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On the Rig

Starscream watched as the golden coloured Autobot dodged his attacks and then transformed, taking several hits from his cannons. The seeker was a little disappointed to see that Sunstreaker's armour was capable of absoring the damage his arm mounted weapons could deal out, though it was clear by the way he was maneuvering that the Autobot couldn't handle much sustained fire. It was no matter though, Starscream was up for a challenge today and this particular victim would be a most satisfying target to dismember. As he watched Sunstreaker reverse the Seeker continue to pour on the fire, but Starscream surmised what was coming.

Even with his arms out stretched the Seeker shifted the position of his feet more suitable for a fighting stance in hand to hand rather then a fire fight. Starscream had already concluded that the Autobot was already figuring the Seeker for a coward who would back off as soon as an opponent got with in hands reach, and surely based on all information he had on hand that was true. Starscream had spent a very long time crafting a persona of the coward who would flee to the air, he had done so with the intention of having his opponents, Autobot and Decepticon alike, to underestimate him. However, he had also come to the conclusion that his endevour had had an unexpected side effect in making Starscream a joke. Well the Seeker commander had decide it was time to drop the cowardly persona and let his true self come out. And he could think of no better time then now by getting his hands dirty with the death of this arrogant Autobot.

As soon as his optics registered Sunstreaker's transformation he finished shifting into a fighting stance and readier himself. Time seemed to move in slow motion as Starscream positioned his fists and then pushed off with his back leg, and moved with all of his speed. He gave a loud battle cry as he raised his fist and put all of his strength behind it as he brought it down on the unsuspecting Autobot's jaw, connecting with an armour crunching hit then sent his. Sunstreaker's head snapped back sharply from the impact and was sent tumbling backwards to land on his aft. It was a rare thing for a combatant to take an opponent so unawares, and it was very satisfying as the grin on Starscream's face revealed as the Seeker dropped into a fighting stance, ready for his opponents counter-attack.

* * *

Bumblebee had been laying down covering fire for his fellow Autobots as he knew his chances in a fight such as this were slim. He caught movement out of the corner of his optic and turned just in time to see a Decepticon tackle him to the ground. He had been unprepared for that and was already battering back at his assailant when a missile struck where he had been standing a moment before. He had been saved by this Decepticon? Bumblebee was stunned at this occurrence, but only breifly and soon he was struggling to break free. When Hound attacked to try and save him the minibot wasted no time in breaking free during his opponents momentary distraction and ran for cover, and safety of the Autobot lines. Turning on occasion to fire back at the unknown 'Con who had tackled him before.

(OOC: fight between Starstream and Sunstreaker agreed upon by me and Dev.)

(OOC: Nemesis Rodimus, I warned you before that you need to pay more attention to attacks on Ironhide but you continue to have him turn his back on Hellion. This post is going to force you to pay attention to him.)

IC

On the Oil Rig

Before Ironhide could get any of his shots off at Starscream Hellion slammed into him, tackling the Autobot to the ground. She snarled at him as she climbed back to her feet, launching a swift kick at his midsection. “You’ll pay attention to me now Autobot or I’ll simple gut you now and be done with it. Fight me and die or I’ll simple rip out your spark when you turn your back on me again.”

*

Sideswipe smirked for a second as he scored at least a glancing hit on Blackstar. He knew his little move would work. Those seekers always thought they owned the skies and got all cocky when you challenged them in it. He’d have to remember this little move in the future. Knowing the Cons it’d probably work at least a couple more times before they put their craniums together and figured it out.

His pride at his little move was short lived as he saw the Seeker aiming to fire. He scrambled for cover but still took the shot in his hip. He grunted in pain as he dropped behind some structural supports and piping. He couldn’t take on the seeker in the air and he doubted he was going to get too many shots at him while he was just floating still in the air. It was time for another trick move.

The Autobot warrior popped his head and shoulders just above his cover and fired off one of his flare missiles at Blackstar. He wasn’t aiming to hit him, he was aiming for the flare to detonate right next to him. The things were slagging bright, bright enough to be seen for miles at night. He figured having one light up right in your face would scramble your optics pretty good for a few seconds. He leveled his rifle at the seeker and opened fire once the flare detonated.

*

Sunstreaker was caught by surprise as Starscream landed a solid blow on his face. It was enough to send him staggering and falling backward before he recovered. His optics were scrambled for a few seconds before they finally recalibrated from the force of the hit, mostly from his own momentum slamming into it. He wiped a hand across his mouth, seeing it come away with some oil on it. The con had drawn the first bit of damage. He would just have to make sure that the seeker would be the one to suffer the last bit of damage in this fight.

The yellow warrior climbed back to his feet and adopted a fighting stance of his own. He snickered as Starscream readied himself in his own stance. “Funny, I never remembered you fighting in the arena, or even watching a fight. You gonna pretend you know how to scrap now?” As he spoke he sized up his opponent, looking for ways to take him down as quickly and as hard as possible.

There was little point in attacking a seeker low, which was his first thought. They were likely to fly above any sort of leg sweep. It would have been a quick take down, but he was fine looking for alternatives. There was still plenty of Decepticon left to hit above the legs. He figured he’d test him out a bit first, find the one move or weakness that he most assuredly had and then exploit the hell out of it. He knew the seeker was probably faster than him, maybe even stronger and tougher (not that he would ever admit it) but he had more experience and skill. He would just turn things against him and mop the floor with him when he eventually made the first mistake. He would just have to be perfect in his combat, which he always was.

Sunstreaker moved in close and launched a quick jab at Starscream’s midsection. He followed it with a right hook to his face. He hoped that by keeping the fight close and tight it would negate some of Starscream’s speed and maximize his own skill.

Above The Gulf

Blackstar fires at Sideswipe as he dives for cover.

>>To all seekers that are airborne. Avoid the east side of the platform. There are radio waves and signals in the air that will disrupt your guidance systems. Be very careful!<<

Skywarp's transmission comes just in time to alert him to the dangers of the eastern side. Changing his flight pattern to avoid the east he sees the white missile heading towards him. Cutting his thrusters, Blackstar fires a shot into the missile, seemingly exploding it right before it hits him. The bright light blinds his optics, and the lack of concussive blast means this was a flare. Blackstar begins plummeting to the ocean below, opting for cover until he can regain his vision. While water combat may be better suited for some of the newer Seekers, Blackstar knows better than to be a sitting duck or flying blind in combat, and hopes to let Sideswipe think he took Blackstar out of combat.

Before Blackstar can hit the water, he can feel the sting of a low powered shot, no doubt Sideswipe again. "This bot has gotten annoying." Blackstar thinks to himself ,knowing he must come up with a plan to defeat him.

Sinking into the ocean and relying on his radar for guidance until his optics clear up, Blackstar slowly heads underwater toward to the Rig.

Ironhide bit his lip. That had been unexpected. The Decepticon Helion was no one to play with, that was for sure. The Autobot transformed his hand into a water gun and squirted the ground around the Decepticon's feet. The sticky adhesive glued the 'Con to the ground.

"That'll teach you!" Ironhide cried.

He fired his water gun again, encasing the enemy in liquid nitrogen. He then threw down his rifle and got up close, landing several punches on the 'Cons armor. All the while, he attempted to pick up his rifle and fire at Starscream, as Prowl had commanded. But this time, he kept his eye on his attacker. He let off three quick bursts and turned back to the frozen attacker. This was far from over, and he intended to see it all the way through. No half-wit Decepticon, no matter how powerful and how good at sneak attacks he or she was.

"All right, you dirty 'Con. Let's finish this."

He got in close to Helion again, fists raised.

<<Prowl!>> he called over private comm. <<I'm a little tied down! Someone else will have to take on 'Screamer!>>

He scanned the area while keeping an optic on his opponent. Seeing Sideswipe under attack, he opened fire on Blackstar, hoping the flying Autobot could take down Starscream more easily. But still, this female Seeker was trouble, so he kept his water gun trained on his opponent.

"Don't move, 'Con, or I'll freeze you solid. Or, more solid, anyway."

As a warning, he unleashed three short bursts of LN.

(OOC: Sorry for the delay guys. Lots going on in RL.)

Gulf of Mexico – Above the Oil Rig

Nightraven had climbed to a level where she believed she would be safe from any attack from Smokescreen. She was, however, taken by surprise when a missile he fired flew by her and immediately detonated. Had she been in robot mode she would have smiled, but before she could congratulate herself she was bombarded by thousands of shards. “What the…”She suddenly began to experience a disruption in her guidance systems; causing her to began to plummet uncontrollably towards the water. She transformed quickly, causing her stealth to deactivate. She continued her dive towards the water, but before she hit she engaged her thrusters and flew under the rig. Her plan was to come up on the other side of it to catch the diversionary tactician off guard. After all, she was a spy by profession, and being unseen was her specialty.

Once she came up on the opposite side of the rig she took careful aim at Smokescreen’s back and fired off a few shots from her laser canons.

*********

Darkride tried desperately to hold onto Bumblebee, but the minibot was able to kick and struggle his way out of the interrogator’s grip. Teeth bared the interrogator growled. His voice dripped with anger as he got up and began stalking towards the yellow Autobot. “I never let my prey go.” The black and purple Con reached behind his back and took hold of his shrapnel rifle and readied it, but before he could fire his attention moved to the trio of Autobots heading his way. Without hesitation he opened fire on Hound and the others. The shell ejected from the weapon at a death defying speed, and once it reached its required distance it detonated expelling razor sharp shrapnel at anyone in the vicinity.

With Hound and his friends now under fire Darkride continued his movements towards Bumblebee. He produced his energo whip and with a quick flick of his wrist he lashed it out at the minuscule Autobot. He snarled out at Bumblebee as he continued to whip him.“You’re mine!”

(OOC: Sorry for the delay as well guys. Got the quarter wrapping up and classes being demanding)

Oil platform

Things were not going well at all for the Autobots. Prowl saw it. Ironhide had managed to slow down Hellion but they knew it the liquid nitrogen would not hold long. It wouldn't be enough to free up Ironhide. He was going to have to bail out Sunstreaker himself.

But he knew full well he was probably still targeted by Astrotrain. That possibility never left his mind. he ahd to be alert as he made his way to where he could get a good vantage point of the two. He then saw something explode in the air as tiny metal objects began to shower down. One pierced his arm, doing minimal damage but it stung. If he were hit by many, he'd certianly need a trip to the CR chamber. They were anti-personel countermeasures.

"Autobots take cover!" Prowl yelled, depsite his command being a little late. He transformed into car mode, taking a few more hits to the rear windshield and trunk but carefully negotiating the platform until he was safely out of range. As he approached the seeker commander be plowed right throgh some barrels to catch the Decepticon by surprise as he transformed back into robot mode and made for a flying tackle at Starscream.

While he considered blasting a few barrels to engulf Starscream in flames, he knew full well that killing Starscream in such a manner was not worth risking one good Autobot in Sunstreaker. And he knew that if Sunstreaker survived, his paint would be ruined and he did not want to have to contend with Susntreaker's whining over his coat of polish with many more imporant matters to consider. But at the very least, his actions would even up the fight.

Gulf of Mexico - Oil Platform

The problem with Hounds strategy was that it really relied on Darkride being intimidated by his 'allies', and not fleeing instead of fighting back. Just as Hound was loading his missile launcher and preparing to change the illusion to show Red Alert and Inferno joining him in a barrage of fire on the Seeker, Darkride had fired a shrapnel weapon at him. Shielding his optics from the shrapnel with his hand as the explosion dug dozens of barbed needles into his armor, Hound was dismayed to see the images of his allies wink out: A piece of shrapnel had smashed the lens of the hologram projector in his other hand, rendering it unusable until repaired.

No time to fix it now, Bumblebee needs me! With no thought for his own safety, Hound charged forward again, firing his missile launcher at Darkrides legs as he dived at the hand holding the energy whip; A desperate manuver for a desperate situation.

(OOC: Nemesis Rodimus, you don’t seem to remotely understand how this game works. It’s a GAME you are playing with other people, not some story you’re writing on your own were Ironhide single handedly beats up every Decepticon he can see with ease. You make ATTEMPTS to hit other characters. It is up to that character’s player as to whether you hit and how much damage you did. I had Hellion slam into Ironhide because he basically brushed off her charging at him. It was a power move as a moderator to try and get you involved with the actual game. You make attack attempts, like shooting at someone or throwing a punch at someone, then you give them time to react. Instead of doing that you glued Hellion to the ground, froze her, punched her repeatedly, fired off several shots at Starscream, fired on Blackstar, then fired at Hellion three more times. You MUST give players a time to react and you MUST allow them to decide whether you hit and the severity of the blows. The staff has talked to you multiple times now and we are questioning whether you are capable of playing in this game. I want to see IMMEDIATE improvement.)

To all players: Nemesis Rodimus’s last post is nullified after he fired the glue gun at Hellion’s feet. Ignore all further attacks and signals from that point on.

IC

On the Platform

Hellion gritted her teeth as she felt the glue striking her legs and attaching her to the floor of the platform. Couldn’t this Autobot just stand up and fight her like a real mech? She activated the thrusters in her feet. Between that and her own strength the glue wouldn’t hold her down for long. As she burned and tore her way through the substance she raised both of her arms and opened fire on Ironhide with her machine guns.

*

Astrotrain was a bit stymied as to what to do next. Starscream’s plan hadn’t exactly worked out. Now he was locked in hand to hand combat with Sunstreaker. He could try to help him out, but there was a chance he’d hurt the Seeker in the process. Even worse, he could damage his massive ego by trying to help him. That would probably have more dire consequences. Best to just let him fight his own fight and win or lose on his own. He would probably get blamed for messing up either way, but it would be less severe.

As the triplechanger was watching Starscream and Sunstreaker battle he noticed the Autobot Prowl quickly advancing towards them. Maybe he still could salvage something here and end up on Starscream’s good side. He dashed out from behind his cover and charged at the Autobot as he leapt at the Seeker commander, hoping to knock him off his collision course with him.

Oil platform

Just as Prowl was about to tackle Starscream, he felt something tackles him while in midair. The momentum changed as he and his attacker hurdled right between Starscream and Sunstreaker. At the very least, he could give Sunstreaker a chance to get a few in wiht the confusion. He tumbled as he hit the ground, denting and scratching various sections of his exterior, and busting a headlight on his chest cavity section, but the damages were superficial at worst, the equivalent of bruises that could be shaken off or ignored. Knowing his attacker had most likely indured similar damage. He looked to see who it was... Astrotrain. The triplechanger had been waiting for him to make a move.

But there was no time to curse his lack of observiance. He was going to have to put his all into this fight. he got up with his acid pellet rifle drawn and ran in firing. His best chance was to put his opponent on the defense wiht a strong offense. And while not potent with one blast, his acid woudl build up the more he hit Astrotrain with them, working to his favor.

"You won't get away with what you've done Decepticon!" he said, as he continued firing away at the triplechanger. He then added in a couple of rockets for good measure.

On the Oil Platform

Smokescreen watched the sky for any sign of Nightraven as his rocket’s shards did their thing. He noticed Skywarp fall into the ocean nearby, having gotten too close to avoid the disruptive signals. Smokey didn’t care about ‘Warp’s misfortune. The teleporter was a mere bonus and nothing more. The diversion expert was more concerned with the invisible femme seeker he was currently fighting.

It was then that he saw Nightraven reappear as she transformed back to robot mode and dove towards the ocean below. Excellent! It worked as I had hoped! But Smokescreen stopped short of congratulating himself just yet as the Decepticon femme ignited her thrusters and flew underneath the oil rig. Smokey ran to the edge of the platform and looked down, seeing nothing but waves crashing against the base of the rig. Now where’d she go? The red and blue mech thought to himself. If it’s not one thing with these femme seekers it’s another.

Smokescreen then realized what Nightraven was doing, but he was too late and the femme was too quick. Two blasts struck Smokey’s back as he tried to spin around and bring his own laser rifle up. Losing his balance, Smokey toppled off the edge of the platform and fell into the rough surf below, disappearing from sight.

Underwater, Smokescreen regained his composure and managed to swim up to the surface beneath the oil rig. Pulling himself onto one of the massive steel legs that supported the platform, Smokey took a moment to rest and address his injuries. Thankfully, his armor had absorbed much of the blasts, but it was still badly scorched and his back ached like a defective motherboard. I can’t stay here long, Smokey thought, looking up to the battle above. I’ve got to get back into the action and help my fellow Autobots.

Smokescreen then began ascending the structure, hoping that Nightraven wouldn’t come looking for him.

******

Skywarp pulled himself up onto a small ledge on the side of the oil rig just as Smokescreen tumbled by him and into the sea. “Ha! Stupid Autobot! Good riddance!” The teleporter laughed. He then scanned the skies on the east side of the platform for any further signals or other disruptions. The shards had begun to fall away, causing the signals to dissipate in strength. However, Skywarp still didn’t want to chance a repeat of his previously unscheduled swim in the ocean. The only thing worse than organic matter on him was salt water in his circuits, which ‘Warp was sure would eventually corrode them to the point of shorting out.

So, Skywarp decided to teleport to the western side of the oil rig, where he reappeared still in robot mode, hovering above the action. Looking down, ‘Warp searched for a new target. He spotted Hound charging towards Darkride in an attempt to prevent the interrogator from attacking Bumblebee. It had been Darkride who made ‘Warp miss in his missile attack on the yellow minibot earlier. Therefore, the black and purple seeker was in no hurry to help out his fellow ‘con, a mech whom ‘Warp found to be a bit strange if not disgusting in his experiments on the flesh bags.

However, there didn’t appear to be a better target at the moment, and Skywarp didn’t want to miss the opportunity to take out an Autobot just because he’d being helping Darkride in the process. 'Warp took careful aim at Hound and opened fire on the green scout with his arm-mounted lasers.

On the Rig

A satisfying smile spread across Starscream's face as he watched Sunstreaker real back from the blow he had taken to his face. The Seeker had already regained his footing and was once more in a steady fighting stance ready to deflect a counterattack or deliver a strike of his own. He watched the Autobot recover, wiping oil away from his face. He was studying his opponent, just as Sunstreaker studied Starscream. It was the way of things when two fighters such as they faced each other, each attack was a carefully calculated move, to try and catch his opponent off guard or to land a critical blow. It was a thrilling exercise, just as thrilling as matching wits with an opponent in the arena of the mind. Though Starscream was certain that facing Sunstreaker in a clash of wits and words would not be as enjoyable as the one they were presently engaged.

"I never felt the need to drag myself down into the mud of those low brow contests. I preferred to hone my skills in contests against worthy opponents who had studied their craft for vorns." Starscream's voice oozed arrogance as he spoke, his trade mark grin never leaving his face. "I never bothered with the arenas. They were the realms of the oofs, it was so dull watching one brainless thug cave in the cranial armour of another to the cheer of the lower mechanisms. Though I suppose such primitive contests were important to stoking that burning ego and vanity you cherish so much."

Of course Starscream was trying to get to Sunstreaker, of course he felt that the Autobots own hubris was so thick his words would barely penetrate it. Of course he doubted his opponent had the proper processing capacity to even comprehend that he was insulting him. It was at this time that Sunstreaker choose to attack.

Starscream had predicted the strike to his midsection which he deflected with ease, it was the shot to his face plate that he did not see coming. Though as he reeled back, optics flickering from the hit, Starscream chided himself mentally about how foolish he had been to let such a predictable move get past him. Though he moved quickly recovering into a defensive posture as his optics recalibrated. He was fortunate at this time that Astrotrain intercepted an attack by Prowl. The Seeker was mildly annoyed that he needed rescuing, but he wasn't so blind to recognize that the interference by his subordinate was the proper course of action. Otherwise Starscream would be at the mercy of two of Prime's elite. He made a mental note to congratulate Astrotrain on the proper course of action when the battle was over.

"So I see your time in the arenas taught you more then basic thuggery." Starscream said locking optics with the defiant Autobot before him. "Perhaps this little fight of ours will be of some note rather then me dispatching yet another Autobot peon."

Of course there was a larger battle going on around him and for a moment Starscream had to divert attention towards orders.

">>Thundercracker, by pass the Autobot interference and land on the rig. We need to begin extraction of the fuel we have come for. Once you have collected enough let me know. Any seekers that are capable of supporting Thundercracker do so.<<"

After giving his orders Starscream charged forward towards Sunstreaker, using his superior speed to full effect to close the gap between them faster then most could ever possibly hope to accomplish. He then lept forward, right leg outstreched, his left leg curled under him, as he drove a powerful kick home towards the golden Autobot.

* * *

Bumblebee had been falling back to a better position from the approaching Darkride, using Hound's rescue attempt to his advantage. However, he had not counted on the shrapnel round the Decepticon had fired that had been enough to at least take Hound out of the fight for the time being. The minibot had nearly reached some cover when he was struck with a painful power surge that took the strength out of his servos and caused the weakened his joints and sent him tumbling to the platform. He rolled over to see the enraged 'Con over him, whip raised, and he rolled to the left and avoided and strike, then to the right to avoid another.

"it's going to take more then that to take me out!"

Bumblebee yelled defiantly as he raised his pistol and snapped off a few quick shots at Darkride as the energo whip came down, striking the minibot in the leg. Armour was slashed away in a swift, brutal motion, the internal hydrolics of that leg suffering severe damage as well. Bumblebee knew he was not going to be able to but any amount of pressure on that leg now. He had to fight to get free.

Using his free hand he began to pull himself towards the safety of the cover that was only just out of reach. He was firing widly with his pistol in his free hand, hoping to buy time for himself so Hound or someone could come and rescue him from this maniacal 'Con.

On the Oil Platform

>>"Acknowledged."<< Thundercracker replied back to Starscream, transformed and lead his wingmates Amethyst and Cobalt down to the oil platform.

While all of the Autobots seemed to be preoccupied with the rest of Decepticons, Thundercracker didn't want to be taken by surprise. Turning to his wingmates, the seeker veteran gave them their instructions, "Start draining the oil into the cube modulators, I'll keep watch over the Autobots."

Opening his comm-link to Skywarp, the blue seeker called for reinforcements next. >>"Skywarp! If you don't have any use for your wingmates, send them to help me with collecting fuel from this rig. I don't want to get back to Megatron without his energon!"

With Amethyst and Cobalt working with the rig's oil tanks, Thundercracker set himself between the two and the battle, hoping that the rest of the Decepticons would keep the Autobots busy.

On the Rig

Hounds leap of faith had been founded more on desperation than on safety, and he'd left himself wide open to attack from all sides in his attempt to save Bumblebee. Just as his missile left the launcher, hopefully headed towards Darkride, a shot from Skywarp slammed into his side. In a burst of red smoke, Hound went careening in midair, well wide of the scuffle between Autobot and Seeker, and came screeching to a halt just at the edge of the rig. Hound desperately clung to a bollard to stop himself falling over the edge, tempted though he was to stop the flow of lubricant pumping from the wound.

Aaargh....stupid....trying to be a hero when I'm meant to be support. Hauling himself up, Hound saw Bumblebee desperately trying to hold off Darkride. He got a hand free and activated his communicator. >>Prowl, things aren't going well over here. Is there are chance of some backup??<<

Gulf of Mexico – On the Platform

The interrogator gritted his teeth as he was hit again and again from Bumblebee’s laser pistol; it stung but it certainly did not hurt. Darkride had taken many vorns to become immune to pain giving him the endurance to take the abuse he puts his body through. He bore back once more with his energo whip, but his forward momentum was thrown off by the explosion from Hound’s missile. He landed a short distance from Bumblebee. A feral growl came from him as he stood back up and turned to face his new opponent. Before he could retaliate against Hound, however, he was taken out by a searing shot from Skywarp. “At least he did on thing right.”

He quickly turned to face the minibot with an evil smile on his face. Taking his whip he carefully stowed it away. Instead he pulled out his sword. The light caught its blade as he unsheathed it. Bringing it to bear, he deftly turned it in his hand. “I told you, little one, you’re mine!” He let loose a primal scream and bore down on the smaller mech.

*********

The lithe femme made her way over to the edge of the platform when she saw Smokescreen fall off and disappeared from sight. She looked down at the churning water below and let out a low sigh. She didn’t want to have to fight, but she was hoping for more of a challenge. She thought about heading down the side of the structure and checking for him, but her thoughts were broken when she heard Starscream’s order to help Thundercracker and off load the oil from the rig. A slight smile crossed her features as she ignited her thrusters and took off to where the veteran seeker and his wing mates were located.

She landed next to Amethyst and Cobalt and began to quickly get the oil drained into the cubes located near the pipes.

On the Oil Rig

Sunstreaker smirked in satisfaction as he felt his fist collide with Starscream’s face. That should shut his big mouth. Only someone who never fought in the arenas would ever think that it was all just mindless combat and thuggery. Certainly there had been some of that in the arenas, but those battles were never the main events. They were merely opening acts to get the crowd fired up. The true battles always involved skill, tactics and intelligence. Throw one of the dumb thugs in those battles and he’d get carved up in nanoseconds.

The Autobot warrior stepped back as Starscream reeled from the hit. He didn’t want to get caught in some sort of quick counterpunch. The seeker was an arrogant jerk, but he was smart. He wouldn’t put it past him to fake the hit to sucker him in.

His smirk turned into a frown as Starscream started yapping again. Apparently he hadn’t hit the seeker hard enough. Next time he would have to aim for his vocalizer. He probably valued that more than he did his own spark anyway. “Do you kiss Megatron’s aft with that mouth Starscream? Seems weird that someone whose leader came from the arenas wouldn’t bad mouth them so much.”

It was then that Starscream struck with ferocious speed. The kick landed squarely on his chest. All Sunstreaker could do was move with the force of the kick. He allowed himself to fall backwards and tried to grab Starscream’s leg as he fell. Hopefully he could use Starscream’s momentum against him and flip him up and over him and send him crashing to the ground.

*

Astrotrain smiled as he slammed into Prowl, sending the both of them hurtling away from Starscream and Sunstreaker. Yeah, it definitely felt good to actually mix it up, up close and personal with some lousy Autobots.

As he climbed back to his feet he felt the sting of Prowl’s acid pellets as they struck him. He let out an irritated growl as the Autobot charged at him. That was fine with him. If he wanted to play that game with him, he could play it better than just about anybody. The triplechanger quickly changed into his train form and began rolling towards the Autobot, his ionic displacer rifle firing back at him as he plowed through the explosions and flames from his missile rounds.

*

Firebat spotted several of the other seekers moving to begin collecting and processing the fuel from the structure. He recognized it as a crude form of the hydrocarbon fossil fuel native to this planet. It had good potential as a fuel source for Transformers. It was also highly flammable. The pyromaniac quickly moved to join the other seekers in collecting it, planning to save a bit for himself to set the structure ablaze.

Under the Oil Rig

Smokescreen made haste in his ascension of the oil platform. His Autobot comrades were up there fighting for their lives and he needed to get back into action to help them as quickly as possible. Smokey’s back still hurt from Nightraven’s attack, but it was nothing he couldn’t persevere through. Thankfully, the femme seeker had not yet followed him below the platform. Perhaps she thought the diversion expert had been killed and was lying at the bottom of the ocean.

If she only knew, Smokescreen thought to himself with a slight grin as he pulled himself onto a catwalk-like structure that was suspended just beneath the main deck. There wasn’t enough room to stand up, at least not for an Autobot, but Smokey was able to crawl along as he looked for a way up to all the action.

The red and blue Autobot then stopped at the sound of Hound’s voice coming from just above his position. The green scout was calling to Prowl for backup, but Smokey didn’t hear an immediate response. It sounds like Hound’s in trouble and Prowl’s probably got his own problems to contend with. I need to get up there, and I need to do it now!

Smokescreen then noticed a small hatch that lead upwards, but it was only big enough for a human to fit through. But perhaps Smokey could make it big enough for him to fit through with a well placed shot from his laser rifle. It’s worth a try!

Above the Oil Rig

Skywarp looked down at the green metal heap that was the Autobot Hound near the edge of the platform. His laser blasts had hit home and caused enough damage to the scout that ‘Warp could see some lubricant leaking out of him. “That looks like it hurts, Autobot!” Skywarp said followed by a maniacal laugh. The teleporter landed on both feet only a short distance away from where Hound lay wounded. Pointing his arm-mounted laser at the green mech, Skywarp smiled. “Now it’s time to finish you off!”

However, before Skywarp could fire his killing shot, Thundercracker’s message came over his comm. Oh, for slag’s sake, ‘Warp thought as he opened a comm line back to his blue friend:

>>Roger that, ‘Cracker! I’ll send help your way now.<<

The teleporter than opened another comm to his wing mates:

>>Solarstrike, Riptide, Firebat and Blackstar, if any of you are able, drop what you’re doing and go help Thundercracker with collecting fuel from this rig immediately.<<

Switching off his comm, Skywarp turned his attention back towards the wounded Hound. “Now, where was I?” However, before the seeker was able to utter another syllable, laser fire ripped through the deck of the platform as Smokescreen suddenly emerged from underneath the rig. Unable to react in time, Skywarp came under intense fire as the diversionary tactician unleashed a barrage of lasers on the teleporter, striking him multiple times in the upper body and forcing him backwards and away from Hound.

“Take that Decepticon punk!” Smokescreen yelled as he continued to fire at the surprised Skywarp, striking him in the head. Disoriented and unable to focus, 'Warp had no other choice but to teleport away in order to regroup and avoid further damage.

Smokescreen then turned his attention to Hound and ran over to the wounded Autobot. ”You okay, buddy?” The diversion expert asked as he knelt down beside the green scout and pulled him away from the edge of the platform. Smokey then inspected the damage to his comrade's side. “It’s not as bad as it looks. I'm not Ratchet, but I should be able to patch you up to prevent more lubricant from escaping.” Smokey then went to work and before too long the fluid had stopped flowing. “There, that should do it. It’s not a permanent fix, but it’ll do for now. Just avoid taking any more damage to your side or you’ll start leaking again.”

Oil Platform

Prowls initial advance did nothing to really drive back his opponenet. instead, he was now coming at him in a rather sizable locomotive mode, fiirng at him. Prowl carefully dodged the incomming alser fire and rolled out of the way, taking a hit to the door wing as Astrotrain came at him. He gave Astrotrain a free pass on that one, so he could annalyise his form for a weakness. He quickly did a cross-reference form the particular model and relaised it was a vehilce that only achived optimal performance on a track-based path, incapable of manueverability and sluggish to start. He was certain aside ramming attacks and the lasefire, Astrotrain would be limited in that mode. But this gave him an opportunity to exploit weaknesses. Quickly annalysing the mode, he found the bars at the bottom of the vehicle pushing the wheels. That was the weakpoint and he had just the wepaponry to derail the triplechanger.

He transformed into car mode and chased after Astrotrain, accelerating so eh could try and get ahead of the triplechanger, believing that the flat surface had ot be slowing him down. All he had to do was get ahead of him.

"How about a game of 'Cops and Con's' [b]Astrotrain/b]?" he asked following after the triplechanger.

Oil Platform

Still worried about Bumblebee, Hound didn't see Skywarp bearing down on him until the Seeker was pointing his lasers at him. He froze up, unsure of what to do: His missile launcher was empty and he could barely move. The only option was to throw himself off the side of the rig, but in his damaged state he might not be able to swim to safety before sinking to the depths of the ocean...

Just before the wounded scout was preparing to dive however, a flurry of blaster bolts sent the Seeker flying into retreat, and Smokescreen appeared to aid him. Hound winced as his friend began patching him up, still a little stunned at how badly things had gotten out of hand.

"Thanks Smokescreen, I feel a bit better now. But Bumblebee needs saving as much as I did, we gotta go help him now." Getting shakily to his feet, Hound reloaded his missile launcher with his final round. "The little guy won't last long against a tough guy like that black Seeker, he needs our help now". With that, Hound headed to where he last saw Bumblebee and Darkride, although more cautiously, and gingerly, than last time.

Gulf of Mexico - Under the Oil Rig

His optics finally clearing from the blinding flash, Blackstar rises from the water under the oil rig. In the catwalks above he notices Smokescreen is blasting a hole to the top and climbing threw. Flying out of the water Blackstar speeds threw the hole that the red and blue bot has blasted. As he exits the hole Blackstar blasts a quick volley of suppressive shots at the hopefully unaware Hound and Smokescreen, to aid his escape, not bothering see if his shots hit. Falling back to Thundercrackers location Blackstar begins helping his wing-mates drain the oil.

Gulf of Mexico – On the Platform

As Darkride bore down on him Bumblebee was able to slink away. He moved as fast as he could, but the larger mech was much more agile and was quickly upon him once more. Darkride was able to grab a hold of Bumblebee’s forearm with a vice like grip. He swiftly pulled the yellow minibot in against him in a tight hold; his sword was then brought down and held against Bumblebee’s neck. Darkride brought his head down near his captive's, an evil grin spread over his face. In a breathy tone he spoke into Bumblebee’s audio receptor. “I told you I’d have you.” He let out a deep chuckle as he looked out over the platform for Prowl. The interrogator knew from past experience that the unlikable mech was often put in charge.

He spotted his intended target and spoke to his captive once more. “Let’s just see if you’re as important to them as I know you are.” Darkride let out a low growl as he intentionally licked Bumblebee’s cheek. He then tried to get the attention of the Bot in charge. “PROWL! I suggest you call off your Autobots if you wish this one to remain active!”

His grip grew tighter and his sword closer to Bumblebee’s neck as he waited for a response.

On the Oil Platform

Smokescreen stood up with Hound as the injured green mech got to his feet and began moving forward in an effort to rescue Bumblebee from Darkride. “Easy Hound! You’re going to bust a gasket!” Smokey stayed by his comrade’s side as the two Autobots made their way towards the yellow minibot and the Decepticon interrogator.

The diversion expert brought his weapon up and was about to take aim at Darkride when a volley of laserfire rained down around the two would-be rescuers from above. Instinctively, Smokey spun around and stepped between Hound and their airborne attacker, taking a hit on his chest plate. Smokey returned fire, but it was too late. Blackstar was already gone from sight. “That was close,” the red and blue mech said as he checked his chest for damage. His Autobot symbol was messed up, but otherwise no extensive damage.

Smokescreen then turned his attention back to Bumblebee and Darkride. The two were locked together in combat and it seemed that the interrogator had gotten the upper hand. Darkride had the minibot in a death grip with his sword to the Autobot’s neck. “Wait, Hound!” Smokey said, stopping and placing a hand on the scout’s arm to keep him from advancing. “We can’t attack now. That ‘con has Bumblebee too close to him. We can’t fire without risk of hitting ‘Bee, and if we advance any further, Darkride will surely kill him.”

Smokescreen carefully considered their options. Perhaps a trade, Smokey thought to himself as he then leaned in close to Hound. “I have an idea. I’ll offer myself to Darkride in exchange for Bumblebee . Meanwhile, you head around to the left and sneak up on Darkride from the side," Smokey whispered. "But be careful, Hound. If you don’t have an opening, don’t risk anything. You’re still hurt.”

Putting his weapon away, Smokescreen then slowly approached Darkride and the captive Bumblebee. “Darkride, I propose a trade,” Smokey said to the Decepticon, putting his hands in the air. “Let Bumblebee go, and you can have me as a captive, instead.” The diversion expert hoped to distract the interrogator long enough for Hound to move in from the side. Hopefully, his plan would work. “What do you say, Darkride?

(OOC: I'm gonna get things moving a little bit. Sorry Dev, gotta end the Prowl/train fight prematurely. Hope Astrotrain enjoys a small swim.)

Oil Platform

Prowl managed to get some distance in front of Astrotrain and transformed back into robot mode and pulled his Acid Pellet rifle and pointed it at the wheels. He fired repeatedly at the right break. He figured that if Astrotrain was going fast enough and he took out one of the breaks, even if using the other one, the momentum might be too much for him to stop before he hit the edge. He concentrated his fire to make sure msot of his shots count and lept out of the way at the last possibly nano-second as the triplechanger passed him.

But it was then that another voice got his attention he turned to Darkride, who still had Bumblebee.

He noticed Smokescreen and Hound repairing an ambush but he knew well the Decepticon would kill Bumblebee in such an act.

He opened his private comm to Smokescreen and Hound. >>"Don't provoke him!" he ordered. He knew they were out-numebred. Looking back now, if he had better known the situaiton earlier, he would have disagreed with Prime's decision to allow Grimlock and his team to return to Cybertron with Magnus and those that went. Still... the objective was still the same.

"Autobots, stand down!" he yelled.

He opened his comm to Sideswipe. >>"Sideswipe, get some higher ground!" he commanded. >>"I have a plan that can stop the Decepticons operation in it's tracks. On my order, you're going to hit that main fuel tank where that bunch are centered! If this platform goes, they're plans are shot."

He knew winning through brute force was not an option. At best, they could only stop them. He was not a fan of destroying things to win, but given the scenario and all possible outcomes, he determined that there was no other alternative if he wanted his men to live. He couldn't rely on Optimus Prime all the time. All he could do here was turn a no-win scenario into a draw. It was best salvaging some form of victory from the situaiton. And Bumblebee's situation gave him an idea.

He walked up to Darkride and stood with his acid pellet rifle pointed a him.

"You kill him with that sword and we will fill you with holes within a microsecond!" he threatened. He had no doubt that the Decepticon could be overwhelmed, still there were the others to be concerned with. His plan needed to work. He just needed a few moments. He figured he could make things interesting and he knew just the Decepticon who could involuntarily help him.

"I couldn't help but notice that if we withdrawl, you'd be the one credited with our defeat... right?." He had a plan and he knew who was the weakest link in the group of Decepticons present when it came to pride.

"If we withdrawl, it'd be your gain in Megatrons eyes. Wouldn't it?" he asked. "That might make someone here look bad."

Oil Platform

No sooner had Hound started forward when Blackstar burst through a hole in the rig and began spraying him and Smokescreen. Hound desperately jumped back, catching bolts on his left leg and forearm, and making a worrying "SPROING" noise as he landed awkwardly behind cover. Aagh! Hope I haven't started leaking again...

Looking up cautiously, Hound saw an agonising sight: Bumblebee a captive of Darkride, and being used as a hostage on top of that. Hound grit his teeth as Prowl ordered him to stay back. Although, given how useful I've been so far today, I can't really make things any better.

(OOC: Just so everyone knows, the Cons will be winning this fight, so no heroic moves please, they won’t work.)

Gulf of Mexico – On the Platform

The interrogator couldn’t believe his luck, not only did he gain one captive, but another Autobot was willing to take Bumblebee’s place. He smiled wickedly as he looked at Smokescreen. “Forget about it Autobot.” With that said Darkride took off into the air and out of reach. He hovered for a moment as he waited for Prowl’s response.

The black and purple Con looked down as Prowl finally approached where he had just been standing. He smiled down at the Bot and chuckled at his pathetic attempt to pit him against Starscream. “How apropos of you. What I do is for my gain and no one else. If it happens to benefit the Empire, then so be it. Now, I suggest you get all of your Autobot lackeys on the deck where they can all be seen and accounted for.” He then rubbed his cheek against Bumblebee’s and growled out the rest of his demands. “Once everyone is accounted for I want you all to bounce off the platform.” He quickly reached Bumblebee’s wrist comm. and made short work of it making sure they had no way of contacting him and no way of locking onto his signature to bounce him out of harms way.

With another smirk on his face he looked down at Prowl once more. “If I’m feeling generous you’ll see your little friend here in a little while. It’s your move, Prowl”

Gulf of Mexico - On the Oil Platform

Skywarp reappeared high up on the oil rig where he could assess the damage done by the Autobot's diversionary tactician. He had been able to absorb the hits to his chest plate with minimal fuss, but the laser blast to the head was what caused him to become disoriented and thus unable to properly defend himself. As the astroseconds passed, 'Warp slowly regained his composure and briefly considered striking back at Smokescreen for interrupting his attempt to end Hound's existance. However, his visual sensors were still a bit fuzzy which would most likely place 'Warp in a compromising situation. It was better to let the Autobot have his small victory for now and return the favor another time.

Besides, there were more important things to be concerned with at the moment. Skywarp looked over to where Thundercracker and the other seekers were offloading the fuel into storage cubes. 'Warp frowned at the idea of manual labor. It was unbefitting of a warrior such as himself. However, he could stand guard with his friend and help ensure that the Autobots did not interrupt the fuel collection.

Skywarp teleported down to the fuel tanks, appearing next to Thundercracker. "Hey, 'Cracker! How's it going?" The black and purple seeker asked, taking up a defensive stance while watching as the battle raged on.

*********

Smokescreen watched as Darkride rejected his offer and leapt to a secure place up above his position. The diversion expert then backed away, following Prowl's orders to stand down. With no other option, Smokey returned to Hound's side and inspected the scout's damaged area once again. "You alright, Hound. You're not leaking again after Blackstar's attack, are you?"

At the same time, Smokescreen kept one optic on the situation brewing between Darkride and Prowl. If his commanding officer needed back up, Smokey would be the first one there to give it. He then heard Darkride's ultimatum. We can't give up. Bumblebee wouldn't want that, Smokey thought, shaking his head. The diversion expert waited to see what Prowl's response would be.