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Garbled Visual Transmission From Ark 22 Commander - Ultra Magnus to Scouting Party Commander Prowl

“Things have become… complicated Prowl." Ultra Magnus’s voice trailed off and left what he was going to delve into off the proverbial table. Instead he shook his head quietly and retraced the moments in his head. "Prowl, our primary Quantum drive generators have been disabled, most likely destroyed. We are currently running on emergency battery power, as is the Guardian. I am siphoning battery power from Longevity’s generators but we both know that won’t last long. Add to that, I have a pretty good idea as to who perpetrated those strikes, *Statement lost to flux in connection* I am also willing to wager an orn’s credits that the cons were just as lucky to have had a similar visit."

“As it stands now our hands are being partially forced, and I refuse to go in scattered and divided. I am dispatching the Longevity to aid in… your team’s recovery, as I am fairly confident in your abilities to have secured the South American Valley. ..Your entire team will be necessary for this operation, lest they fail medical evaluation. *Sentence lost to static burst* Onboard will be a complete data base of the region, from topographical data to mythology and mysticisms of the native cultures. After your evaluation I to immediately delve into devising a tactical containment of those coordinates before we develop our final battle plans.

“I know this is a lot to take in Prowl. The proverbial question of ‘How does one kill a god,' seems to be one that truly requires an answer these dark hours. I have included rally point coordinates, dubbed ‘Point K’ within the data tracks of the Longevity. First a difficult transition in command followed by a difficult scouting mission and now receiving the dubious honor of working to plan the end of a galactic genocidal threat… we seem to get the easy jobs."

Channel remained open for feedback, response and amendments.

Creating the trail was easy enough, at least his gun was able to cut through wood, “Okay put the generator down here and let me handle the rest, you're all thumbs and I've seen monkeys on this planet with more technological know-how than you,” he said to Nova Strike and then burst out laughing. Having dragged it into place, Freeway set about activating the damn device. Like a lot of Transformer's technology it could transform, at least partially. It was good for space saving and made for easier transport, however there were still things to be done that would make it function properly and these would have to be done manually by the blue Throttlebot.

The main task to do was attach the power cell which would provide enough energy for it to run. Freeway had made sure that Nova Strike had carried the two separately, as he didn't fancy having the thing come online whilst he had been transporting it into place. At least his role as a saboteur had given him some technical expertise as in order to break something in the most efficient manner possible you had to know how it worked. Oh sure you could just shoot it but that lacked finesse and the damage was easily identified by repair crews. The best kind of sabotage was one that a repair struggled to even diagnose as it would mean something being offline for longer.

Freeway removed a panel and began fiddling with some of the internal circuitry just to make sure that everything was online and as it should be. He inserted the power cell and and re-attached the panel. He turned on the self-diagnostic program and had it analyse the generator, “Okay reading green across the board,” Freeway ran it again to make sure and then turned the machine on briefly before running the check a third time. Again everything was alright. Nodding to himself, Freeway turned it on once more, this time permanently, “And we're done,”

Peruvian Valley - Near Destroyed Human Encampment

Prowl watched and listened intently to the garbled visual transmission he was receiving from Ultra Magnus. Some sentences had been lost, either by the dissipating storm overhead or by the severity of the damage done to the Autobot vessels in orbit. They had been attacked and it had not been by the Decepticons. There was another force at work here and it apparently was some kind of god. The exact nature of the threat, or perceived threat, was lost in the static-filled communication, but it had been enough to give the military strategist something to work with.

>>”Understood, Commander Magnus. My team and I will have this valley secured by the time the Longevity arrives to pick us up. Your transmission was sporadic at best, sir. Did you say we’re facing some kind of god?”<<

Cutting his comm line to the Autobot Supreme Commander, Prowl contemplated the situation that had apparently transpired while they were away on this simple scouting mission. The mere thought of dealing with some kind of mythical entity was enough to make his logic circuits go haywire. Instead, he focused on the facts. They had been attacked by an enemy of great power which would require as many mechs as possible to counteract. Could it have still been the ‘Cons masquerading as some kind of supernatural force? It was quite possible. After all, Hound had just created mythical creatures to scare away the humans. Thus, it was logical to assume that the ‘Cons could do something similar. Regardless of the actuality of the situation, things needed to be wrapped up down here and fast.

>>”Attention, scouting team! This is Prowl. I have received new orders from Ultra Magnus. There has been an attack up in orbit by an unknown force. Apparently, it was not the Decepticons by all accounts. Both the Guardian and the Ark-22 are disabled. I want all hologram emitters and their respective force shield generators in place within one breem! This is non-negotiable! Once you are all done, I want everyone to immediately rendezvous with me at my current coordinates. The shuttle craft Longevity is being dispatched to retrieve us. Once our ride is here we will then activate the holographic mountain range that will hide this valley from the humans until we return. Am I clearly understood? Now, let’s move!”<<

Peruvian Valley: Village of the Stone Skull Serpent

Nova Strike's systems finally finished their internal repairs and shunting of power from unnecessary systems back to his extremities. He pushed himself from the stone work wall, accidently toppling one of the bricks down into the mud with a muted splash. He flexed his arms and allowed the mud to wash away as the driving pistons of rain began to slowly wane. With a twist of his wrist a small portion of the armor plating popped open and slid back with a trio of cylinders emerging. Nova pressed a switch located at the base of his palm and ignited the trio of plasma arc torches.

A sweep of his arm and the blade of plasma carved deep into the sizzling muck, forming a baked drainage trench leading down the path whence they had come. Nova retracted the torches and stepped on the recently carved trench with a satisfying crunch. A small communications device popped out from the side of his combat helmet patching into his audio receptors. Nodding briskly as Prowl's orders received, Nova Strike turned his head towards the device as it began to cycle through its final start up sequences.

The cylinder generator separated into quarters approximately a third way from the top. Each fragment formed into an individual projector. Energy began to course through the base of each projection disc as they sprawled further out.

"Prowl is giving the recall orders." Nova called out over the fading din of a distant snap of thunder. His fingers traced along the edge of one of the projection discs as it glided passed him before it drove itself to the ground surface. "Appears we're all good here."

He transformed into vehicle form, micro spikes fully extended into the mud covered cobles of what remained of the road. "Lets get back before we miss out on the real fun." He revved his engine and rotated his tires in place. "See you at the Landing Zone Tiny Tin."

With that he drove down and jumped the slide damaged areas of the clear cut paths carved out by Freeway. He slid briefly, sending a wide wake of mud cascading over into the lake, before he stabilized and drove on into the darkness.

Above the Mountain Pass

Slingshot pulled the remote device from the side of the holographic projector and tucked it into a chest compartment. He gave a simple nod to Fireflight before stepping away from the two combined devices. They finalized their checks and began deploying their various prods, probes and dishes across the snow pack. Once they locked into position the face of the primary cylinder flashed green and gold before fading into stealth symbols.

The two Aerialbots raced towards the cliffs just above the pass and leapt off into the air. They transformed into their respective jet forms as the last set of headlamps passed out of the valley. They hit their afterburners to maintain speed as they barreled towards the destroyed basecamp.

Mine Entrance: Destroyed Base Camp

Nova Strike slowed his approach as his sensors began to register a thick fog of dense particulate that loomed heavy in the humid air. The last vestiges of the storm were beginning to fade here as well, aiding little in the removal of dust from the region. Pocked and uneven, littered with shattered rocks and broken debris from tents and human devices lined the approach to the camp. The ranger reverted to robot form at the last fringe of the lone standing lamp's effect.

"What in the name of Primus?" Nova's sensors immediately went into over drive to record the effects in order to piece together what had happened while he and Freeway had been dispatched across the lake. He stepped further into the flickering lamp light. His blue paint job reflecting a bit in the dim illumination.

Slingshot and Fireflight transformed and landed next to Nova Strike. "Yeah, and these are the primitive primates that Fearless Leader wishes us to protect. Scare them enough and they'll destroy their entire planet just to protect their pathetic miserable existence."

Nova Strike looked back to his left at Slingshot and shook his head. "I doubt they did this because they were scared. I think greed was more influential in this wonton destruction." He turned his attention back to the smoldering maw rendered jagged by the blast. "Prowl? What's the ETA on that shuttle? Being in battle against a relentless foe is preferable than the sight of blatant act of avarice."

{{Ooc moving skydive and air raid along too}}
Peruvian Valley

Silverbolt picked up the remote for the generator as he turned the sky was starting to clear in the valley below he could see residual smoke from what was an explosion. Tucking the remote into a compartment on his wrist Silverbolt transformed as the generators small chameleon field kicked in and it vanished from sight. The flight to the explosion site was short when he arrived Slingshot was moaning about protecting the humans.

“That’s correct slingshot we’ve got orders to protect the humans if you don’t like it tell him when we see him next” Silverbolt’s patients was nearing its end with the smallest of the Aerialbots they needed something more active and combat orientated to do. The sounds of more engines caused Silverbolt to turn as Air Raid and Skydive returned from setting up their Holo shield generators. The pair landed on the edge of the group and made their way over.

"Prowl? What's the ETA on that shuttle? Being in battle against a relentless foe is preferable than the sight of blatant act of avarice."

Silverbolt looked at Nova Strike “you being in battle at all is unusual Nova”

Peruvian Valley

"Sorry for the delay, Commander Prowl and Silverbolt. The storm does seem to be letting up. I picked up the explosion at Hound's location. Do we know what caused it? What is this about moving out already? Should we make sure everything is secured before leaving in case the humans return? I trust our equipment but sometimes curiosity does get the best of us or the humans. They will remember the explosion and wonder what happen to the damage."

The thought of the destruction bothered Skydive. This was supposed to be a fairly noncombat mission. They were supposed to scare away the humans but something went wrong. Fireflight was the wandering unit brother but Skydiv still enjoyed observing other flight capable creatures. With all of this commotion he noticed a good number take off from the explosion.

Mine Entrance: Destroyed Base Camp

Nova Strike shook his head ever so briskly. The flash of dust and debris that still floated aloft in the swirling wind and lightening rain painted a flawless filter of the lunar scape of destruction that held his optics enthralled. He had seen more battles than he cared to admit to, from the Battle of Kaon's Pyramid Prisons to the fall of his home land in Nova Cronum, and beyond. More battles and more worlds than he dared remember, and none of them tore at his circuits as such a scene that lay before him now.

"Speak for yourself Captain," Nova's voice barely raising a pseudo light to the stoic comment from Silverbolt. The sight of the jagged maw of stone and shredded canvas, metal and timber... all caused because of the panic that had been artificially manufactured.

The ranger finally broke the miserable lock and looked back over to the chopped surface of the lake. Without a word the back panel on his left shoulder blade unlocked and spread open. From it extended a large block of metal interlaced with circuits and heat distribution systems. As it rose along a hidden track to lock into place with the mechanisms at the fore of the shoulder blade, a large rectangular barrel emerged from the forward end of the weapon.

As the primary weapon locked into place, Nova Strike's body began to divert power and structural integrity fields to reinforce his legs and torso. Weights hidden behind his armor plates were shifted to restore balance to the rest of his body. Powerful hydraulics were reinforced in each joint to increase stability and provide a reinforcement to the agility he boasted.

In his left optic a hidden scroll of text appeared on his Heads Up Display and combat targeting computer annex. The transformation was swift and nearly instantaneous. The firing barrel glowed red with reserved energy building in the firing chamber, though it too dimmed and faded as the fury of the moment passed.

Nova Strike secured the safeties and began running simulations through out each code of his complex combat computer. Each sensor was patched into the targeting system and calibrated for optimal effect, each power level was cycled through and checked. Nova Strike's self diagnostic delved deep into the very core programming of his weapon's systems themselves. Because if there was one single flaw, one corrupt line of code...

He pushed the thought from his head. Best case scenario the gun didn't fire and he was stuck with his trusty magnums, worst case was a smoldering crater. "Either way, Captain, it would be better than standing around here staring at the fruits of our labors."

Mine Entrance - Destroyed Base Camp

Prowl had not yet received any kind of response from Ultra Magnus regarding the military strategist’s inquiry about facing off against a god. It was likely due to a problem with communications or perhaps the new Autobot leader was simply too busy readying himself for the coming battle. Regardless, Prowl and his team would be ready for pick-up by the Longevity. At such time they would all be brought up to speed on everything they had missed out on while trudging through the mines and forests of the nation-state of Peru.

As Prowl walked slowly through the battered remains of what was once the humans’ base camp, Nova Strike, Silverbolt and the Aerialbots returned from their assigned tasks. With the hologram emitters and shield generators in place, all that was needed was for the shuttle to arrive. Then the equipment could be activated. Before too long, questions were being thrown at the black and white team leader, his processor able to ascertain everything before some statements had even been completed.

“The exact ETA of the shuttle Longevity is unknown,” Prowl replied to Nova Strike first since his was the initial question to be asked. “The transmission from Ultra Magnus was garbled and some parts of it were missing entirely. However, I would expect the shuttle to arrive within a few breems at most. It won’t be too long and there should be no problems landing safely this time since the storm has let up considerably.”

The remaining barrage of questions came at Prowl in a steady stream from Skydive. The Aerialbot was clearly concerned about a great many things. “The explosion was caused by the humans, themselves. The reason why they did such a thing is irrelevant at this point in time. The fact remains that they are now gone which was our goal to start with. Hound and Rewind did an excellent job at scaring them off and they should be commended. As for moving out already, I thought my prior message was clear. Our ships have been attacked in orbit and Magnus has recalled our team to help fight whatever this new threat is. Furthermore, securing this valley will be achieved once the hologram emitters and shield generators are fully activated, assuming the equipment was all set up properly. The faux mountain range will keep all trespassers out as the holographic rock will feel like solid matter to anyone that approaches.”

Prowl paused as he looked around at his team members. “Have I sufficiently answered everyone’s questions? If so, I suggest you all rest up while you can, because once the shuttle arrives there will be little time to power down.”
_________

Hound listened as Prowl spoke to everyone, sitting on the ground in the remnants of the underbrush which had been mostly destroyed during the explosion. Even though there were no confirmed human casualties, the green scout was still upset that human lives had been put in so much danger and by his own actions nonetheless. Yes, the Earthlings had apparently caused the detonation, themselves, but it was in reaction to the monsters he had created to scare them off. Therefore, what had happened was his fault even if no one else agreed with that assessment.

With no questions to ask Prowl, Hound turned his attention to the injured Bumblebee, who had unfortunately gone unnoticed by just about everyone after the explosion had erupted all around them. The yellow minibot was lying on his back and appeared to be in a considerable amount of pain. “I’m coming, ‘Bee! Just hold on!” The jeep-former called out as he got to his feet, his back still aching from the tree that had previously fallen on him. Ignoring the pain as best he could, Hound reached Bumblebee’s side and knelt down next to him. “You all right, ‘Bee?” A quick scan of the minibot’s shoulder answered the green mech’s question for him. "Seems the explosion made your shoulder joint worse. Where’s that medical drone at anyway? It wasn’t destroyed by the blast was it?”

Mine Entrance - Destroyed Base Camp

"I hope we will have as much information as possible. Flying blindly into a fight is something the Aerialbots have done on several occasions but rarely did those flights end up being pretty at the end. If at all possible, sir, I would like to discuss whatever strategy we are able to come up with considering the information you received from Commander Magnus."

Skydive found a boulder to sit on and slowly powered down. He didn't want to be too low in case the shuttle arrived in the next few cycles.

Peruvian Valley – Mine entrance

Silverbolt looked at his strategist as he started to speak rapid fire explanations then questions. The Aerialbot commander knew that Skydive was just trying to get all the available information, in order to provide the best outcome for the team in any combat situation. Silverbolt turned to Prowl “Do we have a best guess on numbers we’ll be facing?”

Silverbolt had an idea that he and his team would be used as aerial support possible strafing runs and close air support. The Largest of the Aerialbots turned slightly to face his teammates while he waited for a response from Prowl “if you brought energon rations break them out and get some down time that don’t mean picking a fight with Freeway and Novastrike understand Slingshot”

Silverbolt glared at slingshot for a few seconds before he moved away from them and took a seat by the ruined mine entrance on one of the larger rocks. He checked his vitals they streamed up the inside of his optic the extended flight ops hadn’t taxed his energon reserves too much his electron charge tank was at max capacity in fact he might have to expel some of the energy or shunt it to his main energon grid.

Peruvian Valley. Nearing the Mine Entrance

Fireflight sped across the valley, trying to catch up with his fellow Arialbots. Normally, Fireflight would be the first one there, if not the second or third, but this time was different. After that little scuffle, if you could call it that, with the Decepticon on the convoy roof, Fireflight had gone in search of a medic. When he had found one, it had taken sometime to patch Fireflight up. When he was all fixed, another Arialbot told him that he was late for the meeting. Fireflight, now, was speeding faster than he could ever go, and that was saying something.

"Ugh...I can't be late THIS time! Silverboltwill kill me for sure," Fireflight muttered to himself.

At last, Fireflight could see the Mine Entrance. He dived toward the ground, terrifying some of the Autobots as they yelled, "Fireflight's gonna hit us! Take Cover!" Fireflight, just before hitting the ground, pulled up at the last minute, went up about 60 feet, transformed and hit the ground, landing on his feet, blowing dust everywhere.

"Hello, everybody! What are we talking about?" Fireflight said as he walked up to the Arialbots.

Peruvian Valley - Destroyed Base Camp

Rewind sat in the underbrush and listened and Prowl addressed everyone, giving the black and white mech a thumbs-up when asked about his condition. It was a human gesture that the archivist liked. He was content and sit and watch the Aerialbots and the others arrive. His thoughts were more concerned with the humans having blown themselves up. How could they do that to one of their own? Rewind hadn't meant to scare them that badly...

Rewind glanced over to Hound as he checked on Bumblebee who seemed to have damaged the same shoulder again in the blast. Getting up and wiping off as much of the organic vegetation as he could, Rewind trotted over to the yellow scout. "Hey, 'Bee, you ok?" Rewind asked, adding his own query to Hound's string of them.

The tiny archivist glanced over to Hound as he mentioned the medical drone. "Oh, I'll look for it!" Rewind plunged into the undergrowth to root around for the medical drone. The local flora had this annoying habit of being coated in moisture and sticking to his plating. When Rewind spotted a metallic gleam, he jogged toward it. He came out in a small clearing created by a fallen tree. A piece of the medical drone stuck from beneath the bulk of the tree trunk.

Rewind grimaced. Glad that hadn't been him. Moving over to the tree trunk, Rewind grunted as he tried to roll it off of the medical drone's body. Even if it was no longer functioning, he couldn't rightly leave it here to be picked up by a stray human after they were gone. "Grrrr...!" Rewind grunted as he pushed the tree with all his strength.

After much effort, the tree finally started to give way, inch by inch. Rewind pushed the tree off to the side and knelt down to inspect the remains of the medical drone. Not much more than spare parts now. Gathering up the pieces - he seemed to be doing an awful lot of that lately - Rewind jogged back over to where Hound and Bee were.

"I found it! But...It's kind of broken."

Mine Entrance – Destroyed Base Camp

A grimace crossed Bumblebee’s face as he gripped his re-injured shoulder joint. The pain was intense but it certainly would not stop the little ‘Bot from helping out. Or so he hoped. He stifled a hiss as he struggled to sit upright. The explosion had knocked him to the ground and the medical drone to Primus knew where.

“I’m coming, ‘Bee! Just hold on!"

Bumblebee schooled his features and nodded to Hound. Of course no matter how hard the minibot tried it would be impossible to hide anything from Hound. The mech noticed everything. After all it was part of his function.

“You all right, ‘Bee?"

Bee gripped his shoulder a little tighter as he steadied himself. “Mmm. Yeah, Hound. I’m alright.”

"Seems the explosion made your shoulder joint worse. Where’s that medical drone at anyway? It wasn’t destroyed by the blast was it?"

The yellow bot took a look around but saw no drone. “The last I saw it the thing was flying through the air. Must’ve landed in that direction.” Bee motioned to a small clearing with a lift of his elbow. “Not sure about …”

"Hey, 'Bee, you ok?"

Bumblebee smiled down at the small archivist. “I’m okay, Rewind. Could be worse.” He chuckled for a moment before a bolt of pain shot through his shoulder.

"Oh, I'll look for it!"

In a matter of seconds Rewind was up and heading off to look for the medical drone. Bee strained to look in the little cassettebot’s direction. “Be careful, Rewind,” he called. But Rewind was already out of sight. Things grew quiet. It was eerie.

Bee’s head shot up when the sound of underbrush being crushed met his audials. He released his shoulder and slowly moved his hand to the holster on his hip.

"I found it! But...It's kind of broken."

Bee let out a relieved sigh when the small Autobot came jogging back into view. Pieces of what used to be the drone cradled in his arms. “Oh slag.” Bumblebee raised his optics up toward the sky. “You know, Prime always told me there’d be days like this.”

Peruvian Valley: Destroyed Base Camp

Slingshot scowled at Silverbolt, an icy stare as hard as he could deliver. He stomped into the mud, collapsing one of the temporary drainage ditches that caused the water running off the fractured cliff face to pool around the base of his foot. "You're about as much fun as a Dinobot in a library." He spoke slowly, allowing the sarcasm to ooze with each word. There were things that were stronger than words he wanted to deliver to the arrogant ground pounder. Though perhaps arrogance was not the right word to describe Nova Strike. Jealous of his flying abilities maybe?

Slingshot looked away as his optics focused on a break in the cloud cover. A precious few stars twinkled in the atmospheric distortion. His fingers tightened into a knotted fist, his internal anger boiling just below the surface as he pondered not only the restrictions on his current situation and lack of entertainment but perhaps the lack of faith that Silverbolt truly had in his abilities to maintain self control. It irritated him more that his squadron commander decided to protect the blue tinted ground pounder from a justly deserved reprisal rather than see justice be served.

The sharpshooter walked away from Silverbolt and passed Nova Strike, Freeway and the recently cognoscente Fireflight. He approached the lone salvaged crate of rations pulled from the submerged shuttle and haphazardly deposited now at the foot of the mine entrance. With a grumble and a muted growl he flipped the lock off the crate and pulled the lid to the opened position. "Fine, if you wanna spoil the over all fun of paradise Fearless Leader... Catch." He reached in and palmed a small metallic cube container. With a flick of his wrist and the accuracy that confirmed his abilities, Slingshot launched a ration pack straight at the chassis of Silverbolt.

"Hey Rip Van Fireflight... Catch." He repeated the process towards his temporary wingmech. Another was launched to Skydive and finally Air Raid, each within rapid succession. Slingshot reached deeper into the crate and grabbed another set of rations, these slightly larger for the less efficient mechanisms.

He threw one to Prowl, using what the humans would describe as a slider high and tight... whatever that truly meant. Another was thrown to Hound in a tight 4 seam fastball that had something of a tail, allowing it to land in the green scout's open palms above his chest plate. Another ration container spun into the darkness, nearly pelting Freeway across the throttlebot's head case, an 'accidental' attempt would be Slingshot's reasoning.

Nova Strike stifled a chuckle as the metallic canister pinged off the saboteur's head. He decided to put some distance between the smaller throttlebot and himself, electing instead to head over to the supply crate. As Slingshot pulled up with a canister that would be his last recovered supply, the ranger took over. He reached in and grabbed three cylinders. Two smaller canisters and one larger one that was of a grade that was optimized to his model grade.

He walked over to Rewind and Bumblebee and knelt down before both of them and offered them each one of the rations. "You two appear to need these pretty badly. Particularly you Bumblebee." He stood up and popped the top on the canister and immediately drained the contents of energon down his receptacle gullet.

Nova wiped away a stray droplet of violet liquid from the left cheek and tossed the empty container back into the ration's crate. He looked down to the two smaller Autobots. "You two did good today. If Magnus wants a full recommendation for you two in some sort of certificate, I'll gladly vouch for ya's." He cracked a small smile before he turned his optics towards the heavens.

A streak of starlight began to condense into a solid blob of energy as it darted from one angle to another before it entered into a stationary approach vector. "Looks like our ride has just entered our air space."

Peruvian Valley: Destroyed Base Camp


Fireflight caught the ration and poured the energon down his receptacle gullet, leaving the cube half empty. He set the container on the stump where he was sitting as he got up, and looked around the Camp. Fireflight had been told that a human had detonated plastic explosives all over the area. "Well, I'm glad I wasn't here to see that," Fireflight muttered to himself. He saw Bumblebee's condition and, upon seeing the remnants of the medical drone, proceeded to talk to Bumblebee. He was about 2 meters away when he saw the "blob", and knew that everything's going to be..."resolved", in some way soon enough. Fireflight walked back to his stump and finished off the rest of the ration. He threw the empty container back into the crate, and started to tinker with his weapon. Something was bothering Fireflight, but he couldn't figure out what. He assumed it was just the situation that was bothering him, because he thought humans were somewhat sentient. Turns out, there pretty hostile, at least, that's what it looks like.

Peruvian Valley - Destroyed Base Camp

Prowl listened to Skydive’s concerns with a bit of annoyance creeping onto his visage. The military strategist kept it in check, though, as to not come across as any more of a prick-bot than he was already known for amongst the Autobot ranks. “I’m sure Ultra Magnus will have all of the available information that we will need for the upcoming mission, Skydive. Of course, this is war and everything is not always known before each encounter. Quite often we must modify our plans on the battlefield at the last astrosecond in order to achieve the best possible outcome. And even then it can be messy regardless of how prepared we are.”

The black and white then turned his attention to the Aerialbot Commander as he asked what numbers they would be facing. “Unknown at this time, Silverbolt, but apparently we’ll be facing some sort of ‘god’. That was Magnus’ description, not mine. It seems we’ve missed a lot since this scouting mission began. We’ll all know more once the shuttle arrives, which should be very soon.”

An energon cube was then tossed in Prowl’s direction, the mission commander catching it in one hand. The military strategist looked over at the source of the throw and gave Slingshot a thankful nod before downing approximately half of the cube’s contents in one gulp. Prowl wiped away the excess from his chin guard and looked towards the plethora of mechs that had begun to gather around the injured Bumblebee. The minibot seemed fine from the black and white’s vantage point and thus he saw no need to interject himself into an already crowded situation. Instead, he sat down on the trunk of a fallen tree and continued drinking his energon as he awaited for the shuttle to arrive.
_________

Hound smiled at Bumblebee when the tiny scout indicated that he was okay. His smile quickly faded when the minibot mentioned that the last time he had seen the medical drone it was flying through the air. Then, as luck would have it, Rewind arrived to check on ‘Bee before heading off to locate the missing drone. Hound hoped that the mechanism would be functional or at least salvageable so that Bumblebee could receive the repairs that he needed. Moments later, the tiny archivist returned with the destroyed remnants of the med-bot, which clearly would be of no use to the injured scout or anyone else for that matter.

“Slaggit!” Hound exclaimed as his fears had come true. “Now, what are we going to do? ‘Bee can’t function like this. I mean, his shoulder’s worse than it was before. I guess you’ll have to return to the Ark, Bumblebee, in order to get fully repaired.”

“No he won’t,” Prowl’s voice suddenly called out from the tree he was sitting on. “The shuttle Longevity will be equipped with a combat medical unit on board. It will be sufficient to repair Bumblebee’s shoulder.”

Hound glanced over at the military strategist and nodded before returning his attention to the yellow scout. Out of nowhere, an energon cube bounced off of the green mech’s chest plate, startling Hound for a brief astrosecond before he managed to catch the cube in his arms. The hologram specialist then looked up at the Aerialbot in question and smiled. “Thanks, Slingshot.”

It was then that Nova Strike appeared with energon rations for both Bumblebee and Rewind. As the ranger praised the tiny duo for the good job they had done, Hound took the time to drink his energon share, making sure he didn’t consume it too quickly as he didn’t want to overflow his tanks. As he wiped away the excess from the corner of his mouth, the green scout followed Nova’s gaze to the skies above as saw the streak of light that was undoubtedly the shuttle Longevity. “I think you’re right, Nova,” Hound replied as he stood up from Bumblebee’s side. “It shouldn’t be too long now.”
_________

Noticing that everyone was beginning to look skywards, Prowl quickly finished off his energon cube and got back to his feet. As he tilted his head up at the comet-like object that was heading down through the planet’s atmosphere, the military strategist opened a secured comm line to the approaching craft:

>>”Shuttle Longevity, this is Prowl. We can see your approaching energy trail now. My team and I are ready and awaiting pick-up. Follow my signal and you should have no problem locating us.”<<

[Continued from Autobot Frigate: Guardian]

Shuttle Longevity

When Smokescreen spoke, Skids looked a bit surprised that anyone had actually been listening. “Yes,” he told the diversionary tactician, “very amusing use of hyperbole and metaphor.” Not that he sounded particularly amused, but it was often difficult to tell. “But my purpose was not solely conversation for its own sake; understanding the capabilities, and the limitations, of this craft—even in a general way—may prove useful in the coming engagement. I can also provide technical specifications for the class in general, if necessary, though Ultra Magnus will no doubt have made his own modifications to the ship in the time he has been using it—“

The theoretician trailed off as he overheard a familiar voice buzzing over the comm. He turned his faceplate toward Getaway, optic ridges rising in recognition. Recognition, and perhaps some genuine pleasure. “Prowl. Well. I would suggest this mission is about to get a great deal more interesting. Though what develops afterward is certain to be even more so …”

Shuttle Longevity - Earth Orbit

"Oooo gotta give it to Blaster for knowing what I like best." Jazz muttered to himself as "Float On" by the human band known as Modest Mouse began to play into his audio receptor. It was a shame most of his fellow Autobots didn't care for the Special Operations mech's taste in alien culture. Well, at least there was Blaster to share in this experience with.

Scoop notified the black and white Autobot manning the helm to adjust their current trajectory and Jazz didn't hesitate to listen to the infantryman's suggestion.

"Aight Scoop, swinging her down just a little."

The sound of Jazz's internal music player was toned down as a message from Prowl crackled over his comms. Gazing to his right and not finding anyone manning the communications department of the ship, Jazz turned his music down and activated the onboard speaker to relay the Peruvian-placed Strategiest.

>>"Well if it isn't *Captain Personality* himself!"<< The black and white mech began as he patched his fellow Autobot's message through over the pilots cabin speakers. >>"How's the Peruvian weather treating ya down their Prowl ol' buddy?"<< "And could I get someone to pick up Communication detail up here?" The specialist hollered back towards the rest of Longevity's crew as he spun in his seat.

>>”Shuttle Longevity, this is Prowl. We can see your approaching energy trail now. My team and I are ready and awaiting pick-up. Follow my signal and you should have no problem locating us."<<

>>"Wonderful to hear, we should be there in little over a breem, give or take. Jazz out."<<

Peruvian Valley: Destroyed Base Camp


Fireflight watched as the shuttle neared the remnants of the base camp. He knew that it had a on-board med-bot that could treat Bumblebee's injuries well enough, but he wondered actually how bad Bee's shoulder joint was. He knew it was somewhat injured, but apparently the blast had worsened it. Fireflight glanced over at the crowd around the scout, trying to see him. After a human "minute", Fireflight looked at the shuttle, which seemed to be closer. He liked it on Earth, mostly because of the things he can see way up high, but when that idiotic human blew this place up, he looked at humans a diffrent way. They're not so innocent and clueless now, but mysterious and dangerous. He wanted to get on this shuttle soon.


<"This is Aerialbot Fireflight hailing shuttle Longevity. When are you 'bots getting here? Bumblebee needs that med-bot of yours for his shoulder, and frankly, I think we all want to get out of this valley, because of recent events. I don't know the whole story of what happened, but I'm sure Nova or Silverbolt can give you the details.

Shuttle Longevity - Interior

Howlstrike listened intently as Blindside responded to his query. The former Predacon gave no outward reaction one way or another to what the sightless mech was saying to him. Apparently, the blind ‘Bot knew what it was like to lose his pride and the respect and dignity of his peers, much in the way Howl had lost the esteem of the Predacons before being cast out of the Decepticons entirely. That was something that Blindside had not experienced, though. He was, at least, still an Autobot.

The rest of what the disabled mech said seemed to ring true to the green and black hunter. Whether it was Hardhead, himself, or something dark within him, someone or something had to pay for the double decapitation that Howlstrike had suffered. After all, if Hardhead was in the tracker’s position, he’d want revenge, as well. The idea that the entity inside of the war veteran would be the one to feel the pain made little difference to the ex-Predacon, but it did explain why Blindside was willing to help inflict such agony on a fellow Autobot. Perhaps Hardhead would feel the pain or perhaps he was unconscious within his own body. Or maybe it was a little of both. Maybe Hardhead was, in fact, conscious of what he was doing but his processor was simply corrupted in some way. It didn’t matter. Howlstrike needed retribution in some form and he needed it soon.

“Fine,” Howlstrike finally said after several astroseconds of contemplation. “You can help. Just don’t get in my way! I have no qualms about knocking you over to get to Hardhead. Understand, Blindside?” The ex-Predacon turned away again to look at the bulkhead situated across from his seat. He hoped to get back to mediating now that the disabled mech had gotten his wish, but unfortunately that was not to be as another Autobot decided to inject his two energon chips into the conversation.

The green and black tracker glanced over across the empty seat at the train-former who had seen fit to give the former Predacon a pep talk. How quaint. “Who’s fighting?” Howlstrike replied with a fanged smirk as the huge Autobot reached over to shake the hunter’s hand, introducing himself as Railway. Howl rolled his optics in disbelief. What was going on around here? All of the sudden everyone wanted to be his friend. Had he done something to make others think he wanted all of this attention or did they all just feel sorry for him because he was double decapitated? Maybe that was it.

“Look, Railway, I’m not really the ‘buddy’ type. No offense, but I’d rather just be left alone to mediate before I have to go into battle and rip a herald’s head off his shoulders. So, why don’t you and Blindside over here have a little chat with each other while I just sit here and brood? Okey-dokey? Thanks!” Howlstrike forced a sarcastic smile before returning his gaze directly ahead and off-lining his optics yet again. Perhaps everyone would finally get the hint this time and leave him be....or not.
_________

Smokescreen’s optics widened as Skids continued talking almost non-stop, explaining that he wasn’t just making conversation for the sake of it, but because he wanted everyone on board to understand the capabilities and weaknesses of the Longevity as it may be useful to know in the coming battle with the Fallen. The dark blue mech was about to rattle off the technical specifications of the shuttle when he was thankfully cut off by the sound of Prowl’s vocals coming in over the comm line. Skids then continued talking only this time to Getaway.

Yes, he has definitely taken vocal lessons from Bluestreak, the rallybot mused inwardly as he returned his gaze towards the front of the shuttle. At least now, Skids’ vocals were directed elsewhere, allowing for Smokescreen’s own thoughts to return to Tracer once more. His concern for her was unwavering, but he needed to set it aside until this business with the Fallen had reached a conclusion one way or another. She would be fine on board the Ark-22. She had the replicator, she knew how to use it, and if she needed any help, Wheeljack was still around somewhere. Although, the mad scientist was likely busy with other important projects such as conducting repairs on one of the ship’s engines. Regardless, the engineer was there just in case she needed someone who knew of and understood her condition.

Taking a deep intake of air, the diversion expert settled into his seat and tried to remain focused on the mission ahead. Smokescreen knew that his diversionary skills would come into play in one form or another, and he also knew a physical confrontation was not usually his strong suit. Since he had below average strength, Smokey often avoided direct combat when dealing with the ‘Cons and now that was especially true since he was about to face a demigod and his possessed heralds. Things could get ugly very quickly for him if he couldn’t keep his distance. Perhaps his weapons and smoke generators would be enough or perhaps the rallybot would need to think of something more strategic if he was going to survive a battle with Unicron’s spawn.

Smokescreen was then awakened from his deep thoughts by the sound of Jazz calling back for someone to help at the communications console. While it wasn’t the rallybot’s specialty to man the comm line, it would at least give him something to do in order to take his mind off of Tracer. Plus, no one else was volunteering. “Sure thing, Jazz! I'll be right up!” The red and blue racer then unbuckled his safety harness and stood up, carefully making his way to the front of the shuttle as the craft bounced around in Earth’s atmosphere. Once in the cockpit, the diversion expert sat down and strapped himself in at the communications station. “Okay, I’m here. Let’s do this.”

Hearing the latest message from the scouting team below, Smokescreen opened a comm line to respond to the Aerialbot’s concerns:

>>Hey, Fireflight! This is Smokescreen! I’ve taken over communications duty from Jazz so he can focus on flying the shuttle. I understand your concerns. Don’t worry, we’ll be there in one breem or less. We have a med unit set up on the Longevity that can take care of Bumblebee’s shoulder. No problem. Just hang tight and we’ll have you safe and sound very soon.”<<

The rallybot then looked over at Jazz and gave the white mech a smile. “So, how’d I do? Am I the next Blaster or should I not quit my day job?”

Peruvian Valley: Destroyed Base Camp


>>Thank Primus, Smokescreen. Uh, one breem or less? That's good time...What's the situation with you bots up there? We're stable, more or less, we've got a crowd around Bumblebee, nothing too bad, uhm, yeah. Just land somewhere around the area, and once we're all on, I'll try to reach Ultra Magnus, and tell him about the human situation.<<

Peruvian Valley Destroyed Base Camp

Silverbolt's head had been crane skywards looking at the streaking ball of light that was the serenity. His earlier question as to the number of foes that they would be facing was unknown. Skydive was jittery to ease his subordinates nerves he spoke up "Skydive put together the most suitable plan of attack on both single and multiple targets for the team provide me with a list of suitable options for this mission"

it was then that the aerialbots comm link opened as a message went up from fireflight
>>Thank Primus, Smokescreen. Uh, one breem or less? That's good time...What's the situation with you bots up there? We're stable, more or less, we've got a crowd around Bumblebee, nothing too bad, uhm, yeah. Just land somewhere around the area, and once we're all on, I'll try to reach Ultra Magnus, and tell him about the human situation.<<

Silverbolt swung around and looked at Fireflight "FIREFLIGHT! you will not be bothering the commander while he is buzy co-ordinating a extinction level mission. I beleive that Prowl has already been communicating with our leader on our situation if you had been listening and not daydreaming so concentrate do i make myself clear"

A lowflying energon ration caught the Aerialbot Commander's attention with reflexes that where well above average as befitted flyers he caught the ration. Storing it within a locker for if he needed it in the upcoming battle. He looked up then spoke to Prowl "It would be prudent to escort the Shuttle down to ground level" just incase permission to send an escort as he did so he motioned to Slingshot and Air Raid to come forth just in case.

In Air Raid's case it was a blessed relief from being bored stupid not having anything to do.

Peruvian Valley: Destroyed Base Camp

Fireflight looked at Silverbolt with hard optics. He did not say a word. he opened up his comm link. >>Scratch that, Smokescreen, seems that Silverbolt got his spark in a twist when i said that I was going to talk to Ultra Magnus. I guess SOMEONE doesn't want me explaining a hostile action in a scouting mission. Just make sure Silverbolt doesn't try to rip my spark out.<< Fireflight glared at Silverbolt again, before saying, "YA HAPPY NOW SILVERBOLT? I WENT AND FIXED EVERYTHING UP, BECAUSE APPARENTLY I'M THE ONLY ONE WHO CAUSES PROBLEMS HERE! AND I WASN'T DAYDREAMING OR WANDERING OFF! I SCRAPPED A DECEPTICON FOR PRIMUS' SAKE! I HONESTLY DON'T SEE WHY EVERYONE TREATS ME LIKE A PIECE OF--" He stopped on the word, but he was sure that everyone got the message. "Send me a message when that shuttle gets here." With that, he transformed and flew off across the valley.

Peruvian Valley - Destroyed Base Camp

Rewind set the remains of the medical drone down on the ground and gave Bumblebee a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Don't worry 'Bee. We'll get you patched up somehow. Hang in there," the tiny archivist said with his usual cheer. Of course, then Hound had to go and contradict his reassurances by coming to the conclusion that Bumblebee had to return to the Ark to get it fixed. Prowl of all people interjected and mentioned something about a combat medical unit.

What was all of this going to kill a god business? Was Chromedome on board the Longevity? Rewind cast his optics skyward, able to make out the speck that was to be their transportation. Knowing Chromedome, he would be on that shuttle. Excited to throw his life away for the sake of a few cheap thrills. The thought sent a wave of irritation through the cassettobot.

Rewind was drawn out of his grumbling musings when Nova Strike appeared and offered him and Bumblebee energon rations. Rewind took his gratefully, nodding at the ranger. Opening a small storage compartment on his leg, Rewind drew out a bendy straw - his favorite, which had little loops - and stuck it in the canister, sliding it behind his faceplate to ingest. Rewind gazed up at the skies along with Nova and Hound, optics locked onto the form of the shuttle.

Domey...

Rewind's optics trailed back down to the group of Autobots collected in the destroyed base camp. He noticed Silverbolt correct Fireflight for attempting to reach Ultra Magnus. It made sense to the archivist. He usually let Blaster handle that sort of thing. Why Fireflight would circumvent Silverbolt was beyond him.

Unfortunately, Fireflight took the reprimand rather poorly and threw a tantrum, shouting at his superior before flying off. Rewind found that particularly odd. Fireflight had been pretty mellow the few times that the archivist had come into contact with him. What had made him so high-strung?

"Uh...shouldn't someone...do something?" Rewind asked no one in particular.


Shuttle Longevity - Interior

Getaway watched with dismay as Smokescreen actually attempted to hold a conversation with Skids. The escapologist tried to speak up, say something, give some indication of what doom the diversionary tactician had just unleashed upon himself, but it was too late. Skids had already replied. Getaway rested his fingers on either side of his optics.

It was only the intervention of a familiar voice that saved Smokescreen from his fate. Prowl. Getaway stifled a sigh of relief as Skids ceased his monologue. Thank Primus for Prowl. Wait. Prowl? Getaway turned his faceplate at Skids only to find that the theoretician was already looking at him.

“Prowl. Well. I would suggest this mission is about to get a great deal more interesting. Though what develops afterward is certain to be even more so …"

"Indeed," Getaway said with a nod, "Oh, by the way..." Getaway leaned in close to Skids as if to share a secret. His optics darted over to Jazz and Smokescreen before glancing back to Skids. At his side, he clenched his fist and brought it up suddenly to Skids' chin as his optic ridges flattened to betray a rather perturbed disposition.

"Bomp. That's for driving Smokescreen away," Getaway leaned back in his seat before continuing, "Look, Skids. I'm going to need your head screwed firmly on your shoulder plating for this one, ok? This are big odds we're going up against and I need you at one-hundred percent. Got it?"

Shuttle Longevity: Bridge

Ultra Magnus’s optics darted from the helm to the forward view screen, which dominated the small confines of the large long range combat shuttle, then back to a personal command terminal. He gave only the curtest of nods to Smokescreen as the diversionary tactician accepted the role at the small communications and radar terminal at the back of the bridge near the separation between the forward command chamber and the passenger cabin. A wafer thin translucent display loomed before him. The image of a ancient stone carving wavered briefly as his left hand absently passed through the bottom of the screen before settling back to the arm rest. The image was one taken eons ago, its origins lost to the depths of time and war, perhaps it was never taken so much as imagined.

The Supreme Commander allowed his memory to wander ever so briefly into the possibilities behind such workmanship. A fresco, carved in ancient sea stone from what was now known simply as the Sea of Rust… its true name lost to the same waves of time that devoured the origins of the image, featured fractured faces and imagery along its edges. In the center of the piece were representations of twelve legendary weapons. The iconography above each of the legendary tools, only a few tugged at the faintest of memory nodules in even the wisest of archivists. If Optimus was still around, I bet he’d have this entire program solved, those infected cured and the one responsible cast out of this reality… and be back in time for a recharge.

A few carved shapes of stone flanked the gathering of artifacts or weapons, their names were broken and worn to irrecoverable set of eroded rock. Similar fates were worn by parts of the other artifacts and labels lost to time. However, two decidedly stood out… perhaps because they remained buried in sediment for eons themselves, protected by the elements of the Rust Sea and the catastrophic retributions brought down by the ancients themselves or by divine providence. The first was the sole surviving instrument of the initial twelve carvings, a simple recognizable book with a primitive quill resting upon its surface. Below the circle of twelve artifacts was a thirteenth. A broken sword, carved or lost to some physical drama dealt to the fresco Magnus could not be entirely sure, and what looked like a uniquely designed rifle.

Not entirely sure why he decided to pull up this particular file. It was famous because it gave credence to the legend of Alpha Trion and his grave age and importance to all Cybertronian kind, but how did it help him against the Fallen himself? The Fallen Prime… Megatronus. The very mechanism that had inspired his former namesake Megatron not only to take said name, but to betray a brother and bring forth unjust war and suffering upon countless innocents. Contained and cast out by his peers within the council of 13, the original Primes. Regardless of how those god like entities of yore had managed their limited victory, such tactics were far beyond the reach of Magnus and the rest of the Sol based Cybertronians.

“Megatronus… what could your game truly be here on Earth?” He said rhetorically in the low tone of contemplation. His right hand reached up from the arm rest and rested at the bottom of his chin. A single digit on his left hand pressed down a toggle to zoom in on the damaged fresco. Revenge against the Primes, it was too petty. He betrayed them for a higher reason. His index finger pushed aside the image of the fresco to an image of the Hall of Ancients located in the heart of Iacon’s ministry district. Large metallic statues, towering behemoths of living ore lining the red carpeted museum stood watch as guards to a history long forgotten.

It had taken him a good deal of time to change his perspective on the whole affair, a failing that was blessed in that it came and damned that it had taken so long to arrive. Since their first encounter Magnus had been fixated on defeating the entity himself. Expending endless resources to destroy a god like being, if Prowl had been present during that period he would agree, well it was purely ludicrous. Instead Ultra Magnus was looking at the problem from a simpler perspective, defeat the plan first. Whatever that plan truly was, it stood to reason that it was a once in an epoch event… or why else had the Fallen not attempted it before? It was possible that a complex holding action could thwart whatever had been set into motion. Possible but Magnus reasoned as highly unlikely particularly given how little they knew as to what was in motion.

The thin wisps of dark cloud lanced passed the viewer as the Longevity entered the upper atmosphere of the planet. Beyond a long and stunning string of lights highlighted the planet’s western coasts of their so called developed world. Towards the southern portion of that string the lights became less dense and in some cases ceased. The flight course marker on the view screen H.U.D flipped down creating a series of green arrows to indicate the vessel’s primary computer had locked on to the planetary transponder from Prowl. “Ludicrous… Jazz take us in at safe thruster speed. As soon as we have landed and retrieved our comrades, set a course for Point K. Hand off the helm to one of the Aerialbots and join me, Prowl, and Silverbolt in the cabin.”