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Australia--Uluru

"Wreck n' rule! Whoooo!" Sandstorm cried out, releasing another pair of missiles from his reserves.

A blue and black Seeker shot past him, rocketing high into the air above his current position.

"Can ya go any slower, Autobrat?" Thundercracker had taunted, slowing his thrusters just enough as he passed by to make sure that he got his dig in before firing them up to full blast all over again, surging higher and higher into the skies above the strange terran rock formation.

Oh...man. Does he want a piece? I think he wants a piece. No way he wants a piece.

"Get some of this anytime you want, blue boy!" Sandstorm called back, doubtful that the braggart Seeker could even hear him.

Refocusing, Sandstorm got another pair of missiles ready when he noticed incoming projectiles. Not just one or two. he could easily dodge one or two. Well, pretty easily, anyway. This was--this was a slagton of 'em.

"Look out Sandstorm!" Tracks called, out, flying past the triple-changer on his underside.

"Trying! Gahhhhh!"

Sandstorm did his best to maneuver out of the way but his best wasn't even remotely good enough as ununtrium-sharp projectiles sliced across his metallic frame or embedded themselves directly in it. Thankfully they weren't actually ununtrium, or he wouldn't be able to guess what the damage would have been, but this was bad enough. Smoke began to trickle upward from several of the damage sites and the Autobot recon expert began to lose altitude.

"Ohhhh...no way am I goin' out this early," Sandstorm said, transforming and dropping to the ground like a stone. Thankfully he was a lot closer to the rock than he had been.

"Guess we do this the old-fashioned way, eh?"

Running like a madmech for the stone outcropping, picking shards out of his frame as he went, he produced his rotor-blades and prepared to scale the rock by hand once he got there.

Australia - Uluru

"Failure is not an option this day, our fates are in our own actuators, not in the demented goals of an anachronism of a bygone era. Today we march, not to war for political ideologies or for personal vendetta. No, nothing so petty in comparison. Today we fight to war for our very existence. And today we fight as an allied people once again determined to stand up and prove that our very existence is worthy of continuance. In this declaration of defiance, I issue these orders. AUTOBOTS!!! DECEPTICONS!!! TRANSFORM AND ROLL OUT!!!"

Sure. Save it for Ultra Magnus to turn a battle preparation speech to sound like it came directly from some dead serious bureaucrat who had taken tedious effort in obscuring the message with big and fancy words instead of giving simple commands and leading through his sheer presence. He had to give it to Megatron and Optimus Prime. Both could do it so much better even if it hurt his pride to admit such about Prime. Anachronism? What the slag did that even mean?

Well, it did not really matter. The end message was clear enough and Magnus did set up a charge difficult not to understand. Leading through one's own actions always did earn one some respect in Motormaster's eyes, even if he wanted to put a laser blast between the Autobot Commander's optics.

“All right, anvil squad, you heard Magnus! Let’s move in!"

And Prowl was so quick to follow. Not a big surprise either. He and Magnus were so much alike that were it not for their different forms, Motormaster would have had trouble to tell them apart. Funny really how those two seemed to have the most in common with Shockwave apart from each other. But this was no time of analyzing personalities of irrelevant enemy officers. This was time to act. Well, after the Autobots had done some progress in moving into the fray. The rebellious element in the Stunticon leader's spark just refused to directly and instantaneously obey and order given by an Autobot. No matter their current alliance. Had not the Decepticons already invested more in this? How many Vehicons and Genericons were already marching into their doom before the Autobots? No, it made perfect sense making the Autobots to take the next brunt of potential enemy action after the initial losses the Decepticon cannon fodder would suffer. Motormaster's left arm was still in the air as a marker for his squad to stay put. Wait for it.

Yet, he could not wait for long. The first casualty had already been claimed by the enemy as Waspinator had been turned into a living projectile. Losing an Insecticon was of little consequence. However, his own pride prevented waiting for any longer. Particularly now that Sixshot of all Cybertronians had arrived to even out the odds. He would not appear weak. Not before the optical sensors of the enemy nor his own troops. And certainly not before someone like Sixshot. It was time. His gesture to keep the Decepticons to stay put shifted, ending up with his forefinger pointing directly at the Ayer's Rock before them.

"DECEPTICONS! MOVE OUT FOR THE KILL!"

The roar was followed by the activation of the mini-rocket launchers on his shoulders that howled their payload across the air towards the position of the Fallen and his heralds while Motormaster himself transformed into his International LoneStar truck mode and charged forwards with thick black smoke rising from his smokestacks, while in the distance the members of the hammer squad like Brawl and Headstrong maneuvered after Razorclaw and Onslaught to join the other assault force.

Australia - Uluru

No sooner than Silverbolt had transformed the autobots resident comm jockey Blaster had appeared and boarded the B1 lancer along with Eject. His afterburners carried him high into the air at the lead of the Aerialbots flanking him was Slingshot and Skydive. From his position he could see the battle being joined the decepticon Waspinator was the first to suffer the Fallen’s wraith being sent back into the mass of mechs charging his position.

The aerial forces were starting to engage the autobot triple changers where the first to start their attacks. Bright blasts of lasers speared out from the trio the blasts hammered into the rock formation around the fallen and his heralds. The return fire from the ground had seen Sandstorm forced to the ground and Broadside could be seen spinning towards the rocks.

The Aerialbot commander made a tactical decision in the face of the stalling attack

“Aerialbots arm all weapons we’re gonna give the triple changers some help”

The huge bomber swung lazily around to assault the Fallen’s position his electro static rifle appeared from where his front landing gear was usually stored. He then spoke to his occupants via the small speakers built into the cockpit.

“Eject, Blaster this might get rough”

Silverbolt swung his wings back and channelled his innate ability launching a huge bolt of silver energy at the fallen and his comrades.

_______________________________________________

Broadside saw Sandstorm transform trailing smoke he lingered on the view long enough to make sure his comrade wasn’t badly damaged. By the time he had reverted his view to the fallen and company Dragstrip had fire his gravito gun destroying his missiles. Thou the second barrage was a lot closer in fact it was enough to catch his tail and kick him into a flat spin.

“Ooooohhhhhh Sssssssllaaaaaggggg”

His altimeter was going crazy as he spun towards the ground he was getting dizzy from the constant spinning. He tried something crazy to avoid crashing he transformed into his robot mode his heavily armoured robot mode impacted with the rock face he bounced a couple of times before he managed to snag a handhold. The huge triple changer took a few seconds to clear his head after spinning for what seemed like a full vorn. Looking up Broadside drew his axe and started to haul his frame up the rock face revenge on Dragstrip firmly on his mind.

“Ugh! It always has to be the hard way”

Australia - Uluru

“Close, huh? Well, after we kick Hardhead and the Fallen’s aft plates, I’m sure I can arrange some private time for you two love-bots. Ha!"

Blindside had forgotten what being absolutely mortified was like. He was now suddenly and violently reminded of that feeling. It sucked. The blind Autobot let out an audible groan. He was now going to have to live with Howlstrike's jibes about it too. Great. Thankfully, before his friend could go on, Smokescreen approached them. The diversionary tactician handed them a little syringe and explained how to inject it and further details into the operation.

As Smokey smiled and walked away from them, Blindside glanced at his lupine friend, knowing that the syringe would likely be a back-up plan in their case. “Well, Blindside, it seems that the plan is to drug our comrades into submission. Wonder who came up with that brilliant plan. Regardless, I think it’s best for you to hold on to this since ol’ Hardhead doesn’t really know you all that well. Besides, I’m more interested in using my sword on his neck than a tiny needle."

"An Autobot came up with that plan. Decepticons would rather just beat their own into submission, and that way...definitely has a few advantages," Blindside said as he took the syringe and tucked it away in a side compartment. "Besides, I'm sure decapitation is just as viable a method of subduing old Hardhead as a sedative. Better even. That way he can't wake up as easily and take out more of our side."

Blindside only smiled as Howlstrike expressed his impatience. The anticipation was beginning to grate on the blind tactician too....that and a nagging worry about Veneer in the back of his mind. As long as he wasn't in the thick of it, Vee would still be in the back of his thoughts. Making him worry. When was this attack ever going to get rolling?!

Finally, Ultra Magnus gave a little speech. Little being a relative term. It had been pretty fraggin' lengthy. At least therein the speech was the order to attack. Finally. Maybe now he could push the worry from his mind and get to the one thing that still brought him the assurance that what he was doing was right: Battle.

“You ready, Blindside? Cause I ain’t waiting for you if you’re not! Heh!"

"Forged ready, Howl," Blindside said with a grin. He had been about to transform and take flight when a new ping on his sonar attracted his attention. Sixshot? Here? Why? Why was Sixshot here? From what the sightless mech could tell, this world was hardly out of Phase one. It definitely wasn't in phase six or even five. Not even close. Perhaps there were still some storms brewing over the Decepticon forces after Megatron's disappearance.

Howlstrike commented on the phase sixer's sudden appearance, but mostly wrote it off so eager he was to get going. Blindside couldn't particularly blame him. “Come on, Blinders, let’s get going. We’ve wasted enough time. Unless you got a better idea, I say we mingle in with the anvil forces for a bit and then break off and flank the mountain. Sound good?"

"Sounds good. I'll tell you once I spot Hardhead, then you can draw him away from the Fallen and his other lackies. I'm sure he's going to love to see you."

Transforming into his alternate mode, Blindside began his vertical ascent and slowly gained enough altitude to the point where his afterburners wouldn't scorch someone below him.

[quote]>>"Blindside, incoming! Flaming insecticon dead ahead!">"Phew! Thanks for the heads up, Howl!">"I see him Howl. He's firing on the Trips'. And it doesn't look like they're too happy about it. Slag! They're grounded. Hardhead's firepower is no joke. I'll try and grab his attention till you get here. I should be fast enough to avoid the worst of it."<<[/i]

Blindside angled his wing down to descend in a tight, controlled spiral while locking onto Hardhead. "Here goes nothing..." The blind tactician launched of volley of missiles at Hardhead, preparing himself for the return fire.

Australia - Uluru

Aaaaaaand....Waspinator was down. Already. First one. If that weren't enough, he had actually managed to turn himself into some kind of projectile flying back at their own forces. Or the Fallen had done that. Didn't really matter. And it was no big loss anyway, as Shadowing mentioned. They were only as strong as the weakest member of their pack and well...maybe the culling of Waspinator was a good thing in that regard. In any case, the Fallen had made his move.

>>"Spread out! Don't make yourselves a target, but stay in formation. We're going to be doing bombing runs right on top of the that fragger till our ground forces get here. Then pick your targets and try not to hit any of ours. A little friendly fire on the Autobot side is...an acceptable loss, however. Move out!"<<

Divebomb tucked his wings in and plummeted into a steep dive, locking onto the Fallen. He fired his particle laser off at the Fallen's torso. See how the fragger liked that!

Australia – Uluru

After handing off the syringe to Chromedome and saying his peace to the newly arrived Rewind, Axle turned his attention to the rest of the gathered Autobot and Decepticon forces. Although outwardly the field medic seemed calm and together in truth a torrent of doubt and worry raged within him. A small part of his concerns were aimed at the group that made up the Heralds and Hot Rod, but his true focus was on Hex. The young mech was his responsibility and he let this happen.

Some, those who knew Axle well, would say that he could not have prevented this even if he’d been glued to Hex’s side. Others would, and have, said that it was his choice and that the young bot wanted this.

“We should probably hang back away from the main attack group, at least until we can spot Hex on his own."

Axle turned his attention back to Chromedome. He offered a slight nod and gave his smaller companion a small smile. This was going to be difficult, for Chromedome and him, but now with Rewind…

“You’ll likely recognize him far before I do amongst the crowd so why don’t you take the lead and I’ll cover ya."

The field medic let out a low sigh. Of course no one knew who Hex was or what he looked like. They only recognized him when he was in a line up and being pointed out as the “one who did it”.

That said the mnemosurgeon transformed and deployed his weapons. At the same time Rewind hopped into Chromedome’s passenger seat and settled in. The field medic sighed before he too transformed into his alt mode and revved his engines.

“Ready when you are."

“Alright. But…” Axle said. What he wouldn’t give to have Rewind stay behind. But hardheadedness seemed to run rampant amongst Cybertronians. “Hex was dangerous before this. Now…now he’s almost twice as dangerous. He will not hesitate to kill you.” He paused a moment as he began to roll forward. “Or me,” he added lowly.

Shuttle Longevity – Hold One – Combat Casualty Care

Veneer made no comment after Ratchet’s rather miffed remark. The CMO and Axle didn’t really see eye to eye, he wasn’t quite sure why and at this point he was not going to inquire. Maybe at another point in time, but he’d speak with Aid about it. No point in getting his head bit off for being inquisitive.

A light touch to his shoulder had Veneer nearly hopping backward. If not for a light chuckle from First Aid the nurse likely would have done just that. “Sorry, Vee.” The rubbed the back of his head and flashed the Protectobot an awkward smile. “S’okay, Aid. Just a bit….you know…” The doctor nodded in understanding. He handed a few pads off to the nurse and led Veneer to one of the surgical slabs. “I know. But you’ve been stationed at a battle before. This will be no different.”

Vee began running through the pads while he listened to First Aid. He was right but for some reason Vee couldn’t help but feel that this battle was completely different. “I understand what you’re getting at Aid, but this really is different. I mean…The Fallen. Not the same as the Decepticons. Plenty of dissimilarities there.”

A shrug was the only way First Aid could respond. It was true what the nurse had said.

"Hey Ratchet, First Aid, and Vneer, I think we have our first possible injury. The Insecticon Waspinator was hurled against his will by the Fallen and had a hard landing. I'm going to see if he needs or wants help."

While his subordinates had moved off to continue their work Ratchet had moved out of the hold making his way toward the cargo hold exit. And that’s when Groove’s voice billowed through the Longevity’s corridors. Why the mech didn’t just use his comm link was beyond the CMO, but at least the scout got the message to him.

Without missing a step Ratchet turned around and bolted back into Hold One. “We’ve got one!” The sudden shout caught Aid and Vee’s attention prompting both to jog to Ratchet’s side. “Aid, go grab two med kits and some extra syringes.” As he handed out the orders Ratchet ha move away to grab several more needed supplies.

“Veneer. You’re staying here.” Ratchet set his optics on the nurse who offered a small tight nod. He was certainly not going to argue with that order. “I saw that you moved four of those portable power packs into Hold Two. Grab one and bring it back here.” Veneer turned to leave but was stopped by a gentle tug to his shoulder.

“Aid and I’ll try to get Waspinator patched up enough to send him back into the fray. If not then we’ll drag his sorry aft back here. In the meantime if someone is brought in and you can’t handle the repairs, or a surgeon is needed, do not wait to call either one of us. Is that understood?” The hard and gruff look that seemed permanent on Ratchet’s face was gone replaced by something that looked like worry. But instead of pointing it out or questioning it Veneer nodded. “Understood.”

Ratchet released the nurse’s shoulder and moved out. Veneer stopped beside First Aid, who was just about ready with his kits. “I’ll keep a look out for him. I’m sure he’s fine. So don’t worry, okay?” Veneer knew exactly who First Aid was referring to. It brought a very pained smile to his face. He was okay. Blindside was fine. “Thanks, Aid. Be careful.”

The Protectobot smiled beneath his facemask and set off after Ratchet.

Alone.

Veneer let his shoulders drop as he took a slow look around the hold. The only sounds coming from the equipment and his fuel pump.

With a heavy sigh Vee moved toward the exit. He still had to get that power pack.

No one in the makeshift medical unit had even noticed his entrance. It had been simple enough to bypass the security system. And disrupting the communications and video surveillance was simplicity in itself. No. No one would even know he was ever here.

Darkride settled in deeper as he watched the nurse move toward the exit. The two medics had already left, but that did not matter. He had a new toy to play with in Veneer.

Once the ‘Bot returned he would make his move. The Fallen’s Angel of Death chuckled to himself.

Australia--Uluru

Even in spite of the fact that there was a real possibility that they might be flying off to their doom, Astrotrain couldn't help but laugh a little at Octane's greed. Or his delusions. One of the two. He had some bearings, he'd give him that. How long he would have them was another question entirely.

“I am not gonna stick around to see the end of this ‘debate’," Blitzwing had said, before heading off into the skies.

"No kidding," Astrotrain said. "You glitches, inside!" he barked at a group of Vehicons.

Transforming into his shuttle mode and opening his bay doors, he waited until he was filled to capacity with the drone mechs before firing up his engines. Rumbling across the ground, he quickly got enough momentum to liftoff and kicked his thrusters into full gear as he launched himself higher into the air.

By the time Astrotrain had got himself into a position where he could circle, the battle was already well underway, with heavy weapons fire being traded by both sides. The Fallen didn't have a full army at his disposal, much less two, but it really didn't seem like it mattered either. he was more than making up for the lack of quantity with quality. Astrotrain had been loathe to believe it before, but it was obvious now that he really was a myth come to life.

And they had to defeat it.

Pfeh. Good luck with that, Astrotrain chided himself as some of his explosives clicked into place and had their armaments activated. Targeting the top of the rock, the shuttle arced back around in order to get the optimum placement. Once he thought he had it, he let loose.

"Bombs away!"

One of the cargo panels in the triple-changer's slid back and a series of armed charges began to drop steadily downward toward the top of Ayer's Rock.

Australia - Uluru

"Confirmed." Shadowing replied quickly as he dove along with Divebomb but from the opposite angle. He opened fire with his side blasters at the Fallen as well. It seemed it was the wiser course to provide the opponent a variety of targets coming in from different directions.

Australia - Uluru

Upon Silverbot's command, Air Raid armed his weapons. A limited number of heat seeking missiles were mounted on his flying alternate mode, and two rather weak machine guns appeared on his wings. The aerialbot got closer to the rock formation where The Fallen and his Heralds stood, and sent a round of bullets from his machine guns at them.

Air Raid then took a sharp turn and flew away from the Ayres Rock, only to turn again, get closer and send another round of bullets. It all happened in the span of a few seconds, Air Raid did certainly do a good job in the "raid".

Soon his pattern started to become apparent. He fired, he flew away to avoid being shot at, returned and fired again in a series of sharp twists and turns. If his turns were a little bit sharper, Air Raid could lose control, but experience helped him find balance. . He was about to start his third round on the Ayres Rock, but he wanted to see how much damage he did first. He might release one of his missiles.

Australia -- Uluru

Springer pulled back on his pitch as the sky became filled with Hardhead's diamond-sharp projectiles. Sandstorm's rotors has been hit already, causing him to dismount his aerial assault and forced to retreat to climbing up the face of the mountain. No idea what had happened to Broadside, but it looks like he was following Sandstorm's actions as well. Trying to avoid any damage to his rotor blades, Springer lifted up and began pulling back from his attack. Unfortunatly his underside had been struck by a few of Hardhead's attack. Time to deploy that Triplechanger rescourcefullness. Springer shifted to his robot mode and fell towards the based of Ayer's rock, the springs in his leg struts absorbing a great amount of the fall. He examnined his chassis to see how much damage Hardhead may have caused, nothing too offputting, a couple scraps, few bullet holes, some chipped painted, nothing new for the wrecking crew.

"Okay, new plan!" The green triplechanger hollered as he met up with Broadside and Sandstorm and drawing his rifle, "Let's NOT try that method again."



Chromedome could tell what the medic was trying to say, the same thought was running through the back of his processor as Rewind took his seat in the passenger spot. He was right, Hex was dangerous, more dangerous now than he was before. But his words of warning didn't seem to be enough to stop the archivist from joining alongside him.

>>"Rewind what are you doing? You said you'd hang behind and stay clear from the fight!">"Hex is dangerous and you aren't built to take a hit, I don't want to lose you out there! If anything were to happen to you, it would all be my fault... I couldn't live with myself if something were to happen to you out here..."<<

Chromedome swerved around the smoking crater Waspinator was rising out from as Groove approached the insecticon-reject's charred chassis. While he drove on further into the heat of battle, he checked his weapon systems and powered up the laser batteries built into the exposed pistols.

((OOC: My apologies if this post got a little long.))

Australia - Uluru

Prowl breathed a sigh of relief when the glowing energy ball known as Waspinator bounced harmlessly off of Trailbreaker’s force shield. The defensive strategist may be slow and fuel inefficient, but his shield capabilities were indispensable especially when on the battlefield against an enemy like the Fallen. No one had suffered any serious injuries during the attack and even the insecticon, himself, seemed no worse for wear. Not that the black and white cared about how a ‘Con was doing. He was only concerned about how many Autobot casualties there would be. So far, there were no losses to speak of. Not yet, anyway.

“Good job, Trailbreaker,” Prowl replied as he continued driving towards Ayers Rock in his Nissan GT-R police car alt mode. “And, yes, that was close. Stay on course. I sense we will be needing your shields once again if and when the vehicons are taken down.” The military strategist then received a comm from the Protectobot Commander, asking about their own fliers getting high angle shots.

>>”Hot Spot, we have Silverbolt and his Aerialbots in the air providing cover. If they spot anything I’m sure they will relay that information to us.”>”Anvil squad, hang back here and dig in! Let the vehicons take the initial brunt of the Fallen’s fury. Continue to fire at will, but don’t get too close just yet. Springer, Broadside, Sandstorm, the vehicons are incoming. Try to avoid friendly fire. Try to keep the Fallen and his heralds on top of Ayers Rock if you can. Remember everyone, we are the anvil. We must form an immovable wall until the hammer is poised and ready to strike!”>”I read you, Blindside. Keep him busy any way you can! I’ll going to flank the rock now and try and get in close to him. I’ll then try and draw him out. Keep me informed if his movements change.”>”Blindside, I’m climbing the rock now. I need to get closer to him to get his undivided attention and if that means attacking him at close range, then that’s what I’ll do. If anything goes wrong, be ready to move in quickly to use that syringe. Otherwise, hold off until I lure him away from the mountain and get my revenge. Got it, bud?”<<
_________

Hardhead was pleased that his shatterblasters had brought down not one but both triplechangers that he had aimed for. Unfortunately, they were down, but not out. Springer and Sandstorm, along with Broadside who Drag Strip had successfully grounded, were now grouped together at the base of the mountain, getting ready to make their next move. The green herald chuckled as he stood at the rock’s edge.

“Fools, I have the high ground now,” Hardhead muttered to himself as he took a downwards aim with both shatterblasters and unleashed another torrent of diamond-hard shards directly at the Autobot triplechangers.

Once that was done, laser and rocket fire from a variety of sources exploded all around him, forcing the angel of war to take several steps backwards as his armor plating was riddled with laser blasts and shrapnel. These Cybertronians meant business, but so did he. Perhaps, since the Fallen’s display with Waspinator, they had come to realize the gravity of their current situation, one that would ultimately result in their extinction.

Battered but no where near defeated, Hardhead transformed into his Stryker armored vehicle mode and took aim with his 120mm laser-guided cannon, unloading about a dozen incendiary and sonic shells directly at the primary line of advancing vehicons. Numerous explosions rocked the battalion of Decepticon drones, shredding many to pieces while consuming others in fire and smoke. He made sure to avoid hitting Drag Strip, who was now on the ground causing havoc of his own. Hardhead’s assault had done some damage but there were still many more vehicons on approach.

As the green herald prepared to launch another volley, he came under fire from above again, this time from the one called Blindside. A missile detonated right beside the Stryker vehicle, causing it to flip over several times before coming to rest on its roof. Hardhead quickly reverted back to robot mode and got to his feet as another rocket came directly at him. Slightly shaken, but no worse for wear, the green warrior dove to the right and avoided the latest missile, hitting the dirt once more as another explosion pelted his armor with debris. Pushing himself back up to a standing posture yet again, Hardhead immediately leaned forward and fired off several incendiary shells from his back mounted cannon, all aimed squarely at the harrier jet. "Hey, Blindside! Here's a bunch right back at ya!"
_________

Drag Strip had descended the mountain without much effort, keeping a safe distance from the downed Autobot triplechangers who had managed to regroup. He need not worry, however, as his fellow herald of war was keeping them pinned down with his shatterblasters. No, his concern now was the approaching vehicon brigade that had opened fired on Ayers Rock. Most were aiming at the top, but some had taken notice of the former Stunticon’s presence at the base, breaking off from the others and directing their weapons right at him.

“Seems I’m popular,” Drag Strip quipped as he transformed into his Dodge Viper alt mode and raced towards this smaller group of vehicons without a care in the universe. He easily avoided their lasers as he returned fire with his top mounted plasma energy blaster, destroying some of the drones before setting his sights on others. “Ha ha! This is so much fun! But not as much fun as what I’m about to have!”

Transforming into his robot mode, Drag Strip stopped a few yards in front of three vehicons and placed his hands up into the air. “I surrender! Take me to your leaders!” The mindless drones looks at each other and shrugged their shoulders, unsure of what to do. “Seriously! I’ve finally come to my senses and broken free of the Fallen’s control. Get me away from here!” The trio of vehicons hesitated a moment longer before two of them lowered their weapons and stepped forward to take the yellow herald into custody. When they were close enough, Drag Strip grabbed each of their forearms with both hands and smiled. “Rust in peace, slaggers!”

Releasing his grip, Drag Strip took a single step back and watched as cosmic rust began to spread outward from the places where the angel of pestilence had just touched the vehicons. “You guys may want to apply some corrostop on that.” The drones tried to raise their weapons at him, but failed as their arms rusted completely off at the elbow joints. “Nevermind. Too late! Ha ha!” The third vehicon tried to help the other two, but only succeeded in infecting himself with the corrosive disease. Soon, the trio were lying on the ground covered with rust and unable to fight as death, itself, loomed over them.

“So, who else wants to play?” Drag Strip asked the rest of the vehicon troops with a wicked smile plastered on his face plate, his hands outstretched and ready to infect the next mech that got too close to him.

Australia - Uluru

Jazz sped up to try and maintain his position alongside Magnus' carrier form. Up ahead towards Ayer's Rock, the special operations director could see all three triplechangers switching to their robot mode and tackling the rock formation on foot. From the top of the rocky platform, Jazz noticed Hardhead readying another volley with his main cannon.

"Yo we need to draw fire away from the wrecking crew! C'mon Cham'! I've got an idea that might get Hardhead's attention off them for awhile."

The black and white Porsche strafed to the left til he was about 3 feet away from the rolling armor platform that was Ultra Magnus. In the blink of an optic, Jazz somersaulted out of his vehicle mode and leaped up on top of the Autobot Commander's car carrier trailer. He swayed back and forth for a moment to regain his balance as Magnus' continued to speed on further into the heat of battle. Once he found his footing on the trailer platform, Jazz patted Magnus' trailer to let him know that he was carrying extra cargo now.

"You got two more back here Magnus, be easy on the bumps will ya?" Jazz joked as he drew his photon rifle and took aim at the Herald standing atop of Ayers Rock. "Alright, lets light 'em up!" Jazz lined up his sights with his targeting computer and fired several shots towards the Heralds still standing a top the rock. Each shot was timed well enough to where he wasn't rapidly firing his weapon off like the vehicon lackeys the Cons had brought to the party.

Getaway continued to roll alongside Ultra Magnus in his car mode while Jazz climbed aboard his carrier trailer and used it like a mobile weapons platform. He could join the Special Operations director up on the big guy's trailer, but he figured with Hardhead firing off his main gun and diamond-coated projectiles that it would be safer to put that bulletproof windows of his to better use.



Tailgate remained quiet as the battle erupted around him. He had gone and hid within the interior of Magnus' trailer compartment when Magnus gave the order to do so at the start of the battle. He was no warrior, he didn't have the skills to go face to face with any of the mechs out here, whether they be Decepticons or Heralds of the Fallen. Instead he'd put his function as a scout to some use. From one of the openings in the side of the trailer's panelling he entended his arm out as fall out as his hydraulics would allow. His actuators retreated into his forearm as a sensor relay soon took its place.

The minibot sat there as explosions roared around him and the weapon fire cracked from the mechs above of his position. He pulled his arm back in and checked the display screen on his forearm.

"Scrap... Got nothing yet..." He said with dissatisfaction and looked back out the opening in the panelling before sticking his arm back out to get another scan.

Australia - Uluru

Krunix gave Flamewar a sour look, but nodded. He liked 'wait and see'/'holding pattern' just as much as the next Con, but unlike the majority of his comrades he could very much see the strategic value of it. He cocked an eyebrow at her under his visor, however, when he saw her wade through a group of Vehicons to snag one of the smaller units her saw in the fight...


"Whoah!"

Wipe-Out was testing his wrist-mounted weapon when Flamewar yanked him out of the firing squad he'd slipped into. He would've objected, having been preparing to assist the Vehicons, but...frankly in the 7 microseconds he'd known Flamewar, the femme already managed to sufficiently scare him enough that decided against it. He looked at the unit she'd addressed as Warwolf, then to the one his H.U.D. designated as Krunix from his IFF system, and waved a little. There would probably be time for better introductions later.

Krunix's eyebrow didn't go down at the wave, but he just shook his head and transformed, putting his considerable vehicular bulk between the trio and the battle. He didn't know Flamewar and her cohorts all that well, but he had been assigned to her command; that meant he was in front of her in the Line.

---

Runabout watched his partner transform and, just as fast, changed himself. With a "hah-hah-hah...!", he pulled up next to Runamuck in vehicle form, the massive weapon he'd procurred planted inside his vehicle form.

"hah-hahhahhah. Good show, buddy. What say we tuck into position behind Motormaster? If anyone is going to take a beating and leave some fun stuff to beat around, it's gonna be that loudmouth!"

--

"Right behind you, Jazz!"

Chameleon had transformed and was trailing Getaway when Jazz had suggested a plan of attack. Pulling up to the massive frame of Ultra Magnus, the green Autobot scrambled to the top of the carrier frame and took a kneeling position. He held onto the frame for stability, while his free hand leveled his tri-barreled rifle at the growing shape of Hardhead's bulky silhouette. Closing one optic and trusting the targeting info in his visor's display, Chameleon squeezed the trigger, timing his shots between the blasts Jazz was sending towards the Herald. Even with potential misses, it was likely between Jazz's fire and three stabbing scarlet lances with each shot from Chameleon, they were going to put a lot of fire on the guy in a very big hurry...

OOC: Don't worry Smoke, with us who have several in this story we should have the long post if we post with every single character.

Australia - Uluru

Skydive saw what Air Raid had done to the Fallen and his comrades. He was up to his usual routine and often he was good at it. The biggest difference though is who they are fighting. Skydive open up the Aerialbot channel to give his suggestion.

>>Might I suggest one of our strafing patterns? I believe Alpha 3-5 Beta 6 might work in this situation. For those who have forgotten or never learned it, it is when we all head in the middle for the first wave then split apart after we past the target with Slingshot and myself to the left, Air Raid and Fireflight to the right while Silverbolt attacks from behind. Remember we have more friendlies to watch out for this time around even if we would like to take down some of the Vehicons or what is left of them. We might also want to give the Triplechangers a bit of aerial support.>Hate to tell you, Prowl, but looks Drag Strip is already on the ground and somehow disintegrated three Vehicons. From what I know of the Stunticon, he has no acidic or chemical properties. I know the heralds are stronger and faster then their normal selves but could it be possible they have gained new powers like Hot Rod has through the Fallen?<<

Hot Spot opened fire on the Stunticon in hopes it would distract him so whoever was supposed to take care of in the separation part of the plan can get to him before he dissolves any more mechs.

___________________________________________________

Groove worked his way over to Waspinator.

"Hey Waspinator, do you need any medical attention? We have a temporary medical facility I can guide you to if you desire."

__________________________________________________

Octane stood back and continued to watch what was going on. He kept an eye on the Autobot shuttles and wished he could have one. He noticed Ratchet and First Aid heading out to what looked like the direction of Waspinator.

"The bug isn't worth saving most of the time but can be a useful distraction. Too bad we don't have a giant fly swatter to have batted him back at the Fallen."

Australia - Uluru

Waspinator crawled out of his crater and rubbed the back of his processor as his vision began to return to him. The crash must have really tampered with his internal systems more so than the Wasp-former had originally expected.

"Hey Waspinator, do you need any medical attention? We have a temporary medical facility I can guide you to if you desire."

"Whhaaaa?" Waspinator muttered aloud in a confused awe as the Protectobot Groove arrived to check on the wasp-former's condition. "Wazzzpinator not understand... Bike-bot want to help Wazzzpinator?"

The green and yellow insecticon reject was astonished by Groove's actions. This was the first time anyone has taken his well-being into consideration like this. Most of the time it's "Scrape yourself together and get to the med bay Waspinator!" or "Missing a leg and your wings? You still got your arms, keep up the fighting!" but this... This was something totally new to Waspinator.

"Zzzzure! Wazzzpinator could use help from Autobot Doc-bots!"

Australia - Uluru

Groove smiled at the Insecticon relieved he would accept help from Autobots. Rarely do Cons accept help or even expect it. This might be the very first time Waspinator was offered honest help. Groove offered his hand to Waspinator and risking a look back towards the shuttle and seen First Aid and Ratchet coming their way. He waved at them.

"Hey, Waspinator is still functional but I think his voice box might have been damaged. I really don't know since I rarely get this close to an Insecticon. He doesn't look too critical even though I doubt he'll be forgetting the experience for a long while."

Groove then turned back at Waspinator feeling a little guilty of not asking about the damages.

"Okay, do you know what was damaged? The impact did look rather hard and hopefully we can get you back in fighting shape. We need every single possible mech fighting who isn't assigned to some other duty."

Australia - Uluru

Decibel moved through the field as quickly as his lack of an alt mode would allowed. He was determined to find Prowl as it was proper for a soldier to report in to his superior officer before joining a battlefield. The movement of both Autobots and Decepticons to the battlefield made the process a trying one. Finally he found Prowl and was able to go up to him and salute.

"Intelligence Warrior Decibel reporting for duty sir." He saluted and then turned towards the target of their team and opened fire with his weapons.

Australia: Uluru

Slingshot banked over the Cybertronian column once more, his targeting computer finalizing the last piece of data necessary to convert the Decepticon energy signatures and friend or foe identifier tags to neutrals. He simply could not paint any of those bolt chompers as potential friends, even if Silverbolt demanded he do so... there was simply too much bad energon between himself and many of those who wore the purple symbol. He simply did not trust them to honor any agreement once this battle was concluded, regardless of how it played out and which side took the brunt of the casualties. Slingshot was convinced that they would simply revert to their instinctual nature and betray the basic alliance of convenience, anything to get an advantage in this prolonged never ending war.

He straightened up his approach and carefully dove to a low altitude as Ultra Magnus ordered the entire Cybertronian Alliance to transform and advance. The sniper's sensors swept over each of the participants of the advancing column, the Vehicons already speeding forth in various diamond formations on both the ground and variations of a flying wedge in the air. Their lethal yet low yield weapons began to spray the rocks and deserts below as they advanced, almost indiscriminately firing at whatever moved upon the sand stone summit.

The sniper cycled through his ordinance as he pulled up from his low pass. His mortar launchers pulled the wide range proximity shells from their locks and replaced them with more effective concussion shells. Shells specifically designed to neutralize a target by disrupting internal functions and systems... most of the time they were non lethal, but there were times a well placed shot could easily send a target's components flying apart at the molecular level.

Slingshot weaved heavily in between the flight wing of Skywarp and Thundercracker, showing off true flying skills that he knew that he possessed over the obsolete model seeker duo. He then swept back over to his assigned coordinates and his oh so boring assignment to play escort for the ground pound team designed to do... well Slingshot didn't exactly remember what they were supposed to do. If it didn't involve him kicking Decepticon skid plates or possessed demigod carcass, Slingshot really could not care any less than he already did.

The sharp shooter pulled along side Silverbolt and the rest of the Aerialbot flight, he accepting his place off to the left as they lanced out of the gate towards their respective target. As soon as he locked into the flight plan of the squadron commander the plans were immediately changed. They were only a few clicks out from their target point anyways, so Slingshot had no qualms... as if he did have any objections to bailing on escort duty anyways, to make the attack runs.

Immediately, as he banked with Air Raid on his seven position off his own left wing, a communique came over the the receiver from Skydive. It was an in the clear explanation of formations that the most of the squadron would have down by metaprocessor... well maybe not Fireflight, but everyone else did. "Oh sure 'Divers, lets give out a step by step of all our glorious combat strategies in the clear so we can keep our friendly neighborhood Decepticon in the loop... for when they decide to turn their photon cannons on us later." Slingshot's tone was more mocking than condescending. He knew well that Skydive meant well with his tactical advice, not that the sharp shooting sniper ever listened when said advice was offered.

He kicked in his afterburners and pulled ahead and up of Silverbolt and his trio of escorts. Angling his exhaust vents to tilt himself into a shallow dive, Slingshot painted firing solutions on Hardhead, Dragstrip and the mutated form of Hotrod, or what Magnus dubbed him before... Black Rodimus. His wings were kicked into a slight corkscrew as he unleashed a salvo of concussion shells straight towards his targets.

Australia: Uluru- Anvil Forces

Nova Strike's mind raced in nearly infinite directions as his sensors reached out across the landscape of the growing battlefield. Each piece of the typography was recorded into his data tracks and installed into a complete virtual map of the region. Ancient tributaries and streams laced through the Australian National Monument Park, providing an uneven terrain. Small depressions in the soil gave further evidence, at least to the disoriented sonar readings that the Ranger was receiving which were murky and uneven thanks to the myriads of heavy vehicle movement, shallow aquifers and even small springs were located through out the park as well. Such knowledge was vital in any operation, and the advance on the strong hold of a possessed petty tyrant demigod who held the high ground... well information regardless of how small it may seem could very well prove the difference between survival and extinction.

The sensors sweep continued as the Ranger dove down into a shallow dried creek bed. He turned his turret south towards the rock formation, though his shot was obscured by the sand and scrub brush of the outback. It did not matter, though the target was well within the range of his main gun, from an effective stand point... accuracy would still be in doubt. Nova knew well enough he would be limited in his actual openings to score a disabling hit on the target. Instead the Ranger allowed the muzzle of his gun to press into the hard baked clay that was underneath the thin layer of dust and rubble that had once been the shore of what could have been a thriving aquatic ecosystem. He sent a sonic pulse through the clay and recorded the underground typography as best he could, using the closer proximity to the earth itself to filter out the vibrations that surrounded him.

The results were not much better and time was fleeting. Though he had a better idea of what was ahead in terms of obstacles, both natural and artificial, Strike was still not pleased with the limited data he could exploit. A Ranger used every piece of data they could get their hands on in order to accomplish their mission, and this still felt like he was going in blind.

Nova retracted his muzzle from the clay and turned his turret so it faced the nearest shallow incline out of the stream bed. He followed suit with his main body and accelerated as fast as his micro-spiked tires would muster in the fine dusty bottom. Dust spewed forth in a cloud as he exploded out of the natural barrier and back onto the highway towards the check point.

"Get that information you were looking for 'Strike?" The infantryman called out through the din of roaring engines and the pad of heavy tires as they dug through baked earth.

Nova's turret bounced lightly as the ranger hit speed and jumped a small mound of sand. He bounded twice before regaining speed then slowing enough to match the slower construction bot. "Somewhat. There is a shallow aquifer a few dozen meters down, but that won't help much in this engagement. The dried stream beds however may offer some cover beyond the artificial banks the Decepticons created up ahead."

Scoop raised his shovel to a shallow degree and plowed through a piece of packed clay. "That could prove useful... If we can get closer to that formation... once the hammer falls, we could theoretically end this conflict and secure the objective with fewer casualties than a long drawn out engagement. Primus willing of course."

The two warriors advanced, pieces of flying earth carved out from carbon and green pigment laced trench left in the wake of Waspinator's early exit from the combat scene, pelted their integrity fields but did no damage. Their weapons remained in standby, not wishing to add to the melee before they were promised cleaner firing solutions. Besides, why waste the firepower when the vehicons were already sending up enough of a violent spray on their own.

"Approaching Prowl's position now..." Scoop called out as the duo swung around the rusted out hulk of what had once been a human water cart, rusted through to its most basic of components. They were once again on track, this time spread apart so that when they arrived at their destination they would be flanking the Autobot Strategist.

Behind them the roar of rending metal and the massive blast of hydraulic horns echoed through the outback. Nova's sensors immediately picked up the signatures of five Autobots in one quick paced cluster. Ultra Magnus, who tore through the water cart remains with Getaway on his flank... and intermixed with Magnus's signature were those of Jazz, Chameleon and Tailgate. Inwardly, if it were possible, Nova Strike smirked. It was about time the larger commander made a dramatic appearance so close to the trenches.

From above bursts of energy began to pour from the rig trailer, Jazz and Chameleon sending a rather impressive amounts of energy towards Hardhead... Nova Strike remained on course and did not offer his energies to the task. Though Hardhead was more than likely augmented to the point that even a shot from Strike's primary gun would as likely as not only serve to annoy the heavily armored Autobot, the Ranger's attentions were diverted elsewhere, as were those of his wing man.

The two Autobots opened a slightly larger gap between themselves as their sensors picked up movement from the primary line. Prowl was taking position to take a shot with his shoulder missiles, or at least that was how the Ranger interpreted change in his posture. It took only microns for his suspicions to be confirmed as two missiles exploded from the massive shoulder launchers towards the Fallen and his cohorts and heralds.

Nova Strike did not need to converse with Scoop, they both had the same feeling and the same reaction. If the heralds decided to avoid the weapons, then the shot from their second in command would have served the purpose of a distraction. The two Autobots leveled their weapons, Nova Strike aiming towards the right of Prowl's missile strikes while Scoop aimed to the left with his Laser Guided Ion Concussion Blaster and just above the missiles with his Steel Shattering Compression Cannon.

The triangulated burst of fire exploded from the two warriors and swept above and passed Prowl to reinforce the strategist's own attack. It did not matter whether they hit, or they dodged, the assault would bolster the plans of the black and white officer.

From above and behind the two advancing solders a series of exhaust streams appeared. Their origins remained mystery for only a brief second as two massive rocket pods were retracted back into the blue and white vehicle trailer. Their targets were various, Four micro rockets targeted Hardhead while four targeted Dragstrip... their spacing apart designed to drive an explosive wedge between the two and help the diversion teams get closer to further drive them apart. Another four lanced above the three beams of energy, straight for the Fallen.

Austrailia--Uluru

"Okay, new plan! Let's NOT try that method again."

"Ha!" Sandstorm barked in the midst of his slow but steady ascent. "My kinda plan."

Fortunately he and his triple-changing comrades were not alone, as the mountainside was steadily filling with the bodies of Vehicon drones that were joining the climb upward like ants up a hill.

>>"Anvil squad, hang back here and dig in! Let the vehicons take the initial brunt of the Fallen’s fury. Continue to fire at will, but don’t get too close just yet. Springer, Broadside, Sandstorm, the Vehicons are incoming. Try to avoid friendly fire. Try to keep the Fallen and his heralds on top of Ayers Rock if you can. Remember everyone, we are the anvil. We must form an immovable wall until the hammer is poised and ready to strike!"<<

>>"Yeah, yeah, I read you Prowl. Falling back. No 'Cons are gonna come this way. Hammer away,"< Sandstorm transmitted, huffing as he let go of his grip and began a modified slide/drop back towards the ground even as the Vehicons surged forward. Strategists liked to talk about hammers and anvils and prongs and rifts when it came to battle plans. Sandstorm's was much more straightforward: see enemy? Attack enemy. Might not be the most well thought out, but hey, he was still alive wasn't he?

As he looked up he could see Hardhead peering out over the edge of the rock face before readying another volley of his shard-things.

Sandstorm wasn't going through that again. Let the mobile Decepticon shields take the brunt of that attack, just like Prowl wanted. The triple-changer angled his position better behind a cluster of the drones so that he could do just that before firing back up at the deranged, possessed Autobot.

Wish that little Stunticon glitch would poke his head out over the cliff. Much rather shoot at him.
___

Breakdown sped across the landscape, headed directly for the rock formation. His only target was Drag Strip. That was easy enough. He could focus on that. He loved chaotic melees like this. Pretty much all the Stunticons did. But it was easy to get caught up in them and lose sight of what the slag he was specifically supposed to do. And if he did that there would be a brutal beating from Motormaster waiting for him...if he somehow managed to survive this in the first place.

The battlefield was turning into a cluster of energy fire and Vehicon assault groups, mixed with Autobots and Decepticons of every stripe and skill level. Breakdown skidded to a halt, throwing up a cloud of dust around him as his scanners took in the battle.

"Gah, where are you, you yellow glitch?" Breakdown growled as he continued to look. Yellow glitch he may be. But he was a Stunticon yellow glitch. And that meant that he wouldn't get the full brunt of whatever Breakdown could unleash, despite how much he wanted to unload on his teammate for letting himself get caught like this in the first place.

Australia - Uluru

"You're themech withtheplan, Smokey! I trust yourjudgement!" Blurr said cheerily, offering the diversionary tactician a thumbs-up.

Transforming into his alternate mode his usually blinding speed, Blurr zipped off, following a fair distance behind Smokescreen. It was painfully slow, hanging back this much, but Blurr was content to follow the plan set by Smokescreen. It was definitely a solid one! Prowl could've even come up with it!

[quote]>>"Blurr, Breakdown, heads up! Waspinator's been turned into some kind of energy ball. We should be okay along the right flank, but the Fallen has clearly made his move!">"Roger that, Smokey,">"Iseehim! A few klikswest ofyour position, Smokescreen! Be careful. Helookslike he'sgot somethingnasty!"<< Blurr shouted over the comm lines to both Smokescreen and Breakdown.


Weirdwolf merely walked alongside his long-time friend and comrade Skullcruncher as they merged into the rank and file of Motormaster's forces. It had to be Motormaster, didn't it? Of course, it could be worse. Skullcruncher's titanic strength earned him the respect of many including the Stunticon commander. Of course, Weirdwolf did not merely ride on the coattails of others as many did. No, Weirdwolf was a fearsome warrior in his own right.

"DECEPTICONS! MOVE OUT FOR THE KILL!"

"Not many to feast upon for you are there," Weirdwolf observed casually as the order to move out was given. Weirdwolf transformed into his lupine alternate mode, and surged ahead with the rest of the assault. Carnage erupted far ahead in the skies as Waspinator was struck down and sent flying back at them. The Autobot triple changers charged only to be met with a volley of missiles. Their own aerial forces strafed the Fallen. All of this Weirdwolf registered simultaneously, and, sensing no immediate danger, continued his charge forward where many would have faltered.

All of his sense were primed, all experiences enhanced one hundred fold. He was again performing on a great stage. Weirdwolf felt alive.

Australia - Uluru

Blitzwing followed behind Astrotrain's bombing run and proceeded to drop a few of his concussion bombs following in the wake of the Transporter.

"Ohhh they're gonna feel that in the morning!" Blitzzwing mused over the roar of the following explosions. He banked around the rock formation and came in for another bombing run, but instead readied his forward facing machine guns. The tan and purple F15 jet fighter began blindly open firing upon the heralds standing atop the rock before flying over them and readying another attack run. As Blitzwing banked a turn to a left to come around and face Ayers Rock again, he couldn't help but laugh at the sight of the his Autobot counterparts being forced to climb the face of the rock, no doubt they were shot down by one of the heralds or the Fallen himself.

"HAHAHA! Hey 'Trainy! You catch the Autobot Trips' having to walk their way into the fight?! Where's Reflector when you need to capture such a beautiful moment like this?!"

As Blitzwing rounded the rock formation once more, he took notice of the approaching Aerialbot squadron pressing forward against the Fallen and his team. The commando recalled his last encounter with the Autobot fliers, a surge of anger clouding his judgement over their current situation. The triplechanger swooped in closer to their formation, hoping to stir something up within their ranks. He was under orders not to attack their Autobot "allies" on this mission, but that didn't mean he couldn't get some fun messing with them.

"DECEPTICONS! MOVE OUT FOR THE KILL!"

Warwolf wasted no time in shifting to his 3-headed wolf mode, the monstrous Cerberus-like beast let out a blood-curling howl before he charged forward, following alongside Motormaster in his truck mode. The lupine mech strode forward with the middle-head of the 3 keeping his crimson optics locked dead ahead and watching as the battle erupted around him. The two heads on each side of him peered up towards Ayers Rock and scanned left and right across the battlefield, trying to get a fix on the location on any of the Heralds or the Fallen himself.

Warwolf's leftside wolf head spotted a dark figure not to far ahead of them taking out several vehicon shoulders with little ease.

"Motormasterrrr," the interrogator stated with a snarl, "There's one of them up ahead! Looks like it appears to be Drag Strip. How do you wish to proceed?" The mutant wolf tried to get a more tactical mind as the battle enraged around him. Jumping into the mix of combat could cause him to lose his already loosening grip on his Primal self. Better to have someone else engage the fight first and throw the first punch while he can sit back and choose his battles more carefully.

Australia - Uluru

Air Raid banked alongside Slingshot, this time, he aimed a missile directly at one of The Fallen's Heralds. The missle launched from under his right wing, and moved fast towards the Ayres Rock. "Enjoy!" Shouted Air Raid before he banked and turned away from the rock. After the dust settled and everything became clear, Air Raid's optics didn't like what they just saw. The missile missed the target.

"Frag! It was a close one," the Aerialbot cried. The missile nearly hit the Heralds, but it didn't; the missile ended up only sending a wave of dust and thick air at the Herald's optics due to the force of the explosion. "Well, at least it blinded them, for a few seconds..."

Suddenly, Air Raid noticed that Blitzwing was dangerously close to their formation. He sent a transmission to his fellow Aerialbots. >'

Australia--Uluru

Thundercracker scoffed as one of the Aerialbots wound his way through his flight pattern. Stupid little Autobot winglet. He obviously wanted to show off some skills that he even more obviously didn't have. Little losers trying to overcompensate. All the Autobot "flyers" were. A bunch of disgraces and pretenders to the skies. The 'Cons owned the skies. Always had. Always would.

"Yeah, that's cute flyboy. Now get a taste of why we own the air. Better cover your audios," Thundercracker taunted.

Arcing around, Thundercracker zeroed in on the mechs atop Ayer's Rock. Right now it was just all enemy targets. Nice. He hadn't been able to play with his trademark move in a while and he'd just been handed a perfect opportunity.

Flying lower, gears and manifolds shifted into place and in the next instant-

*CRACKA-BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM*
___

This was more like it. A real chance to unload. Astrotrain couldn't think of anything in recent memory that had been as satisfying.

"HAHAHA! Hey 'Trainy! You catch the Autobot Trips' having to walk their way into the fight?! Where's Reflector when you need to capture such a beautiful moment like this?!"

"I saw! Oh Primus did I see! Hahahahahahahah! Climbing like little bugacons, scrambling to get an energon cube! I might die.....hahahahahah!" Astrotrain chortled in his raspy metallic tones. All their crap about wrecking and ruling and they were just about the first ones to hit the ground. It was too rich.

"I just need a clear spot and I'm gonna drop these toys off to go play."
___

As the battle started to grow more and more chaotic, Rampage could feel all the old, familiar urges surging through his systems. But now not only was there the thrill of the hunt. There was that thrill coupled with the fact that they were now the apex predators within the Decepticon ranks.

>>"Please tell me you're gonna give us the go ahead to take out that traitor. Please,">"We'll never have a better shot. We can't let him walk away from this, whatever happens."<<

Australia- Uluru

Shadowing and Divebomb had opened fire. Misfire took that as a sign he should probably do the same.

Given he'd already shut off his comms to block out a screaming insecticon, he could hardly be blamed for missing the order to engage. He let the missiles fly in the general direction of the Fallen and his heralds...

...only to watch said missiles fly over all their heads, then lose momentum and fall off the side of this rock mesa...thing. His targeting systems must not have been tuned to this planet's gravity yet. Yeah, that was it. It had nothing to do with his overall accuracy, which his internal systems had determined to be 0.07%.

Misfire continued firing the rockets, before reloading and pulling up. He'd missed again, but that was no reason to stop shooting.

Instead Misfire turned in midair and dove towards the Fallen. He fired straight down towards the giant's position. Hey, even if he missed, he'd be sure to hit the guy with some shrapnel, and then maybe get lucky and buy his allies a window to hit too.

Misfire really hoped his optimism would last.

-

A short distance away, a late arriving orbital bounce rocked the battlefield, another burst of light joining the fray of united Autobot and Decepticon attackers.

Nightweaver was left feeling dizzy and disoriented, but Bistream adjusted his systems much faster. He was used to HUD changes thanks to eons of playing particularly violent simulation games.

He scanned the battlefield. Where was Sixshot? So much of his plan depended on finding the Phase Sixer and persuading him...

"So, that's the Fallen, huh," Nightweaver observed, narrowing his optics to the titanic figure in the distance. Despite his dizziness, he was spoiling for a fight. "I think I'm gonna say 'hello.'"

"Hold your position," Bitstream instructed, still scanning the battlefield. "We shouldn't be rash. Wait until Sixs-" He stopped midsentence upon hearing the converting joints of a T-cog activation, and then saw Nightweaver speed off in his F-16 form.

"Oh, scrap," Bitstream uttered quietly.

Nightweaver, meanwhile, was a bit wobbly in the air, his system not accustomed to the planet's gravity, nor his own flying particularly stable or elegant. But he was fast, and he was determined.

He flew over the heads of his comrades towards the aerial group already engaging the Fallen and his four cronies.

Nightweaver aligned his machine guns and brought the rain in the general direction of the Fallen's face. He broadcast his message over an open comm channel to any who might hear it.

"Hey, fireguy, when you end up in the Pit, tell 'em Nightweaver sent you!"