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Out in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico a lonely oil rig stands out of the water. The crew went about their work as they did every other day, working to bring up the vast reserves of oil that lay beneath the ocean bed. It was hard work, especially isolated as they were, but the pay was good. Unfortunately, that isolation made them a perfect target.

Somewhere over the Gulf of Mexico

Starscream was at the head of his formation of Seekers as the multi-coloured task force soared through the air, the water beneath them racing past. The oil rig that was their target was close, and although it was massive, and contained a large amount of the fuel the Decepticons on Earth needed, it was a small fraction of the total they required. Nevertheless, this assault was greatly required for the future plans of the Empire on this planet and it had to go off without a hitch.

"Thundercracker, Skywarp. I want you to take your formations and attack the facility from the east and west. Destroy and communications devices and installations, as well as eliminate any methods of escape, whether they be airborne or seaborne. Astrotrain you are with me and we will attack the facility directly." Starscream changed his approach vector for a direct attack run on the human facility. "Decepticons! Attack!"

As soon as he gave the word the Seeker Commander opened fire with his full arsenal ripping into the main deck of the oil rig.

OOC - Edited in a bit of description for the new thread - Devastron

Somewhere over the Gulf of Mexico

Thundercracker couldn't understand why they had to use such a sophisticated attack methods against something that offered practically no resistance. They could have just landed on the rig and began working. Of course, revealing their true forms to the fleshlings would force the Decepticons to either capture or slay the whole crew of the oil rig but that had been clear from the beginning. It was waste of life and something Thundercracker did not enjoy taking part of but he also understood it was a necessary. Still, it didn't make him loathe the infiltration protocol any less. Then again, it did not help at all that he had allowed Frenzy to sneak into the mission ranks after meeting the small Decepticon at the med bay. The small punk was not exactly pleasant travel companion.

>>"Acknowledged. Boom incoming, protect yourselves."<< Thundercracker replied to Starscream while giving a warning for his fellow Decepticons before channeling a focused sonic blast against the oil rig - the blast shattering all glass substances on the rig and deafening the rig's crew temporarily if not for good.

"As for you Frenzy, its your time to shine." Thundercracker spoke to the small Decepticon sitting inside his cockpit.

Making an attack run towards the rig with his formation of seekers, the blue seeker let his incendiary guns to tore through the helicopter sitting in the rig's landing pad before sending another transmission and jettisoning Frenzy from his cockpit as he made a pass over the rig. >>"Unleashing the tiny terror."<<

"Suck my tailpipe Thundercracker!" The small Decepticon bellowed as he tried to take control of his flight instead of flailing aimlessly through the air into the ocean below.

Finally managing to get hold of his flight trajectory, Frenzy grabbed a hold of the rig's main tower and attached himself to it. >>"Jammer up and running, you slaggers better not hit this tower 'less you want yer ugly mugs all over the fleshbag news reports!"<<

Approaching the Oil Rig

Hellion would have smirked at Nightraven if they weren’t both in their jet modes. She replied on their personal channel.

>>”You don’t exactly swoon, but I’ve been around you enough to notice how you act when he’s around. It’s probably only obvious to me and no one else, its just subtle little things. You stand at attention a little better, act more like a proper little Decepticon. No one else really notices the difference, probably because you are used to being sneaky and it just comes naturally to you.”<<

The seeker’s attention snapped back to the mission as Starscream barked out some orders. She stifled her annoyance and just followed the orders, breaking off with Thundercracker’s group. She activated her weapons systems. Her missiles were hot and her machine guns were loaded. She watched as Thundercracker did his thing ahead of them, softening up the target ahead of them. She tuned out the annoying patter from Frenzy. Why even bothering jamming it if they were going to blow the whole place up anyway? Well, if he got in her way, too bad for him.

Hellion fired off one of her missiles, detonating against the platform and taking out a whole group of humans. She followed it up with a strafing run with her machine guns. She could feel her fuel pump thudding inside of her from the thrill of battle, or as close to battle as this was. It was better than nothing at least.

*

Firebat was not equipped with any long range weapons so he was forced to watch as the other seekers opened fire on the rig before he could close in on it. He was pleased to see the explosions and the fireballs they generated, but he knew they would pale in comparison to his own flames. Finally he swooped in low over the platform and opened up with his flame throwers. His flames engulfed the few remaining workers out in the open along with various other bits of flammable material.

He came around for another pass, disappointed at the lack of large flames he had created. He was going to have to ignite the fuel itself to get the fire he desired. The seeker would just have to wait until they had siphoned off however much they needed for themselves. Then the rest would burn, a worthy sacrifice to the flames.

*

Astrotrain wasn’t really built for air to ground combat, but he was more adept at it than a dogfight. With no small amount of pleasure he lowered his belly turret and opened fire on the oil rig. So far Screamer was delivering on his words. That kept the triplechanger happy, for now. At the same time he opened his hatch. “Whenever you want to join in the fun, go ahead and take the plunge Darkride. The only way I’m landing on that thing is by transforming and I’d rather not do that with you inside.” He reduced speed as he flew over the rig, allowing the other Decepticon a window to jump down on to it if he wanted.

Approaching the Oil Rig

Nightraven would have nodded at her sister at her explanation of her behavior when ever she is around Thundercracker. Everything Hellion said was true, she did stand at attention more, she did act a little more proper. So why is it that she could act like she was interested but she refused to actually do anything about it? She silently chided herself but quickly was brought back to reality when the oil rig came into sight.

As she came in low behind Thundercracker and Hellion she strafed the platform with her lasers. Once she past the rig she came back around and noticed the boats docked near the platform. She let loose her laser guided bombs once she was over her targets and watched as the humans’ last line of escape were destroyed.

She moved past the rig and stayed out of sight for a few moments; she hated that she was involved in destroying so many innocent lives, but it was a necessity. She came back around and reluctantly took aim at a group of fleeing humans; she felt her fuel pump drop as she opened fire effectively killing each one.

*********

Darkride moved over to the open hatch and hung his head in the open air. A smile creased his lips as he saw the seeker teams strafe the platform and take out a couple dozen human workers. He took in what Astrotrain had said and responded by jumping out. He landed on the platform and drew his shrapnel rifle, but before he fired off any rounds he moved to squash two humans that were underfoot. He hissed with glee as he heard their screams before stomping on them.

With a laugh he then spotted another group of humans trying to get back into the rig to find a place to hide from their attackers. He took aim and fired off a round that exploded above the assembly and rained razor sharp metal down upon them slicing into every part of their bodies killing each one. He then set to work acquiring the fuel that was stored on the platform.

Approaching the Oil Rig

Skywarp could see the oil platform directly ahead. Once Starscream gave the word to attack, ‘Warp led his squad towards the east side of the rig and then opened fire with his lasers, ripping through the metal girders with ease. Humans tumbled down onto the lower levels of the rig where they were either impaled on broken steel beams or crushed under heavy debris. Others fell into the sea, flailing helplessly in the cold, churning waters. ‘Warp quickly came around and picked off each floating flesh sack one by one with his lasers and then watched as they sunk from view.

Setting his sights back on the platform, Skywarp targeted a communications dish on the main deck. Once he was locked on 'Warp fired his lasers, striking the base of the dish which caused it to topple over in a ruined heap of scrap. Heh! Just in case Frenzy's jammer doesn't do its job, 'Warp thought, laughing at the tiny fleshlings as they scurried about trying to escape from the Decepticon attack. “Pathetic creatures these humans,” the teleporter muttered to himself.

Skywarp then made another pass on the platform, scanning the area for potential targets. He detected a large number of humans huddled inside a section of the oil rig. It appeared to be the main crew quarters where the humans went to rest when they weren’t working. Their feeble attempt to hide only delayed the inevitable. ‘Warp targeted the crew quarters and unleashed a barrage of laser fire, setting off a series of intense explosions that completely destroyed the humans’ last remaining sanctuary. Those inside the quarters were either blown to pieces or burned alive in the raging inferno that followed.

“That was fun,” Skywarp commented as he flew over the rig again and banked hard to the right. His scanners then picked up something on the water’s surface not far from the oil rig. It was a sea plane racing away at top speed. Before long, the tiny plane was airborne and well on its way towards land. Skywarp could only laugh at their escape attempt. It was almost as pathetic as the fleshlings that tried to hide from him inside the rig. When will these creatures learn? 'Warp thought. Hopefully never! Ha! Ha!

Skywarp then vanished and instantly reappeared in front of the escaping sea plane. The human pilot was startled at the sudden appearance of an F-22 Raptor and tried desperately to avoid it. However, it was no use. The black and purple seeker fired a missile at the small plane, swiftly obliterating it in a ball of fire.

With that out of the way, Skywarp quickly teleported back to the oil platform where he unleashed another round of laser fire on the already battered structure.

Approaching the Oil Rig

Blackstar was keeping himself occupied picking off the few small escape boats and crew members of the Oil Rig that were swimming in the water in a desperate attempt to flee the situation. There must be no witnesses, no unforseen calls for help, this should be a simple by-the-book mission. The black and gold seeker was trying to keep a little distance between himself and the newer members, their childish banter made Skywarps pranks seem mature. Picking off the last life raft, Blackstar turns to help the others lay siege to the damaged platform.

>>Stay focused on the mission. We CAN NOT waste this valuable opportunity.<< Blackstar sends on a secure channel to the other seekers.

Over the Gulf of Mexico

The attack was going well, of course Starscream expected nothing less. It might seem strange to most that he would of chosen such a complex attack pattern to strike a relatively weak and defenseless target, but taking that mindset on such raids only proved to make warriors lazy and dull their skills. It was also best to the Seeker Commander to practice proper military procedure even if it was little more then an exercise. At least his warriors would keep their skills honed.

Skywarp and Thundercracker were doing well in crippling any communciations and escape routes with their teams. With the first stage of the operation already well in hand, it was time to secure the rig proper. The seeker angled his approach and slowed his speed so he wouldn't over shoot the rig.

>>"Astrontrain, it is time we secured the rig and make sure there is no threat to our operation. Transform and land."<<

With his order given Strascream transformed and landed on the Rig, observing the fires and destruction wrought upon this facility by his Seekers. There was clear chaos amongst the human survivors as the mangled deck was ablaze in several places. The Seeker walked forward, looking around, and spotted the control room for the deck. He raised his arm and fired his arm mounted laser cannon, ripping into the structure and tearing it apart with blast of flame.

Over the Gulf of Mexico

Astrotrain was swinging around for another pass when he received the orders from Starscream. He was nowhere near as maneuverable as the seeker was so it took him a bit more time to turn around and come back to the platform. By the time he had transformed and landed Starscream was lying waste to the control room. Astrotrain joined in with some fire of his own, eliminating some straggling humans. It felt good to be on the frontlines, although slaughtering some flesh creatures wasn’t exactly a challenge.

The triplechanger turned to look over at Starscream. “Should I start collecting the…” He stopped mid-sentence as the group of Autobots materialized in front of them. “Slag!” He opened up on them with his rifle as he quickly moved towards some cover. This battle had just got a lot more interesting.

*

On the Oil Rig

Sunstreaker had a cruel smirk on his face as he materialized on the platform. No more meetings, plans or strategy, now it was just time to fight, to kill or be killed. That was his specialty, what he was built for. He took only a second to size up the situation around him. As soon as he set his optics on Starscream he knew what his target was going to be.

The yellow Autobot wasn’t stupid. He knew he wasn’t a match for the likes of Megatron or Shockwave. You needed one of the big guys to take on those powerhouses. Starscream was a different story. He was just another seeker with delusions of grandeur. He thought he was hot stuff, but he was just another one of the Con flying idiots. He would enjoy knocking him down a peg or two.

He dived forward to avoid the spray of fire coming from Astrotrain. He turned the dive into a roll, coming up on one knee as he leveled his rifle at Starscream and squeezed the trigger. A burst of fire went flying towards the seeker. He didn’t think he would hit the flier, but he would be ready for his next move.

*

“Geez!” Sideswipe shouted as they seemingly bounced down right into the middle of things. He ducked down as Astrotrain sprayed blasts at them. A quick glance around showed only Starscream and Astrotrain close to them. He nearly rolled his optics as he saw his brother already locking his sights on the head Seeker. Of course he would take the juiciest target for himself. Well, he would just find his own then.

The red Autobot activated his rocket pack and shot up into the air. He circled around the platform, spotting the various seekers strafing and circling it. He wasn’t really eager to repeat his earlier battle with Con fliers, so he picked a new target this time. He darted after Blackstar, firing his photon rifle at him. “Come on ya cowardly con, stopping running and fight me, if ya got the struts for it!”

*

Hellion could feel the thrill of battle sweeping over her as she came around again for another pass and saw the Autobots materialize on the rig. Now it was really a fight and not just target practice. She opened fire on the rig as she approached it once again, trying to strafe the Autobots before transforming and landing on the platform. While she was a weapons laden seeker, she always preferred her fighting to be up close and personal. It was the only way to truly satisfy her berserker rage.

She only glanced at the Autobots before picking a target. She charged at Ironhide. She’d heard of his reputation as a tough old veteran. She would enjoy disproving his name as she ripped the sparkcore from his chest. She launched a powerful punch aimed at Ironhide’s face with her right fist.

*

Firebat swept over the rig once more, pleased to see various explosions and fires dotting it. Many humans were also being sacrificed to the flames, but it didn’t quite feel like enough. The flames were challenging the seas around them, but it didn’t feel like a truly worthy sacrifice, not for his first one on this world. It needed something more special then this.It was then that he saw the Autobots materialize on the rig. It was as if his prayer to the flames was answered. Now he could truly honor them with a worth sacrifice.

The flamethrower swooped low over the rig and transformed. “You will all be worthy sacrifices to the flames! You honor them with your fiery deaths!” He yelled out towards the Autobots. He lifted his arms and flamethrowers at the closest one, Hound. “Rejoice as you are the first to embrace the flames!” He activated his weapons and sent a spray of fire towards Hound.

Oil rig

Ironhide dodged as the Decepticon female punched at him, whirled around, and fired. He didn't wait to see if it hit - he was in his element now. To make sure that the female wouldn't come back to haunt him, he blasted several holes in the ground around him. Knowing that wouldn't be enough, he fired at her with his water gun, using it to stick her feet to the rig. Above him, Astrotrain, Sideswipe, and Starscream were swarming like flies. Ironhide knelt and began taking potshots at Seekers. Then, he wisely jumped down to safety so the Decepticons on the platform couldn't sneak up on him.

"Come on, you stinkin' Cons, let's do it!"

He pulled the trigger, blowing a Seeker's wing to scrapmetal. He knew the Seeker had survived, but the Seeker was unimportant - an unnamed, unimportant flier who the Decepticons kept around merely for the joy of having forces who didn't have to be guarded. Whirling around, he found that Starscream was dodging a blast by Sunstreaker. Grinning, he realized it was his perfect opportunity. He pulled the trigger. Again not stopping to see if the blow hit, he whirled and prepared to reengage the female Decepticon.

Over the Gulf of Mexico

The sudden appearance of the Autobots was a welcomed change of plans. While an undetected mission would have been preferable, a skirmish was just what he was aching for.

Sideswipe wrote:“Come on ya cowardly con, stopping running and fight me, if ya got the struts for it!”

Blackstar narrowly dodges the shot fired by Sideswipe. The sheer audacity was dumbfounding, yet respectable. The bot was out gunned, out classed, and much less maneuverable than even the clumsiest Seeker, yet he tries any way. Blackstar is one of the best Seeker marksmen, and plans to make quick work of this valiant pest. Initiating evasive maneuvers and keeping his distance from the bot, Blackstar transforms into his robot form opening fire with his deadly Dol lasers.

"If ya can't stand the heat, stay away from the oil rig!"