control panel, the door jerkily opens and you move south. Ruins of Skymount - Command Center This large, circular room was obviously once a technological nerve center of sorts. Banks upon banks of ancient computer terminals ring the room, cracked and broken monitors glaring down on the central dais like blank, staring eyes. The floor is marred by numerous deep scars and gouges; steel plating hangs raggedly from the sagging walls, leaving large gaps in the armor. Altogether not a terribly impressive sight. Giving the scarred floor a second glance, you can barely make out an extremely faded, worn Decepticon symbol. Obvious exits: Blast doors Sliding Door Whiz whispers, "And drag your feet like I do, okay, it makes less noise." Tripwire looks around. Photon whispers "I'm small, so not much noise from walking anyway. Make sure you don't kick something. Seaspray gurgles, "I'm a lot quieter transformed. You think I should, Rod?" Hot Rod shakes his head. "You'll need your hands." Tripwire speaks softly, but it still comes out gruff, "This place is just one big wrecked room after another." Photon says, "Kinda like an omen, huh? Either the 'Cons will be wrecked, or we will." Dixie mutters an agreement. Hot Rod smiles, "There's a reason they're based in Darkmount now and not here." "Let's go." Seaspray whispers. Photon whispers "The decor does leave somethign to be desired... Pressing a button on the access pad by the doors, you step through to the southeast. Ruins of Skymount - Central Hallway Dark, almost pitch blackness consumes you as you step into the hallway. Your footsteps echo hollowly in the long, depressingly empty corridor, and you get the distinct feeling that it's been a long time since the silence of these halls was last violated. If you had a light you'd be able to see a large Decepticon symbol plastered across the huge blast doors to the northwest, and a few smaller access hallways, most of them blocked off by fallen rubble, but without one, it's nothing but cold, resentful silence and suffocating black, like the enclosing walls of a tomb. Obvious exits: Battered doors Blast doors Tripwire says gruffly, "This is Skymount? Wow. Yeah, I can see why they would've moved." He chuckles. Hot Rod hisses, "Light. Someone." Tripwire looks around for a light. Hot Rod reaches a hand out to the wall to get his bearings. Photon turns on his headlight, now on his chest in robot-mode. Thunder can only surmise a nervous smile as they proceed to the impossible Photon says, "This help?" Whiz looks around carefully. Hot Rod nods and moves over to the battered blast doors, running his hands over them. "Doesn't look like these're gonna open without a fight. I think we start tunneling here." Photon says, "What, with all of us we can't force them open?" Thunder gets ancy and feels as if the walls are too close. Whiz heads over to examine the doors. "A charge here... here... and here... And we'd have it." Tripwire says gruffly, "Just a sec. I might be able to put a small explosive and blow the doors open. Plastique." Seaspray sighs a gurgle... Whiz says, "That's where the locking and sliding mechanisms are located." Hot Rod waves a hand at the doorway. "Take a look yourself. They're not just stuck, there's debris back there. It's blocked." Photon says, "And me without explosives. A demolitions guy with no bombs..." Tripwire says gruffly, "I got plenty." Photon says, "Great, toss me a few and I'll help." Tripwire looks to Rod, "What do you think? You say, "Whiz. Tripwire. See what you guys can do..." Tripwire nods. Whiz says, "You guys get started trying to clear the debris and Tripwire and I will get it going."" Whiz waves Tripwire over to take a closer look. Tripwire pulls some small explosive devices from subspace, with magnetic clips. Dixie says, "I'll take him." Tripwire says gruffly, "Here, gimme a hand. *holds out a device*" Photon looks over the door, tring to find a weak point. Tripwire looks along the edge, and feels with his hand, then raises a device and secures it to a spot. Whiz holds her hand out and tries to help Tripwire up on top of the rubble. Tripwire climbs up higher, and feels along the top, "Yeah, one right here too..." You transmit a message to Optimus Prime: We're underneath Polyhex. Digging out the tunnel now.. not too much farther. Photon feels kinda useless... Tripwire secures another explosive, and climbs back down. Transmission from Optimus Prime: Understood. Thunder says, "Who's on the box Rod??" You say, "Optimus. Just updating him." Dixie sees Photon and walks over. Whiz looks in her toolkit for another charge and plants it at a strategic point. Tripwire hands a device to Photon, "Here secure that to the lower corner. Photon says, "Right." Photon sticks the bomb in the corner, looks around. "Anyone got duct tape?" Tripwire finishes securing another one himself near the side. Tripwire says gruffly, "Magnetic clip, it'll stay." Photon puts some debris under the bomb to hold it in place. Thunder walks over to Rod and mutters something. Photon becomes surprised when the clip sticks to the door. "Hmm...I shoulda thought of that." Tripwire pulls a detonator from subspace and inputs the correct frequency. Seaspray doesn't know squat about bombs.. cept that they blow up. Photon gets out of the blast area. Thunder mutters to Hot Rod, "... gonna... it?" Thunder whispers "Do you really think we are gonna make it?" Tripwire says gruffly, "Alright, everyone...we need ta get behind somethin' for cover, in case of shrapnel." Whiz finishes with the placement and then starts to lever some of the debris out of the way. Dixie hides quickly Hot Rod mutters to Thunder, "Of... are." You whisper "Of course we are." to Thunder. Seaspray gets back as far as he can... Thunder grins and hides behind some rubble. Tripwire ducks back as well, from a position where he can see the door clearly before ducking his head back as well. Whiz heads back into the corner and ducks behind the rubble. "You do the honors, Tripwire." Seaspray hides behind Thunder. Tripwire nods, "Thanks." Photon says, "Fire in the hole!" Tripwire says gruffly, "Everyone all set?...Good." Tripwire says gruffly, "Blast in 3...2...1..." Hot Rod backs away quickly. Seaspray covers his face. Tripwire clicks the detonator, and the bombs go off....KABLAMM Photon covers his auditory sensors. Photon says, "Ka-boom, and presto, one entrance." Tripwire pokes his head out and says, "All clear..." Hot Rod jumps into motion swiftly. "All right, let's move before they catch us!" Whiz pokes her head up over the debris. "Okay, now they know we're here. Let's make good time, all." Tripwire says gruffly, "Lets move, lets move, lets move..." Photon says, "I feel a need . . ." Dixie looks around and gets up on the all clear Photon says, "A need for speed . . . oh, great, I'm turning into a Junk." Whiz heads out behind Hot Rod, moving swiftly. Hot Rod forces through the remaining rubble and half-digs his way up the new passage You force the doors open and make your way upwards through the partly- collapsed tunnel. Residential Zone Beta Obvious exits: Fly leads to Sky above Polyhex. Southwest leads to Forum. You transmit a message to Optimus Prime: We're in.